Maternity nursing with a GED?

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I am thinking about getting my GED and I was wondering if getting into a nursing program at a college is harder when you don't have a high school diploma and also being hired at a hospital. I heard someone say that people with GEDs don't get paid as much as nurses with a HS diploma. Just wondering if getting a GED and starting early would be worth it. My grades aren't the best right now and I feel as though taking the GED test would give me better scores than what schools would see right now. What is your experience? How did it work out for you? Thanks guys!

Haley

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

How old are you now?

To be an OB, mother-baby, L&D nurse you need to first be an RN.

Programs are very competitive. I'd suggest talking to a community college counselor about completing HS/GED and taking college prep courses that would make you a desirable candidate for an RN ADN program. But it's a lot of hard work, and grades really do matter.

after becoming an RN, I don't think anyone cares where you went to school.

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Do you mean that you're in high school now, and you're thinking of dropping out and getting a GED? If so, stay in school and get a regular high school diploma. If you've already dropped out, a GED is better than nothing, but you will be better off with a real diploma if you have the opportunity to do that.

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Stay in school and graduate.

I personally didn't have a problem with getting into nursing school with a GED. But I think it's better if you stay and graduate. Study hard for your SATs and work hard at your pre reqs.

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An acquaintance never went to high school. She obtained a GED, then went to a community college, obtaining a two year degree with high honors, after having obtained a practical nursing license. Today she is a nurse practitioner with prescribing authority, so yes, everyone must start somewhere. You can go as far as you want once you get started. But I agree with the warning that elkpark gave: if you are in high school, stay there and get a regular diploma. The individual I described was not able to obtain their BSN at their chosen university because the school would not allow her to enroll because she could not produce a high school diploma. So, do yourself a favor and get a regular high school diploma as your start.

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I have my GED and I am 22, I have a BA degree in business and am about to start a program for a second degree (ABSN) in nursing. As someone who didn't finish the 11th grade, I went on to college and finished my bachelor's degree a year before my high school class did. So, my decision was the right decision for me. However, in high school I had a 3.3 and was in a lot of extracurriculars. Then, as soon as I got my GED, I started community classes a week later. It was the right decision for me to get my GED, but it is not something I would recommend to others. I was able to be successful because of my motivation to succeed, but if you're struggling with high school now, I would not recommend getting your GED. Because what's after that? Will you start college immediately (or next upcoming semester) like I did? Because if you do, school will not be easier. You will have less support from teachers, and you need to shine and do well in college in order to get into nursing. Stick in there, I know it can be hard at times, but you have options after high school even if your grades are average. You can always start at community college like I did, many people are able to get their associates, or even transfer before then. Give yourself more time to learn and get familiar with your learning style so you can do better! My brother didn't do well in high school (Ds and failed a class), he went to community college, but then he went on to transfer to a very prestigious school and now is about to complete his masters at an even better school.. Moral of the story: Don't let your predicament now dictate the rest of your life, you can always turn it around. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Once you've earned a college degree (and passed the NCLEX)- it really doesn't matter if you have a GED or a HS diploma. Having said that, if you're still in high school (and it sounds like you are), stick it out and graduate. You will NOT look back in 10 years and think, "I wish I had just dropped out and got my GED". I've never met anyone who regrets finishing high school, OTOH, I know many who dropped out and regretted it. There is a stigma to "high school drop out" that you attach to yourself (even if other don't) that will never really go away. You have your whole life ahead of you, don't be in such a hurry!

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Not to be disagreeable, but it does make a difference to me when looking at applications where the person went to nursing school. No offense to any one's educational background but all other things being equal, if I have one position with 2 applicants one of whom went to a 4 year program and has a BSN and one of whom when to the last remaining hospital based nursing program in Massachusetts, I will pick the hospital based graduate. They are more prepared to hit the floor running.

Stay in school and get your diploma first.

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Hang in there with school unless there are extenuating circumstances. If you have already quit, then def go for the GED. Here in PA, everyone wants BSN. Even those facilities with ADN programs (most diploma schools are now ADN here) want the person to go right back for the BSN. All the best. You can do it. I worked with a DO who had not graduated high school. She also urged everyone to stay in school.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LDRP.

I was homeschooled for much or elementary through part of high school. It was very hard finding any school boards that would accept my work/credits, so I opted for the GED. I had to fight harder to get into an undergraduate school. I also received no help from the school based off my test scores. I qualified for tuition support based off my scores but was told I was disqualified from this due to not obtaining a diploma. All that being said, after graduating with my BSN I have had no problem landing jobs. I'm paid the same someone with a high school diploma. Employers seem pretty uninterested in my high school education now that I have a bachelors degree. So, I wouldn't suggest the GED unless absolutely necessary. It worked out because I'm a very hard worker and advocated for myself and my education. Can be done but I had to sit in many offices and fight for my right to a college education at times. Good luck :-). Hope it all work out for you

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I have my GED. They changed the test and everything is completely online now and I am having a hard time getting my GED Transcripts sent to my community college. I don't know if they're giving me the wrong info. Or what, but does anyone have any insights on how I could send my GED Transcripts over to a community college?

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Specializes in LTC, Med Surg, Renal Care.
I have my GED. They changed the test and everything is completely online now and I am having a hard time getting my GED Transcripts sent to my community college. I don't know if they're giving me the wrong info. Or what, but does anyone have any insights on how I could send my GED Transcripts over to a community college?

When I received my GED, my scores came with it (which is the transcript). I just took my scores to the college. Good luck!

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