Need some advice

Published

Hi everyone, this is my first post on the website. I have been reading different threads here and there, and I am just looking for someone to tell me I still got a shot at this.

First of some background. I hold a BS in communication, and have worked in the field for two years. I never found it very rewarding because my of my personality. I am someone you strives to help others, and I just wasn't getting that out of the field of with I was in.

I decided that I would give nursing a shot. During my four years of undergrad, I can say I didn't apply my self at all and ending up with a 2.8.

Today ended the first quarter of my pre-requisites. I ended up with a B+ in nutrition, a A- in general biology and a B lifespan.

Now I have been hearing horror stories from students say that if I don't get all A's there is no way I am going to have a shot.

I guess my question is, are the B's really going to hold me back? or should I just keep going and not worry about them.

Thanks everyone!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

It depends where you are & how competitive the nursing programs are. I got in to a nursing program (bridge program) & I didn't have all As. So there really is no way for us to tell you since we don't live where you do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Renal, Diabetic.

Like what PP stated, it depends on where you live and what program you are trying to get into. Where I used to live was extremely competitive, but where I live now, it's not. I don't believe that 2 B's will impact you but again, it's very dependent on how competative the program is.

I'll tell you this: I'm a perfectionist when it comes to my grades, but I didn't used to be. I was angry with myself because I didn't get all A's in my prereq's. When I spoke with my admission's advisor for nursing at my previous college, which has one of the best nursing programs in the country and voiced my concern for not having a 4.0, the advisor looked at me and said. "Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it. The admissions board does not like to admit students who have a 4.0 anyway." (in not so few words and a bit more professional but you get the gist.)

Confusing, right? I must have looked at her with a weird expression, and she went on to explain to me that they view a 4.0 as perfect, which is rightfully is. However, because you have a "perfect GPA" means to them that you don't know how to make mistakes and then learn from them. That you don't know how to fix something when it goes wrong because you've never been wrong. They don't want you to wait to learn that until you're a nurse because then, a mistake can kill someone.

(For clarification, 4.0 included all courses taken, not just the ones that were calculated for nursing requirements.)

This was the thought process at this school, which unfortunately I moved quite a bit from before I could apply. However, I met with my current advisor who said that although I have a 3.4, combined with a high test score and a previous degree, I am considered competitive.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: don't sweat the B's. Focus on how you got those B's and channel it into A's from this point forward. Show them that you recognize you made errors in the past and know how to fix them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I don't know about your school and how many people make it in vs. apply. I don't agree with the previous poster though. At schools in my area they go strictly off of scores. Some go off of total GPA and some off of certain classes. Then your entrance exam score is added in. The top 20 total scores get in. That's it. Having a 4.0 does not mean you do not know how to adjust to nursing school. It means you can memorize crap. That's what the prereqs are. I only know of a couple of people in my program who got in with a B. Most of us had all As. I have a friend who got 2 Bs. She got in the LPN program. But my school is very competitive.

Does your school do an interview or look at volunteer experience? That could help if say you do a knockout interview. Or do very well on your entrance exam.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It completely depends on where you are applying. I am in California and I can tell you that those B's could definitely prevent you from being accepted at the CSU's. How are your science and other pre-req grades? Many community colleges would accept you but they are either lottery or have a 4+ year waitlist.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Honestly, your best bet is to speak with the advising department. They'll be the ones who are familiar with their programs, as well as any local ones you'd be considering. We've all had differing experiences and can only speak to what those are, but the adviser is paid to know these things and be able to help you. Keep plugging along and don't get discouraged. Are you considering an accelerated nursing program that is geared toward those with a BA in a non-medical field?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey, thanks everyone. I am in Washington at a community college right now, going toward my ADN. I may transfer to a 4 year program after I have complete most of my pre-requisites. I think I will just go talk to the admission department and see what they say. The nursing program here is based of a point system. So the higher grade I get the better chance I have obviously.

Anyways thank you all for the kind words and advice, I will just keep pushing on for now!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

You have been "hearing horror stories" that crappy grades hold you back? Did you expect anything DIFFERENT? Why is that a "horror story"? It is called expecting students to perform at a high level as nursing requires students who are intelligent and put in the work and have attention to detail. I think a "horror story" would be letting C level students into nursing school. "horror stories"...the DRAAAMMAA. Yes..they expect high level performance..what a HORROR!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well thank you for your very "dramatic" advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion