Nursing School: There's No Guarantee!?!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2005

Unfortunately that's the way it seems to go for a lot of people. Good luck in whatever you do.

Works2xs · Jul 1, 2005

I was "wait listed" on my first attempt at getting into an accelerated BSN program. My second attempt was successful. Quite frankly, I don't have a clue as to what made the difference. The only definate piece of info I had was that there were more than 300 applications for 70 slots.

There are also other strategies you can use if you think there was a problem or weakness in your application. If your grade in a particular class wasn't up to what you think you need, take it again. Highest grade is what transfers (I believe). Did you have to write an essay with your application? Go back and polish it up; talk to a professor or writing coach, etc. There's also doing things like volunteer work in the field that you could do to "buff up" your quals. You might even get some insight from the experience that will confirm you desires.

As for "is that the only chance I get?" - I would think not. Of course, geography has a big factor on available programs, school choices, etc. Where I live, the number of slots is a function of the number of instructors they have for clinicals. If you are in an area with an extreme shortage, it can be difficult for schools to line up folks for their field work. If, on the otherhand, the situation turns around, those 80 slots that are currently there may grow. So it's worth you keeping an eye on what the school's doing.

Of course, if life's in the way and you gotta put food on the table, that certainly drives your decisions toward necessity (been there, done that, have the T-shirt). If it's something you really want to do, keep workin it. Having done that myself, I can say that some folks do make it.

Good luck.

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Jul 1, 2005

I just want to know how you could be a marine AND a prissy pixie. If you can do that, you can do anything . . .

Smile. I don't mean anything negative - what I mean is that I expected a more 'oooooh rah!' name.

~faith,

Timothy.

Katydidit34 · Jul 1, 2005

Hello all!
I'm curious about a few things and was wondering if anyone would lend me their advice or opinion on my situation. I will be starting school in the fall with intentions of obtaining an Associate degree in nursing. I have no medical experience, or school experience for that matter, but always wanted to be a paramedic, even as a child.
Life happened. I joined the Marines then raised a family, for the past ten years, as my husband supported us. My husband is sick and is no longer capable of working full time. So, it's up to me.
I initially started checking into the paramedic program but they are severely lacking in compensation in OK. And I would not be able to support 3 kids, a husband, 2 dogs, a cat, goldfish and a snail. :chuckle So, becoming an RN seems better suited to my situation and I would still be doing what I've always desired to do.
Here's the problem. After talking with somebody in admissions I discovered that after taking 2 semesters of prereqs, driving an hour and 1/2 to and from school while trying to support my family and replace sleep with study, that the chance of me getting accepted into the nursing program is 50/50!
The same person went on to explain to me that an average of 150 people apply each year but they only take 80. I'm not already accepting defeat, I'm just trying to be realistic and prepared, what if I am not accepted? Then what? Is that the end of the road? Do I just tuck the credits away as a good learning experience?
Do I just keep applying every year? Would I be able to then try with another school? Or is that the only chance you get? I just don't understand. It's would seem like a huge waste of time and money, neither of which I can afford.
I thought about taking the LPN course that my local CC offers then taking the nursing bridge LPN to RN at the University but that would set me back to 3 years of school instead of 2. Possibly even four years depending on what time of year the programs start.
Ahhhh! I'm just so frustrated about this news. I had been so excited with the thought of becoming a nurse...
Any advice or just more info to help me better understand the whole process?
Thanks for letting me ramble on

You know what you need to do? Put your best foot forward and go for it!! ADN programs are 2 year programs but it can take up to four before it's all said and done. This time is going to pass no matter what. Why not get started? No, there are no guarantees but if you don't try, you have no chance at all. I have a husband who works construction and a couple of years ago I could see that he's not going to be able to perform his job forever. It was time for me to take action. I started school and this fall I'm going starting my nursing program. Follow your dreams!!

Lambert5883 · Jul 1, 2005

Have you looked into other areas in the healthcare arena. From what I have been reading lately on these boards, it seems professions such as Dental Assistants, are really paying well these days -- even better than nursing, some say. I say look around and explore a bit. But the one good thing about nursing is that if you want to work more, you can.

Roseyposey · Jul 1, 2005

The first thing I would do is find out how the selections are made. My school had ~150 applicants for 58 slots this semester, but I knew I would be accepted. How? Because I "stacked the deck." A year and a half ago, I met with the nursing advisor and found out how they select the students. At my school, they award points based on grades in all non-nursing courses required for the degree (Anatomy, Physiology, History, Psych., Micro, etc.). They take the top 58 students. The other requirement is passing the NET, which is no big deal if you can read at a college level and do 8th grade math. By the time I applied for school, I had taken most of my co-reqs and was enrolled in the final one. My ranking was #2. I am now entering the nursing program with no classes to take except nursing, which will hopefully help ensure my success without sacrificing my family. The moral of this long-winded story is don't leave things to chance. I saw applicants crying who took one or two classes and didn't get in, or people who waited until the last possible day to take the NET and failed it. Take control and make it happen. Unless the schools strictly use a "wait-list" system, then all bets are off (could anything be more unfair?).

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 1, 2005

Let me begin by saying that the admitance ration is quite good. If they admit 80 out of 150 each semester that is over half. Around here it is more like 500 applicants for 40 spots.

Ok, if push comes to shove and you don't get accepted the first round then you can always re-apply. I would also apply in every community college in a decent radius, to see who calls you first.

