Newbie

[trunks]

Hi guys, I'm sorry if these questions have been asked many times, but I'm completely new to this.

I'm currently already in college, a sophomore my credits earned. I came in as a Biology major, but am going to change my major soon. I'm extremely interested in becoming a nurse, but after reading many things, I feel like I'm already behind in the process since I'm not in a BSN program. I know some schools have graduate programs for students who have degrees in majors besides nursing, so that would be what I would have to do, but exactly how does that work? Would I apply to these programs, and if accepted, would I be able to be an RN after those three years? If I choose a specialty (I'm interested in pediatrics and midwifery), would I need to be in school for additional years?

Also, I'm assuming that I should be keeping my GPA around a 3.5+?

Do you apply to these graduate programs after your junior year or senior year? Is it a similar timeline to the one from high school to college?

Also, I've noticed some people mention experience before actually working as an RN. Is this similar to a residency for recent MD graduates?

I know that I have to take psych, microbiology w/ lab, anatomy and physiology 1/2 w/ lab, stats, and nutrition. I'm able to fit all of those into my schedule, but is there anything else you guys would recommend?

And lastly, what do acceptance rates look like for the average nursing graduate program, in my case an accelerated one/one for non-nursing degree students?

Thank you to anyone who answers!

[hodgieRN]

You have the option of getting your RN with a major in something else. It depends on what road you want to take.

You can get your ADN at a community college or you can get your BSN from a 4 year school or an accelerated program. Once you have your biology degree, you would apply to the nursing program of your choice. If you want to get into a graduate program, you will have to have your BSN. If you get your ADN (associates), then you have the option to bridge RN to BSN or RN to MSN (masters). You will be an RN once you graduate from an accredited nursing programs and pass the NCLEX (boards).

Once you are an RN, you can choose what area you want to work in. If you want to go into pediatrics, you don't do a residency program like med students. You will do all your rotations in nursing school. Anything else will be on the job training once you are hired. If you want to be a mid-wife, you have to get your masters. I believe mid-wifes do some type of residency program after graduation (almost positive).

Keep your GPA as high as possible to increase your chances of getting accepted into a master program.

You can not apply to a graduate program until you graduate with your bachelors and pass the NCLEX. If you get your bachelors in Biology, I believe that can count as long as you have your RN. The only time you can apply to a masters program before graduation is if you oringinally chose the option of bridging to a masters (most cases).

You don't need experience before working as an RN. You can't work until you get it. It is recommended that you work as an RN before you go into a masters, but you may not need this, depending on the school. Many programs like to see at least a year or two before applying (again, it depends).

Any other recommendations for classes will depends entirely on your school. They will give you an exact list of requirements for graduation.

You will probably have a slightly easier time getting into a masters program b/c there aren't as many student applying to masters program as there are students applying to bachelor programs. But...there aren't as many slots for grad programs and the standards are high. Keep your grades up and make sure you test well on graduate entrance exams like the GRE (if they require it).