Ashley here! I've been all over 'allnurses' for the past few weeks now reading so many different posts from so many different genres in this forum. I must say it is all very exciting.
A little background on myself, I graduated from Penn State back in 2014 with my degree in Psych. I ended up moving away from psychology later on in my college career and more towards the business side of things. After I graduated, I ended up working in B2B sales for a fortune 500 for just over 2 years and really loved it. Unfortunately, I was let go (I was ready to go) and decided I would go get my MBA. I love the medical field and wanted to find my way back to it and a dream of mine has always been to be a Hospital Administrator. So I was looking for that concentration or all together an MHA. I only applied to my #1 school of choice and did not get it in (I am very lucky for that. Another story a different day). So I went on with my grad school search and in the midst of me being down, nursing crossed my mind. I always have had the most respect for nurses and even envied them because I believe they are all so smart and talented and they also have so many opportunities and choices for their career; I started to wish that I went to school for nursing instead (truthfully, I've always had that thought cross my mind from time to time). Well, after many hours discussing the pros and the cons with my family, I begin taking my prerequisites in January at Cedar Crest College (let me know if you're going or go there)!
With all of that said, I wanted to make some new friends who are in the same boat as me. I wanted to reach out to those that are going for this goal but are in the very early stages because I can feel the anxiety already so I know you are too. There's a lot riding on these pre reqs like money, time, and making sure you get great grades and it is still not a guarantee if you will get in. There may be a lot of doubts coming from all different places making you not sure if this is the path you should take. There's also a lot of excitement and dreaming going on. So I just want to be able to create a support system and be able to bounce ideas off each other, ask questions, even study together, whatever it may be. Lets just be pre-nursing school friends (this offer is not limited either so really anyone can join in!)
Nervous is not the word! I continue to ask myself, whoa am I really doing this!? Can I even do this? Its astonishing to me but at the same time I am so excited for this chapter. I am ready to work hard, learn and also prove to myself that I can be great; I can succeed.
I also have my undergrad degree in Psych! My story is also a little bit different. I wanted to be a nurse in high school, but didn't pursue it out of fear I couldn't do it (lame I know). Halfway through college, I realized I could handle the school work for nursing and began working on my prereqs and here I am. Currently waiting to hear back from an ABSN program. I agree with you- there is a ton of anxiety, pressure, stress, etc riding on this process.
I only ever took one psych class in college, thought it was pretty interesting, kind of wish I took more psych classes... My sister is a nurse practitioner and her specialization is psychology, she's also in the Army. We like to say that she broke tradition by going the Army, both my dad, and my grandfather were in the Navy...
Reading your post reminds me of my old time back. I was a college grad with a degree in Biology wanting to apply to pharmacy school. However after working in a pharmacy store as a pharm tech, I definitely know that pharmacy is not for me.
Long search was done by me and finally I know that nursing is my passion. I got accepted and went to an ABSN program out of state for 1.5 year. The program was very intense with rigorous courseworks in such a short time. Luckily I graduated from the program and passed NCLEX-RN on my first try. I have been a nurse in an ICU the past two years. I just got my CCRN certification. (Yay me :) )
I will go back to school next year to get my MSN-FNP. After finishing the program and getting a job, I will get married and start a family of my own.
Hang in there. You will reach your goal for sure if you put 100% of your mind into it. Good luck to your future endeavors!
Hi I also have under grad in Psych. Decided in May after working for state government that it wasn't going to work for me. I just completed preq and dropped off my Nursing App today for ADN program to start Fall 2018. Good luck!
I was accepted into the health services program today, just so I can knock out some required classes for the nursing program. I might actually be getting a really good job in a different field soon, but even if I do, I still want to do nursing school at some point (probably part time). This potential job would be too good to pass up on at this moment though.
Ashley, It's exciting to know that there are others out in the same position as myself. I was 3 classes away from completing my Bachelors in Criminal Justice when I was laid off and forced to make several changes. I landed a job in the medical field and fell in love! It also made total sense due to the fact that both parents being nurses currently (and all throughout my childhood). So I made the decision to switch and haven't looked back!
I too am in my pre-req's for nursing school. The emotions now are mixed between complete excitement and anxious as I dive deeper into the biological & human sciences. Eager and excited to start the next batch of classes but anxious about the pressure to do good. I agree that a support system is everything, and feel I have been tremendously blessed to be surrounded by such a support system where I work, and my family at home.
How far are you into this? What does your Spring 2018 semester look like?
I look forward to furthering the discussion and going through this together!
Youngman, it's encouraging for professionals who have been here to reflect back on their journey to where they are. Good luck on your journey to your FNP! I wish to be on the track when the time and professional experience permits!
Nervous is not the word! I continue to ask myself, whoa am I really doing this!? Can I even do this? Its astonishing to me but at the same time I am so excited for this chapter. I am ready to work hard, learn and also prove to myself that I can be great; I can succeed.
This is such a great mindset to have, and almost required. I like to believe that while a little doubt is healthy, don't let yourself feel defeated ever! One day at a time, one test, one lab, one class! I know also wanting to prove to myself (and others) that I can do this is a huge motivation factor. I won't lie though, sometimes the workload tries to overwhelm me.
Reading your post reminds me of my old time back. I was a college grad with a degree in Biology wanting to apply to pharmacy school. However after working in a pharmacy store as a pharm tech, I definitely know that pharmacy is not for me.
Long search was done by me and finally I know that nursing is my passion. I got accepted and went to an ABSN program out of state for 1.5 year. The program was very intense with rigorous courseworks in such a short time. Luckily I graduated from the program and passed NCLEX-RN on my first try. I have been a nurse in an ICU the past two years. I just got my CCRN certification. (Yay me :) )
I will go back to school next year to get my MSN-FNP. After finishing the program and getting a job, I will get married and start a family of my own.
Hang in there. You will reach your goal for sure if you put 100% of your mind into it. Good luck to your future endeavors!
Youngman BS, BSN, RN, CCRN
Thank you so much! I love finding people who have similar stories; it brings some comfort on this transition. Good luck in your Master's program and I hope we can keep in touch.
Hi I also have under grad in Psych. Decided in May after working for state government that it wasn't going to work for me. I just completed preq and dropped off my Nursing App today for ADN program to start Fall 2018. Good luck!
Ashley, It's exciting to know that there are others out in the same position as myself. I was 3 classes away from completing my Bachelors in Criminal Justice when I was laid off and forced to make several changes. I landed a job in the medical field and fell in love! It also made total sense due to the fact that both parents being nurses currently (and all throughout my childhood). So I made the decision to switch and haven't looked back!
I too am in my pre-req's for nursing school. The emotions now are mixed between complete excitement and anxious as I dive deeper into the biological & human sciences. Eager and excited to start the next batch of classes but anxious about the pressure to do good. I agree that a support system is everything, and feel I have been tremendously blessed to be surrounded by such a support system where I work, and my family at home.
How far are you into this? What does your Spring 2018 semester look like?
I look forward to furthering the discussion and going through this together!
That is wonderful!
My Spring semester is light because 1. most courses have a pre-req of chemistry and 2. A&P are not offered in the spring (SIGHHHHH!). So, I will be taking Soc 100 and Chemistry; I start Jan. 15th.
ashley_bird
25 Posts
Nervous is not the word! I continue to ask myself, whoa am I really doing this!? Can I even do this? Its astonishing to me but at the same time I am so excited for this chapter. I am ready to work hard, learn and also prove to myself that I can be great; I can succeed.