new girl has many questions!

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Feb 26, 2004

HI everyone! I am new to this site, but I have found it to be so helpful! I am a student at AACC in MD. I am doing all of my pre-reqs and will be finished with them in a year. I am confused about whether I should stay at my community college and get a nursing diploma, then continue on to a 4 year for my RN-BSN, or should I finish my pre-reqs then transfer to a 4 year as a junior for my traditional BSN? I am not sure the best route, it makes more sense for me to go directly to a 4 year trad BSN, then to do 2 years ADN then 2 more for RN-BSN. Also I am nervous about getting into schools, even my community college has been turning away good students because of lack of faculty. Is it really that hard to get into schools now, even if you are a good student? Sorry for all the questions, I could really use some guidance:) thanks!

Congratulations on your desire to become a nurse. Hurry ... we need you! As far as which degree .... go for the BSN. This is especially true if you have the time and the finances to do it. In the long run, the BSN will give you more mobility options in nursing. If you want to move into management or if you want to do research or even teach, you will need a BSN.

Yes, the trouble with the community colleges is really staggering! There are far more applicants for the programs than there are faculty and yes, CC are turning away perfectly capable people because they do not have the room. The nursing shortage is facing educators as well as floor nursing. In my area, they have 66 spots for ASN students .... had over 300 qualified applicants and had to put most on a waiting list. This waiting list is now over 2 years long. Many of these kids are going to the University so they can get started.

It is tough ... but keep working at it. Patrick :balloons:

geniebea · Feb 26, 2004

Thank you for your help. I think that I would rather go to a 4 year as a junior, rather than get my associates, and have to go back an add 2 years for my BSN. BSN is my ultimate goal, and I want it asap! Thanks

Congratulations on your desire to become a nurse. Hurry ... we need you! As far as which degree .... go for the BSN. This is especially true if you have the time and the finances to do it. In the long run, the BSN will give you more mobility options in nursing. If you want to move into management or if you want to do research or even teach, you will need a BSN.
Yes, the trouble with the community colleges is really staggering! There are far more applicants for the programs than there are faculty and yes, CC are turning away perfectly capable people because they do not have the room. The nursing shortage is facing educators as well as floor nursing. In my area, they have 66 spots for ASN students .... had over 300 qualified applicants and had to put most on a waiting list. This waiting list is now over 2 years long. Many of these kids are going to the University so they can get started.
It is tough ... but keep working at it. Patrick :balloons:

wilsonmd71 · Apr 7, 2004

Geniebea,

Hi. I also attend AACC and am finishing prereqs for UMAB. I was accepted into the traditional BSN for Fall 04. I just wanted to say hi b/c it is nice to see someone from my little section of world on this website. I'll also be taking a course this first summer session at AACC. Post your decision, I would like to see what you decide. Good Luck - Wilson

diannenurse · Apr 7, 2004

Congratulations for your career goal of 4 year RN. My recommendation is to continue right on with your BSN. It is too easy to stop after the 2 year, think I might work for a while and go back later....it won't happen. Just Do It. You will be positioned for more options in nursing. For example, you will receive your PHN (Public Health Nursing) so can work community/public health...you will be able to work as a Licensed School Nurse, which is wonderful when and if you are raising a family...same schedule and summers/holidays off. I did this when my kids were young and it was wonderful to be working and not missing much...I was even home when my kids got off the bus!!! With your BSN, you are poised to go right on for your advanced practice, which is booming righ now...I would also encourage you to take the Statistics course before you graduate, as you need it when you apply for any Master's Level Program. I know that sounds like alot of school, but believe me....it opens so many more avenues then simply hospital nursing. You can never have too much education. In light , Dianne

geniebea · Apr 7, 2004

Geniebea,
Hi. I also attend AACC and am finishing prereqs for UMAB. I was accepted into the traditional BSN for Fall 04. I just wanted to say hi b/c it is nice to see someone from my little section of world on this website. I'll also be taking a course this first summer session at AACC. Post your decision, I would like to see what you decide. Good Luck - Wilson

HI! I think that you are the only other one from AACC on here? :) I have actually changed my mind lately. I talked to the transfer advisor, and she pointed out that all of the traditional 4 years do not accept humanbio231 A&p and 232. They only accept straight A&P. I already have my humans from my paramedic program, and starting all over again is not an option. Basically I would have to take another 2 years of pre-reqs to get into a 4 year. I decided to apply to AACC 2 year, I only have 6 classes left until the program! I WILL be going on to finish my BSN! I'll go to a 4 year accelerated program, 16 months. I am excited, I now know what my plans are and what I need to do, I just hope that there are enough spots left:) ~geniebea

EvelynRN-BSN · Jul 25, 2004

Since your going for a four year degree anyway, like myself, why not get you Associates along the way. That is what I did. I figured since I am going to go to school four years I am getting my Associates half way. Then you will have two degrees. It looks better on a resume. I have two associate degrees and I am currently working on my bacchelors. I am wanting to start the online program. I think you have made the right decision.

Evelyn:p

chico · May 11, 2005

If you don't mind me asking, what was your GPA? I just attended an open house for UMAB, and they said they only accept 200 people. I hope to have a 3.75 in my prereqs and apply in the spring. Do you think that is competitive?

