Male new to nursing- HELP!

nursemike, ASN, RN · Sep 24, 2007

If it's feasible, I'd suggest taking several pre-req's to bring up your GPA. The lighter your course load, once you're in the program, the better. The volume of work in nursing courses is pretty appalling, so it's nice if you don't have to do a lot of support courses along with it.

I don't know a lot about distance learning, but I hear it's expensive. The most cost-effective entry into nursing I know of is the one I took, ASN through a community college. Not necessarily the best route, mind you. A BSN gives you more options, and since you have a BS already, you might be able to get into an accelerated program, or at least avoid some of the gen ed stuff. I stand by my past belief that an ASN can be as prepared for bedside nursing as a BSN, but I do intend to go on for a BSN, in part to open doors for the future, in part because I'm now in a position to know what I need to learn to be a better nurse.

The latter consideration may well apply to going through LPN training before RN school. The LPNs I've met, in school and on the job, are very strong on the practical side. In school, even the LPNs who struggled a bit with the academics blew the rest of us away in clinicals. A lot of my classmates had worked as aides, I'd been an orderly, and some had been in other areas of healthcare--none of which compared to having worked as a nurse as a preparation for nursing.

I don't know of scholarships particularly aimed toward men in nursing, but there may be some. We may be an oppressed minority once we are in nursing (based on my own experience, I say "oppressed" with tongue in cheek, though it appears I've been luckier than some), but to the world at large, guys are still something of a privileged class, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of social pressure toward making our lives easier. Which is okay, because we're guys and can handle it.

I haven't researched an MSN thoroughly, but for the ones I've seen, an RN license is one of the pre-requisites. I'd be real skeptical of the idea of getting into advanced practice without a BSN and some clinical experience, even if it's possible.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2007

I'll echo Mike here, with the exception of taking anything over until you know you must. Take micro and ace it. Then try for an accelerated BSN program. It's a little pricier than the ASN but you will save time and money by avoiding the do-over classes to raise the GPA.

As to scholarships geared to men, hit the library. That's where the librarian's MSN comes in handy. They know where to look.

:)

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2007

Oh, and you can't even consider distance learning. You NEED clinical time.

The money is excellent. And as a male with two bachelors' and working on a master's (as you will) you will be management and away from the bedside toot sweet.

insa · Sep 25, 2007

Re: the MSN route. I'm doing prerequisites now (and I have many more to do than you, you lucky dog!). I'm planning on an accelerated BSN starting next year. I did find some direct-entry MSN programs, including at the University of San Diego. I got tuition sticker shock. I couldn't justify $90,000 in tuition when there were so many less-expensive alternatives. And (paradoxically, as a second-career person) I didn't want to vault straight to a higher degree: to me it seems far better to truly understand why (if) you want that master's degree by having some experience in the field before you go back to school.

neenja · Sep 25, 2007

Which is okay, because we're guys and can handle it.

Awesome. If I were alowed to have a signature, that would be it.

osukellen · Sep 25, 2007

thanks for the replys so far...been a great help

What do you guys think about this...take microbiology next semester, along with 2-3 classes I didnt do so hot in to corrrect those grades, and start applying next spring?

Any advice on applying or just shoot apps to any I might consider looking at?

In regards to working while doing a BSN...what are some thoughts there? Is it doable?? I just got engaged and am sure I will get some financial aid...but anything helps ya know?

Thanks again All

nursemike, ASN, RN · Sep 26, 2007

My first attempt at college was as a Physics major at one of the premier party schools in America. I had a real good time, but about the best I can say, academically, was that I managed to flunk out in 3 semesters--so when I repeated Eng 1 and Psych 1, the new grade replaced the old one. If I'd had over 60 hrs, my A's would have been averaged with my F's, so I'd have needed a lot more of them to bring up my GPA. I don't know how it works elsewhere, but that could have an impact on the value of repeating courses (unless, of course, you mean you want to master the material--LOL).

The two programs I looked at both required apps early--one in Dec and one in Feb for admission the following fall. I don't think that's universally, but it doesn't seem to be unusual, either.

Working part-time was pretty much the norm in my class, even though the program didn't recommend it. It ain't easy, but it's possible, and some even managed to work full-time and/or raise families. Two years of work and school were enough for me in one bite, but I was 46 when I started. Not sure I would have lived through 4 years.

GenXnurse · Oct 16, 2007

If I were in your position I would probably go to whichever program would take me and get going. No offense- but your gradepoint is low.

Retake or take some pre-reqs to get those grades up. Also, if your GPA is low, my assumption is that some areas may be difficult for you. Microbiology, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Anatomy and Chemistry are baseline knowledge classes that are used in all aspects of Nursing. If you need to retake any of these to raise your gradepoint and understanding of the subject, then do. Understanding them will help you become a decent nurse.

I do not know what it is like in Texas, however in Michigan the waiting lists to get into Nursing School right now are huge. This is driving the academic requirements for acceptance way up (to around a 3.8 or higher-Also not necessarily a good thing IMHO as we are turning away thousands of qualified applicants) One way to circumvent this is to have prior medical career experience (you mentioned getting an LPN first). This may be helpful. You may also want to consider becoming a paramedic and then doing a paramedic to RN program. This could have 2 benefits- 1 experience, and 2 should you ever want to become a Mobile Intensive Care or Flight Nurse you have experience on "The Rig".

The biggest scholarship I know of (and have used) is the Military if you can stomach it. They will pay for the whole darned thing-for 4 years of active duty.

As far as respected programs: Barely anyone asks where I got my degree. Furthermore, we all take the same NCLEX do we not?

Good Luck to you.

pawashrn · Nov 16, 2007

do anything you can to bring up your gpa. go for the least expensive course and then get a job. Alot of times, reading and testing in a classroom is not reflective of the persons ability. Get your degree in a community college, then get a job. Get some experience under your belt and then have your employer sub the cost of advancing your education. This will not only lower your cost, but will also give you a chance to learn more and apply what you have been taught. :idea: