Nursing Schools are so stupid...

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So I applied to CSULA and didn't get in. I understand that they have standardized tests like the SAT and TEAS or GED. They "need" them because they wouldn't be able to differentiate the gpa from one school to another school. Okay I get that, whatever.

I take the TEAS and I get a 76%. I'll admit, I'm horrible at English. But my gpa was close to a 4.0. A in Anatomy, Physio, Micro, Stats, Chem. The only "B" that I have gotten were in some random history class or something. My friend on the other hand had straight B's and C's in her science classes and she scored higher on the TEAS and got into the nursing program.

SHE GOES TO THE SAME SCHOOL AS ME. Like, WHAT?!

Oh and btw, she didn't even VOLUNTEER. I volunteered over 150 hours. So the TEAS test which tests you on a couple of science questions, 2+2, grammar, and reading counts more than hours upon hours upon hours of studying, labs, and lecture/lab exams in a 16 week class? I just can't grasp my mind around this. How could they weigh so much on the TEAS to determine whether or not you will succeed in nursing school?

Am I going to be taking a reading test and math test at the end of each nursing class that I take? How in the world does the TEAS tell you that I am less qualified? Am I giving grammar lessons to patients that come in? Am I teaching them math? Am I there to take care of them with my knowledge of medicine or teaching them basic Algebra? I just don't understand how they could put so much weight on a single test. Two years, I tried so so hard to keep my 4.0 for TWO years and this test stomps on my dreams. It boggles my mind.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

So study up on topics you did poorly on the TEAS and take it again. Honestly, the school has it's own formula and rules. Either conform to them, or look for another school.

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It sucks that they weigh it so heavily! But they have their reasons. Have you tried TEAS study tools?

I'm sure they stress reading and basic math for a reason - nursing school is very reading-heavy (science reading, but still), and I'm sure nurses use basic math for all kinds of things, especially medications.

It's too bad they weighed that so heavily on your application, but try other schools, retake the TEAS. You've got options.

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Keep practicing on questions you got wrong. I hate when people say that they aren't good at a particular subject, and end up defeating themselves because of it, brooding over the fact. Not that I'm saying that's you, but I'm saying that you have literally found your weakness, and so the next logical step is to spend more time strengthening your weakness. And keep doing it until you get it. If it's not working, try a new approach. Less talk, more action!

Sent from my HTC One using allnurses.com

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Every school is different and weigs each component of their application differently. You should have applied to more than one school, and if there is still time, then do so now. Other schools may weigh more heavily on the GPA. Or may have an essay component. R take your volunteer/work history into account. Instead f getting upset about your denial at one school an comparing yourself to you friend (which is kind of disrespectful to your friend who got it) do something about it. The school is not stupid. They have that process for a reason. And for all you know, the GOA could e weighed the same as the teas and her teas combined with GPA "point value" was higher than yours. The teas measures overall knowledge of the basic areas that are of importance in nursing. Being great in science wont help you give the correct med dose.

instead of tearin down your friends acceptance as being less worthy than you, do something to make your score better.

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Specializes in ICU.

I agree with the poster above. Did you find out what their formula was in the beginning? Maybe they don't even consider volunteer experience. Mine doesn't. Was there an essay process? There is so much that can go into it. You either need to study up and get a better Teas score or apply to a different school.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

I am confused what are you asking? For people to feel sorry for you? You need to CALMLY talk with the school and inquire as to why you were not accepted. You may feel you did "everything", but you may not have. Work smarter not harder. If the school puts a huge emphasis on one area then you dang well better be good in that area. However if you want to quit that is your right, but it isn't the schools fault. Blaming others is the number thing to get people to quit listening especially in healthcare. You can blame the previous nurse you took over for all day. No one cares. You need to deal with the situation at hand. You quit and I guarantee someone will be waiting right behind you to apply and get in. So up to you to decide.

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Am I giving grammar lessons to patients that come in? Am I teaching them math? Am I there to take care of them with my knowledge of medicine or teaching them basic Algebra?

Will grammar and the ability to write clearly and concisely protect you against lawsuits? Will it protect your patients as your documentation is permanent communication that the next shift(s) may rely upon to deliver safe, consistent care?

Will the ability to solve basic mathematic equations--such as algebra--ensure that your patients get the right dosages of medication the correct number of hours apart or the right rate programmed into their IV pump?

This is pretty basic stuff here. You need to think beyond the components of the test and into how those respective areas of study fit into your practice. An essential part of being a nurse is critical thinking. I'd suggest you reevaluate yourself, study up, lose the self-righteous indignation, and try again.

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If I got what I consider to be a low score on a test, I wouldn't bash it by implying that it's too simplistic.

It is the Test of ESSENTIAL Academic Skills. I had stellar grades as a bio undergraduate and graduate student, but that doesn't mean that I possess the base knowledge (base knowledge across the major pertinent areas, I should say) that nursing programs look for. Nobody cares if I know what Genus the vampire squid belongs to, or if I can differentiate a spore-forming bacterium from others, or if I can trace the lineage of an eosinophil, or if I can tell them about carcinoembryonic antigen in the fetus versus the cancer patient, or if I know how to use a kemmerer water sampler.......

So the TEAS is there to demonstrate to the powers-that-be that we have sufficient base knowledge and comprehension that can be built upon to make us into effective healthcare professionals.

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I would like to know how you can review your TEAS5 exam questions. Is there anyway to do that to see what you missed? I took it and only got a 73. I am planning on taking it a 2nd time in a few months. Also, since most schools are not using the interview process, then they cannot possible know who a candidate really is and what their personal level of integrity or strengths and weaknesses are. To become an RN almost feels like a near impossible feat! Everything I have read about says not to give up and keep trying. For all those lucky RN students that made it in on their first try I applaud you! For those of us who must attempt again to gain access into this elite group, I pray all of us will be chosen for our intellect as well as our human gifts.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I would not bash the school & especially not your friend. I have to take the TEAS to get into the bridge program. I took it once before & didn't make the cut (needed 68%). Was it the school's fault that I didn't get the score? No. It's my fault for not studying enough/right maternal. So when I take the TEAS again at the end of this year I will study harder because nothing can stop me from getting in, except myself. My school allows 3 attempts on the TEAS, you should look & see if you can retake the TEAS & what their grading rubric is for applications.

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You are SO right. Nursing schools really are "stupid". The testing for admission is really a huge waste of time, why shouldn't they just accept the grades in the classes you did well in, and that's that?

They have different expectations than you think they should have.....therefore, they ARE just SO stupid.

You clearly are a cut above. I strongly suggest you walk away from nursing schools, and enroll in whatever school will let you in with just a smile and a pencil. I hear horticulture is fun.

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