Losing Hope

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Hi everyone. Where do I start?

I am at the point in my life where I am starting to lose hope in my ultimate goal to be a registered nurse. I looked into other career paths and nothing makes me more passionate than nursing. I know if I move on, I will live with regret for the rest of my life. You hear people complain in nursing school about how they have no life etc....

I'd be grateful to be in any nursing program in my state (Cali). I don't know what to do anymore if the rest of the remaining schools I applied to don't have positive outcomes. Any advice from anyone who was in my shoes? It just hurts so bad. :sorry:

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I am not in nursing school but I know exactly how you feel. I'm an aspiring nurse. Are you applying for an accelerated program or a 4 year program right out of high school? I just graduated with a bachelor's degree in health science and will be applying to an accelerated BSN program later this year for next year. Even though I haven't even applied yet, I am still panicking! I am currrently enrolled in one of the pre-requisite courses. My marks are good and I have tons of hospital experience, but I'm still very worried so I understand! I NEED to do this... my dream is to be a pediatric RN (and eventually nurse practitioner). The good thing is, is if you don't get in the first time around you can apply again! And again and again! If you REALLY want this DON'T GIVE UP!! Walt Disney once said "If you can dream it, you can do it". You will also get a chance to earn more money to pay for the school if you don't get accepted the first time around... and gain some experience (soms schools take relevant experience into account). You can also work on upgrading some courses. If you are applying right out of high school, you can re-take some high school courses via online correspondence. I've taken high school courses that way and I loved it.

"people complain in nursing school about how they have no life etc" lol this was me through all my 4 years of undergrad haha but I got through successfully.

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Specializes in NICU.

First, you need to take all of the pre-reqs that practically all schools require and get high grades. If you are truly motivated and Cali. nursing schools are too competitive, then look at applying to schools outside of Ca. that would be less competitive. There are many nurses that needed to be creative to get their nursing degree and nursing job. You may need to go out of state and get your degree and first job before having enough experience to get a job back in Ca.

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Thank you guys for the thoughful advice and motivational quotes. I am currently a second year undergrad and I have been thinking about different "routes" to do. I can retake certain classes this summer, hopfeully boosting my GPA. And I can retake this exam called the TEAS. I am also planning on taking up a small job at my mom's nursing home. I have applied out of state. Mainly Nevada since I have family there. What really worries me is the long wait and unpredicatibility. I have friends that waited 3-5 years. Despite how I'll even pay for it, but private schools have been becoming more competitive! It's crazy, and I thank yall for the heartwarming quotes. I just disagree with how we are all "judged" on perfect grades, test scores, etc. Being a 4.0 student does not mean they'll be an exceptional nurse. I will not give up, I don't think I'll ever give up on this dream of mine.

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Hi Cassieloveee,

I was 37 year old when I decided to go back to university. At the time, I only had an Associates Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. I realized my parents were getting old without a retirement safety net...so I got my ass hauling into school. I first went in with the idea to finish am Accounting bachelor's degree to the become a CPA. When the economy went sour in 2001, I reconsidered to go into medical school. Well... that didn't goe well because Chemistry and i did not get along. One thing stuck with me, and it was patient care.... so I opted for nursing care.

Nursing did not come to me in a silver platter. My oldest sister died of cancer on my first semester of nursing (her husband had passed 5 years earlier), so it meant I had to take care of 2 teenage {mostly unruly} boys. Nevertheless,I made it through nursing school.

I have been a nurse 3.5 years now (I'm 47 years old). I would not trade it for the world! I am so thankful to God for the opportunity and the people I have been able to serve!!! It fulfills my soul!

YOu need to flexible on where you get your degree. Employers want to know you are licensed... that's it. Follow your dream and go to the university which is accredited and will take you to the finish line. God Bless!

Best wishes!

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Specializes in Emergency.

You may need to break the dream down into smaller chucks too, and that's okay! Maybe try getting your CNA over the summer and work part time at a local hospital. As you work there you'll learn a lot and that may help you in your classes. If the RN programs are too full or too competitive, maybe try the LPN route next. If you do that and get some experience before you know it a slot may be open in an LPN to RN program.

Expand your options, look outside the box, collect some experience (and $) while learning :-)

Action is what moves you closer to your dreams - Good luck!

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thank you all. BLESS YOU!

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