Not even a nursing student (yet?) and overwhelmed!

[mac6178]

Hi, I'm Katie. I'm 26 yrs old, and have a BS in Chemistry. I've been working in the pharmaceutical industry for 5 yrs (worked while in college) and could have a very successful and lucrative career. I've never wanted to be a nurse, but about a year ago had an eye opening experience (long story, spent about 2 weeks straight in the hospital with family and was blown away by the nursing staff). It occurred to me that my job dissatisfaction and restlessness might not go away with future promotions, more money, etc. Either way, for over a year, I've been thinking about going back to school for nursing! Last week, I was approached at work and asked to take classes towards my MBA so that I could become part of the "management team". I said no. I have no idea what I'm doing!!!

Anyway, in my year of sporadic research, I have learned how hard it is to become a nurse (not the actual classes themselves - chem major, very used to working) but to get in, to register for certain classes, to continue education, etc and the more I read, the more overwhelmed I get. I had a 2.8 gpa in undergrad as a chem major, and all I read says I won't even get through the door. I haven't gotten further than open houses and brochures because I can't afford to send myself back to school full time and then quit. (Married, no kids, though) I am very very overwhelmed by this, especially since I thought I had my career and my life sorted out, and here I go throwing it all up in the air again!

My list of questions is rather long, but basically, here's a few: Who's done this before (changed careers, back to school)? Can I even get into any school with lower grades?

Thanks for reading this long post. Thanks even more if you actually answer it.

[CametoitlateTexan]

Katie,

To answer your question in short form, you can do anything you want to do. It really is as simple as that.

If you choose to go back to school, you will have to overcome a series of obstacles, just like you did when you got your degree in Chemistry. If you truly want to do it, you can!

I got my degree in Economics, 20 years ago, with a 2.4 GPA. I will begin in Nursing School this spring. I was able to overcome my low GPA by taking prerequisite classes and scoring high. I convinced the department chair that I was serious and was able to do the classwork. You can do the same.

My advice to you is to decide what you want to do and then do it. You will feel great about yourself when you do, and you'll deserve to.

Good luck on the journey!

[akcarmean, LPN]

Follow your heart and do what you feel is right. It can be done. Good Luck.

Angelia

[futurenp]

I graduated with a BA in economics almost 20 years ago as well. I was a real goofoff back then. But, I started taking prerequisites a year and a half ago (1 a quarter) and have received all A's. It's amazing what a little maturity does for a person! I hope to start this fall. I'm going for the adn since it's close and SO much cheaper. They only go by the grades in the prereqs. Good luck!