Mental Anguish about Acceptance into NS

[AspiringNurse86]

So, I am 30 yr old male from SouthEastern, Ohio. This is my problem that I hope someone can give a little insight into... I applied for LPN in November 2016. Was scheduled for TEAS, took it and passed in February 2017. Was scheduled for an interview in June. After waiting for 3 weeks and heard nothing, I had called to talk to the Health Occupations Coordinator. She says, "You are the one and only on the waiting list." She says, "Come to orientation although their are NO guarantees." Now, I know how NS can be and I also know just exactly how different each and everyone of them are. But, I'm so very confused about all of this. At this point, wouldn't it be a "yes you're in the program, or no you're not in the program?" I don't understand why I would go to NS orientation if in fact I was not going to get acceptance. She claims that it's so that if someone withdraws from the program then I will be accepted into it. What exactly is she trying to say and or do? Has anyone else had this type of experience during their NS application process? I mean, of course the process is diligant and stressful, bit this just seems a little "over and beyond" to me. Can someone please give a little insight?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

She means you are not in the program because it is full, but you are first in line.

If there is a no-show and a position opens, you want to be there just in case. Best wishes.

[xxstarrynitesxx]

While I have not had any personal experience with this, I know that it is a common thing to do at my school's nursing program. Students who are waitlisted are encouraged to still attend orientation and classes early on because there are chances that someone may drop out of the program for a number of reasons. Costs may be too much, family or transportation issues, decided to attend another program, decided the program was too hard for them, etc.

Last semester, my friend was waitlisted. People dropped out of the program and he and some other students were able to get into the program. They had all attended orientation and classes through that point so they were not behind. My friend had anticipated this so he was caught up on his immunizations and other required items.

If you are the only person on the waiting list, you have a chance to get in if someone drops. This is a big "if" of course, but I would say it is better to stay current than fall behind if you are able to get in.

Best wishes!

[elkpark]

When I applied for two nursing programs many, many years ago, I got told by one of the schools (my preferred school) that I was being placed on the waiting list. Shortly before school actually started, I was contacted by the school and told that I was in, there was a seat for me. I didn't ask what had happened that a seat had become available.

If the school is inviting you to attend the orientation, I would certainly do so. The worst that can happen is that you end up not having an opportunity to actually start the program, but you may end up being able to continue. At the least, you have an opportunity to make a good impression on the school faculty and staff involved in the orientation that which may benefit you in the next round of applications.

Best wishes!

[saltyninja]

My school does not have a waitlist, but I have several friends who were waitlisted last Fall for their program. They attended orientation so that in the event a seat opened up, they were on track with the rest of the class. Fortunately for two of them, they received calls prior to the start of classes. One was not so lucky and ended up going into another program. You'd be surprised how many people drop prior to the start of classes or during the first few weeks due to scheduling conflicts and other obligations. Hang in there, OP. If it fits into your schedule without causing any issues, I can't see a reason not to attend orientation.

[AspiringNurse86]

Thanks everyone for your comments. Now, it seems a little more clear to me and I most certainly will be attending orientation. I haven't came this far to quit and have very good expectations of getting into the program this year! Blessings to all of you!