A little about myself. I recently graduated with a Bachelors in Science with a major in Biology. Im 23, and ever since I was little I've always wanted to work in the medical field. My ultimate goal is to be a Physician Assistant, but I did not have the GPA to get accepted into PA schools, so I decided to go the nursing route and maybe the experience will help me get into PA schools. If not, well I think I would make an awesome nurse .
Im going to be taking some CNA classes in the fall for 8 weeks and then apply for LPN school while I work as a CNA for a couple of months. I have been "shadowing" these boards and came up with a couple of questions as far as nursing.
1) I've read that nurse males are often seen as human forklifts and are usually called in to help carry heavy people and things. Im 5'8 and weigh 150lbs, but I am lifting weights and am currently bulking. The reason Im bulking and am trying to put on muscle is because when a patient looks at me, I want them to think "Wow that guy takes care of himself, he can definately take care of me then". By the off chance that my genes hate me and I end up not putting on muscle and still pretty scrawny, how are the bigger male nurses compared to small male nurses? Are they seen as more helpful? etc etc.
2) As stated in my introduction, my ultimate goal is to become a PA. Will having experience as a LPN or maybe even RN help me get into a PA school with my terrible GPA?
3) As far as nursing, I know it is a tough job and very demanding. Do you guys have enough energy after work to do other physical activities? I myself am a boxer (3 - 0) amateur and I practice Brazilian jiu jutsu. So I wanted to know how you guys felt after working.
1) Looking healthy and clean cut will help you in this profession more than looking like a pro wrestler or a strip club bouncer. I think you're on the right track with staying fit. Being strong looking should help also but keep in mind that being big can look intimidating also, and being able to evoke trust from your clients is the most important thing for establishing a professional relationship.
2)BSN to PA? I'm personally against that on so many levels.... but I'll focus on the one that supercedes them all= your GPA. With a GPA less than 3.2, for example, I wouldn't even call Nursing school a realistic goal. It's not "Doctor Lite" , it's a highly demanding career. I would also advise against going into Nursing as a "Jump Point" to any non-nursing related field. I've heard of people who want to BSN their way into Vet school, Dental School, Medical School, now having a health career license on your resume IS more attractive than working at Wal-Mart, but you will end up "UN-learning" so much theory of practice, you'd be better off keeping your job as a lab researcher or whatever it is one can do with a Bachelor's in Biology.
The thing about the accelerated program is that I'm limited to the one that is close to home. I can't move out far yet because of the lack of money.
The accelerated program that is at the university is looking for a GPA of 3.2 or higher to even be considered. Not to mention I have no experience.
Why even move out if your low on $$?? I know and understand the "independent" thing but you do what you have to do. With a job and schooling, you wont have time for anything if at all. All you will be doing is school, work, study and sleep. All you need is a quit room. I really don't understand this 'moving out' thing when you can't afford it or not getting kicked out. (i am asian however, but still, my points are valid)
1) With a GPA less than 3.2, for example, I wouldn't even call Nursing school a realistic goal. It's not "Doctor Lite" , it's a highly demanding career. I would also advise against going into Nursing as a "Jump Point" to any non-nursing related field. I've heard of people who want to BSN their way into Vet school, Dental School, Medical School, now having a health career license on your resume IS more attractive than working at Wal-Mart, but you will end up "UN-learning" so much theory of practice, you'd be better off keeping your job as a lab researcher or whatever it is one can do with a Bachelor's in Biology.
Wow, is grade inflation that bad nowadays? I would have thought anything in B range would do well enough to get you into a nursing program, though I guess it depends on the specific program you want to get into.
I don't have a problem with people looking to start out in nursing and move up. It's preached pretty regularly in my program though most of my class mates are mostly focused on getting through this program first. The local PA program here (EVMS) gives preference to candidates with prior medical backgrounds. The OP is looking for some long term advice, so I would say to keep all your options open, focus long term and be prepared for some setbacks.
i think grades defiantly matters now a days. A lot of people are going back to school because of the economy. A high school diploma is almost worthless now. Everyone needs some 'real' credential to make ends meet. With that said, the better the GPA, credential, the more likely you can get to where you want to go. If you think about it, it makes sense. Why accept a person with lower grades if you can accept one with better? I'm not saying that one the one with better grades is more capable or whatnot. It just shows that they potentially can and will be the better one.
Actually, there is such a glut of nursing school applicants, that they are extremely choosy. The average GPA to even be eligible to apply can be as low as 2.75! But the rest of your application must be spectacular. Admins have told me frankly, "We take the top 10% of the applicants, right off the bat, and they have a GPA averaging 3.85. The rest, we scrutinize their academic and employment records. About 400 students are competing for 50 seats- we can afford to be very chosey. And that's not even including students who are looking to transfer in from other programs. "
SO yes, unless you have years of CNA, LVN, EMT or paramedic job experience under your belt, I wouldn't bother applying if my GPA was not way above the required minimum.
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SPG1975
17 Posts
1) Looking healthy and clean cut will help you in this profession more than looking like a pro wrestler or a strip club bouncer. I think you're on the right track with staying fit. Being strong looking should help also but keep in mind that being big can look intimidating also, and being able to evoke trust from your clients is the most important thing for establishing a professional relationship.
2)BSN to PA? I'm personally against that on so many levels.... but I'll focus on the one that supercedes them all= your GPA. With a GPA less than 3.2, for example, I wouldn't even call Nursing school a realistic goal. It's not "Doctor Lite" , it's a highly demanding career. I would also advise against going into Nursing as a "Jump Point" to any non-nursing related field. I've heard of people who want to BSN their way into Vet school, Dental School, Medical School, now having a health career license on your resume IS more attractive than working at Wal-Mart, but you will end up "UN-learning" so much theory of practice, you'd be better off keeping your job as a lab researcher or whatever it is one can do with a Bachelor's in Biology.