Nervous About Nursing

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Hi Guys so I'm a second round nursing major having a hard time accepting the fact that I am destined for this. My family thinks i should baby step it. I don't have a bunch of extra time to baby step a nursing career. I know that its what I want to do because everyday and everynight im having some sort of medical dream. I also enjoy helping others. My mother thinks just because im a little weak in math that i won't make it through nursing school. I don't believe that. Has anyone attended Clemson Nursing, UAB Nursing, Auburn Nursing, or Bouve at Northeastern University. I would also Like to hear from attendents of University of North Alabama Nursing, University of South Alabama Nursing and Nursing Programs in the State of Georgia. I would also like to hear from Herzing grads and other for profit nursing programs. Someone please give me some insight into what I should do. I am currently on Academic Probation at Lawson State. I am willing to work hard with the right guidance and advice.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

LPN isn't always less competitive or academically rigorous. The public LPN programs in my area are highly competitive and do academics at an accelerated pace. You must pass the TEAS for entry. You have 3 chances to score a perfect score on the pharmaceutical dosing calculation test before mandated remediation at student cost. Programs often have daily if not twice daily tests on subject material covered the day before.

Why not see if your local county vocational, adult school or county college offers mathematics remediation if that is your biggest barrier. If you struggle with basic mathematics, calculations and beginner statistics you will struggle to make it through nursing school. Seek help & support in your weakest areas first before trying to move forward. You wouldn't attempt a marathon when you first start walking. Strengthen first then move forward

You may thank yourself in the future is you simply pursue ADN or BSN from the start. Perhaps you could consider a community college (where you can earn ADN), and attend academic coaching or join a solid study group. The least stressed and highest performing students (generally speaking!!) make Nursing their priority, and put work on the back burner, and others perform beautifully by being in the part time program. My college offers ADN students graduation from the LPN program after completing the first two semesters. A few are actually leaving school indefinitely after passing their boards to be LPNs. If I were in your shoes, I would find a college that offers coaching, so you can get help with the math, and anything else you might need. If you aim for ADN off the bat, you could easily go on to BSN from there. I am told that to enter an LPN program only to bridge to ADN at a later date is far more complicated and time-consuming than to just go straight for the ADN. I wish you luck, keep your mind open, and remember nursing school is a LOT of hard work!

Also, that being said, I've talked with many LPNs during my clinicals who are quite happy with what they are doing now, and actively decided not to go the RN route. It might help you to do some research into the differences between the two, to figure out if maybe LPN would be better suited to your timeline and preferences :)

Thanks I didn't realize academic probation is typically under a 2.0 gpa.

Good luck MsBreelee. Keep us updated!

hey guys so i have potentially weighted my options and the adn to bsn bridge is probably going to be my best bet because of the fact that my parents will be willing to help me out.

Specializes in ICU.

You don't have to be a mathematician to be a nurse. There is math involve in some dosage calculations but it is doable. When I was applying to nursing school, I had to take the NET (Nurse entrance test), though I think this has been phased out. There was a math section and an English section. I studied my butt off for the math part and got a 100. I bought a book to help prepare me for the exam and I had my brother tutor me because he is great at math. Math was always my weakest subject. So, if you want it bad enough you can do it.

I started off with a community college and then went to an RN-to-BSN route. I was happy with my choice. If your parents are willing to help you out with the ADN, then go for it. Study hard! Make it your full-time job. I would recommend not working while in school or only working part-time. I worked part-time at a retail store and always had my flashcards with me. I studied them before work and during my breaks. If you are serious about this field, then give it your all. If you are having trouble, utilize your school's resources and meet with your professors during their office hours. Do well in your pre-reqs, too.

Guys this is really shaping up in the end to help me out and become the nurse i want to become.

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