Geniebea,
Hi. I also attend AACC and am finishing prereqs for UMAB. I was accepted into the traditional BSN for Fall 04. I just wanted to say hi b/c it is nice to see someone from my little section of world on this website. I'll also be taking a course this first summer session at AACC. Post your decision, I would like to see what you decide. Good Luck - Wilson

wilsonmd71 · May 11, 2005

If you don't mind me asking, what was your GPA? I just attended an open house for UMAB, and they said they only accept 200 people. I hope to have a 3.75 in my prereqs and apply in the spring. Do you think that is competitive?

I think that from the classes that fulfilled their requirements I had a 4.0, but I do believe that 3.75 is absolutely competitive. And I know that many of my fellow classmates did not have perfect GPAs. Have you attended the session on how they determine your GPA? They select specific classes from your transcipts that fulfill their requirements and although I have had Bs in my college career, apparently those Bs were in classes that were not applicable to the prerequisites. There was a girl in that summer class at AACC who also had a very high GPA (it might have been a 4.0) who did not get in. I asked to see her essay and I believe this is what held her back. Plus she needed to have good references from people who would talk her up, people she knew from her current work. She had references from people she thought would look good, but those folks did not know her well and (I think) would not be able to give a personal feel to the recommendation. She refined her essay and by that I mean she rewrote it. I saw her in one of the open labs at the school of nursing a couple of months ago, so she eventually got in. Definitely have strong recommendations and a well written essay, they are considered. You can't control the group you are reviewed with, but you can control how your application and resume look. Good luck, maybe I'll see you in the halls.

~Wilson

ANN2WATER · May 21, 2005

HI everyone! I am new to this site, but I have found it to be so helpful! I am a student at AACC in MD. I am doing all of my pre-reqs and will be finished with them in a year. I am confused about whether I should stay at my community college and get a nursing diploma, then continue on to a 4 year for my RN-BSN, or should I finish my pre-reqs then transfer to a 4 year as a junior for my traditional BSN? I am not sure the best route, it makes more sense for me to go directly to a 4 year trad BSN, then to do 2 years ADN then 2 more for RN-BSN. Also I am nervous about getting into schools, even my community college has been turning away good students because of lack of faculty. Is it really that hard to get into schools now, even if you are a good student? Sorry for all the questions, I could really use some guidance:) thanks!

geniebea;

It might sound crazy to you now, but my suggestion (regarding your education) is to pursue a MSN while you are so inclined. My career and education started at the ADN level. After that, I said I'd NEVER go back to school.... 5 years later, after I received my BSN, I said, I'd NEVER......

3 years later, after I achieved my MSN, I now say, "never say never".....

The only "never" I do emphatically say is you'll NEVER regret continuing your education, to whatever level. My MSN has served me well, as I look at jobs with very few boundaries in mind. I can go back to school another year and be an NP; I can teach at the community college and/or university level; I can do bedside nursing; I can work in any level of management.

I like options. Nursing gives you tons of them. A nurse with additional degrees and/or certifications has many more open doors.

So, look them over. There is a wide variety of choices, in quality and quantity. Choose carefully. Don't waste your money and your time.

Then, choose your job site as carefully. Find out who cherishes their nurses, vs. who has hundreds of labor units.

Ann, RN, MSN, CEN

MQ Edna · May 24, 2005

I'm just finishing the AACC program (get pinned in two days) and talked with the lady from Villa Julie. If you need to work or have a life, I'd say get your two year degree and then follow through to your BSN. Villa Julie has a "consortium" (or something!) that is very reasonable, and you can talk all the prereq's at AACC paying AACC tuition until you start the BSN classes (then you pay the BIG money). That's what I'm planning/hoping to do. Good luck!

Mysister · Jun 4, 2005

I think that from the classes that fulfilled their requirements I had a 4.0, but I do believe that 3.75 is absolutely competitive. And I know that many of my fellow classmates did not have perfect GPAs. Have you attended the session on how they determine your GPA? They select specific classes from your transcipts that fulfill their requirements and although I have had Bs in my college career, apparently those Bs were in classes that were not applicable to the prerequisites. There was a girl in that summer class at AACC who also had a very high GPA (it might have been a 4.0) who did not get in. I asked to see her essay and I believe this is what held her back. Plus she needed to have good references from people who would talk her up, people she knew from her current work. She had references from people she thought would look good, but those folks did not know her well and (I think) would not be able to give a personal feel to the recommendation. She refined her essay and by that I mean she rewrote it. I saw her in one of the open labs at the school of nursing a couple of months ago, so she eventually got in. Definitely have strong recommendations and a well written essay, they are considered. You can't control the group you are reviewed with, but you can control how your application and resume look. Good luck, maybe I'll see you in the halls.
~Wilson

What do you think was wrong with that essay? I ask because I just submitted my app to UMAB traditional BSN for Spring '06 - doing my prereqs at Howard CC - have a 4.0 in all courses. I'm sure my letters will be great, one from my microbiology teacher, one from my A&P II teacher, but now I'm worried about my essay. :uhoh21: