Me and my story,

[jda1977]

Well I decided to embark on the adventure that is called college at 28yrs old. Medicine has always been my calling; so I decided to start in nursing (not ever guessing that the Community Colleges in my area or random selection. I have carried a min. of 12 units (including summers) to get all my pre-reqs done for my community colleges. Took me about 2yrs. I have a 3.6 overall GPA. I have applied 2 times at American River College and turned down twice, not even given an alternate status. I applied at Sacramento City College for this up-coming term and didn't get in but am in the top 1/3rd of eligible alternates, whatever that means. My family and I have decided that this "random" selection process at the C.C. level is a royal pain so I have decided to step up to California State College - Sacramento, which is a point based system and busted my but for my transfer courses this past semester and have gotten in as a Junior. So in prep for me to enter their nursing I am now taking the following steps, I must take this fall semester organic chem. (not a a pre-req for community), I am now a volunteer for Mercy hospitals' E.R. department, and I am taking my Teas test on the 28th of this month. I have scene the stats on their nursing admittance and they look pretty steep. Who knows but I have questioned my major several times due to the year and a half now of waiting to get in and am looking at Psychology if this persists. And to think my first college couselor said it would be easy for me to get in as a nurse as they are depserate for males...lol. So this is me and my story. Hi to all in the same boat.

[txhorseshowgirl]

I do not know your relationship status (family, married, kids, etc), but you may look into relocating for the remainder of your college career. I would suggest looking into other schools that you can get into, obviously within CA (since your tuition will still be in-state). Nursing is a great field to go into (for so many reasons that I am sure you already know). In the long run, you may find that you are glad that you did. I returned back to school when I was 29, and completed my bachelors for RN in 3 1/2 years. I have never had any regrets and I have so many more options now for my present..and my future. When I was deciding on a major, Psychology was also a choice that I had considered, but then I realized...."Then What?"

I was able to get my first job within a a couple of weeks (my first choice and 2 interviews). The pay is great (55 thousand without overtime), 5 weeks off vacation per year, 10 holidays, etc. Now that my student loans are due, I am able to tolerate the payments without stress, and I am evaluating where and what I would like to do after my first year is under my belt. Some employers even have tuition reimbursement to help you pay back some of those student loans.

If you like feel like you enjoy nursing, then please be diligent in pursuing every avenue to completing your education. Otherwise, you may end up going back to pursue the degree after you find the other degree you obtained is not what you needed to pay the bills, etc.

It can be frustrating right now, but keep trying. Apply to as many schools as you can (even if you are on a waiting list, you may find that you may be selected). Increase your odds as much as you can and keep asking around for any kind of solutions. You will be surprised at what other people may be able to suggest.

Good Luck and keep us posted!

Ah you sound like me... I have been working in IT since I was 18, but all I ever wanted to do was be a Nurse. So last year at the not so young age of 28- I started taking pre reqs, now Im just 3 classes away from applying to Nusring schools here in the San Antonio, area, I have always liked Psych as well, but like you I thought "then what" Im sticking with nursing....the road a head is long and bumpy, but Im sooo looking forward to it!!

Stephanie