The key to this is to make sure you keep those grades high and tuck some experience or community work under your belt (if at all possible of course )

Write a darn spanking great essay/interview, and all the other requirements stipulated by your school. Secondly, so not be negative. Think positively and always hope for the better even if it seems impossible.

I wish you the best of luck.

Jessica

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2005

I was a "late bloomer" in the medical field. I didnt have any medical experience when i went through the LPN program at all. Since i have gone ahead and completed my Rn and work fulltime.

Make sure you have ALL your pre-reqs completed and then apply for admission to the program the FIRST day they accept applications. I mean try to be the first one in line or on the phone if they accept telephone registrations. A lot of times they take people who have completed pre-reqs from their school first, then will work in a first come first served basis unless your GPA doesnt warrent them considering you.

You have nothing to lose. I sure didnt, and i won.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2005

Let me begin by saying that the admitance ration is quite good. If they admit 80 out of 150 each semester that is over half. Around here it is more like 500 applicants for 40 spots.
Ok, if push comes to shove and you don't get accepted the first round then you can always re-apply. I would also apply in every community college in a decent radius, to see who calls you first.
The key to this is to make sure you keep those grades high and tuck some experience or community work under your belt (if at all possible of course )
Write a darn spanking great essay/interview, and all the other requirements stipulated by your school. Secondly, so not be negative. Think positively and always hope for the better even if it seems impossible.
I wish you the best of luck.
Jessica

That's exactly what I'm doing. I'm literally PAPERING the region in applications and transcripts. I am lucky enough that going out of state for a little while isn't a problem, but even if it were, I'd stick paper in everyone's mailbox in the area.

GrnHonu99, RN · Jul 1, 2005

Hello all!
I'm curious about a few things and was wondering if anyone would lend me their advice or opinion on my situation. I will be starting school in the fall with intentions of obtaining an Associate degree in nursing. I have no medical experience, or school experience for that matter, but always wanted to be a paramedic, even as a child.
Life happened. I joined the Marines then raised a family, for the past ten years, as my husband supported us. My husband is sick and is no longer capable of working full time. So, it's up to me.
I initially started checking into the paramedic program but they are severely lacking in compensation in OK. And I would not be able to support 3 kids, a husband, 2 dogs, a cat, goldfish and a snail. :chuckle So, becoming an RN seems better suited to my situation and I would still be doing what I've always desired to do.
Here's the problem. After talking with somebody in admissions I discovered that after taking 2 semesters of prereqs, driving an hour and 1/2 to and from school while trying to support my family and replace sleep with study, that the chance of me getting accepted into the nursing program is 50/50!
The same person went on to explain to me that an average of 150 people apply each year but they only take 80. I'm not already accepting defeat, I'm just trying to be realistic and prepared, what if I am not accepted? Then what? Is that the end of the road? Do I just tuck the credits away as a good learning experience?
Do I just keep applying every year? Would I be able to then try with another school? Or is that the only chance you get? I just don't understand. It's would seem like a huge waste of time and money, neither of which I can afford.
I thought about taking the LPN course that my local CC offers then taking the nursing bridge LPN to RN at the University but that would set me back to 3 years of school instead of 2. Possibly even four years depending on what time of year the programs start.
Ahhhh! I'm just so frustrated about this news. I had been so excited with the thought of becoming a nurse...
Any advice or just more info to help me better understand the whole process?
Thanks for letting me ramble on

how frustrating! If it comes down to it and you are going to be in school 4 years anyway, might as well look into the BSN programs...as far as I know, once you are in you are in...I mean the BSN programs in my area dont have waiting lists...once you are admitted into the univ. you are in. I would say go ahead and apply, see if you get in, if you dont then take route #2...who knows you may not even need to worry about it! good luck

avery · Jul 1, 2005

Hello all!
I'm curious about a few things and was wondering if anyone would lend me their advice or opinion on my situation. I will be starting school in the fall with intentions of obtaining an Associate degree in nursing. I have no medical experience, or school experience for that matter, but always wanted to be a paramedic, even as a child.
Life happened. I joined the Marines then raised a family, for the past ten years, as my husband supported us. My husband is sick and is no longer capable of working full time. So, it's up to me.
I initially started checking into the paramedic program but they are severely lacking in compensation in OK. And I would not be able to support 3 kids, a husband, 2 dogs, a cat, goldfish and a snail. :chuckle So, becoming an RN seems better suited to my situation and I would still be doing what I've always desired to do.
Here's the problem. After talking with somebody in admissions I discovered that after taking 2 semesters of prereqs, driving an hour and 1/2 to and from school while trying to support my family and replace sleep with study, that the chance of me getting accepted into the nursing program is 50/50!
The same person went on to explain to me that an average of 150 people apply each year but they only take 80. I'm not already accepting defeat, I'm just trying to be realistic and prepared, what if I am not accepted? Then what? Is that the end of the road? Do I just tuck the credits away as a good learning experience?
Do I just keep applying every year? Would I be able to then try with another school? Or is that the only chance you get? I just don't understand. It's would seem like a huge waste of time and money, neither of which I can afford.
I thought about taking the LPN course that my local CC offers then taking the nursing bridge LPN to RN at the University but that would set me back to 3 years of school instead of 2. Possibly even four years depending on what time of year the programs start.
Ahhhh! I'm just so frustrated about this news. I had been so excited with the thought of becoming a nurse...
Any advice or just more info to help me better understand the whole process?
Thanks for letting me ramble on

Nursing school is very competitive. Our school has 900 people apply, twice a year for 100 slots. 200 people out of 1800 is not a very good ratio. If one wants something bad enough, perserverance will get them there. Best of luck to you!