I would like any suggestions or information regarding a ASN program that doesn't have a waiting list. I am currently a nursing student at Florissant Valley. I have completed all of my prereqs. I was so excited, especially after conquering Chemistry with a B. But, to my disappointment, all of the community colleges have a waiting list of 1,2,or more years. Does anyone know of any nursing schools w/out a waiting list. I am so depressed because I have up my house, job of 10 years, and moved back home with my parents to pursue my nursing career full-time. I have two children and although I am blessed to have supporting parents, I didn't plan on living with my parents for more than 2 years. I've been calling around to every nursing school in STL, even Lewis & Clark Community College. Everyone either has a waiting list, very limited space. I am ineligible for Lewis & Clark because I live in Missouri. Deaconess doesn't have a waiting list, but they have changed their ASN program to strictly online. I am not interested in that. I tried that with Deaconess before and not only was it highly expensive, but I didn't learn a thing and I had to find my own clinical site, without no instructor, and it was very difficult to find a clinical site. What would you do if you were me? I almost feel like I've given up everything for nothing, but I'm trying to remain positive. My mom suggested that I obtain my LPN while I'm waiting on Flo to send me an acceptance letter. Thanks.
Thanks, Pixie for the suggestion. I've already taken the Dosage and Cal. Test about a week and 1/2 ago. I passed it with 100%. I took that class, also and I don't think I would have passed the D&C Test without it. It's not that I can't do the math, but it's very difficult for me, when it comes as hard as Algebra. The community colleges discontinued the LPN bridge program. I just wanted to take the LPN meanwhile, because I don't know how long I will be on the waiting list. I left my job and moved back with Mom to pursue this and that's why the wait is disappointing. But, thanks for the encouragement from your experience of being on the waiting list. I hope that it's only two semesters. Where you frequently notified of your updated number on the waiting list? When you were finally accepted, did they send you a letter and/or e-mail you? I'm trying to stop thinking about being on this waiting list every day and night. It's really taking a hold on me. I am very anxious to start the nursing program. Thanks again for the info.
I went through my "RN" folder and see that yes, each semester I received a letter updating me on my current # on the list. Remember, up until this semester, that Dosage test was not required for admittance.
When I was getting close at Forest Park I talked to an advisor (Tracy Baron) who is VERY helpful....she told me, if I recall correctly, that they sent letters to like the first 40 students...usually after the 1st round of letters went out, only about 50% accepted....so then another 20 or so letters would go out...they would get maybe 75% out of that list, then would fill the class from there from the wait list...so that might help you see it's not a forever wait!!
In addition, my mother had passed away at the end of March and I didn't get back in town until the end of April and the refresher dosage class I had registered for had already met for 2 of the 4 weeks....so when I finally got in to take the test and talk to an advisor (I had also missed orientation), registration had started the week before....at that point, they only had about 4 people registered....the thought was that a lot of folks were still trying to muddle through that test...they don't yet have the knowledge of how that might change the admittance numbers either...they started giving that test because apparently a lot of folks had trouble when the subject was taught in the first semester and it would help weed folks that might otherwise not make it through that....
So my suggestion would be to hang tough -- did you say you're registered at more than one campus? I think FP has a larger class than Meramec. Take other classes if you don't have the English, Math, Psych, etc....and yes, watch for the letters in about October and March each semester to let you know where you are...and then, one of those times, you'll get a letter that reads, "Congratulations..."...and then the REAL work begins!!
For the price, I don't think you'll get a better education....I love the SLCCs!!
Thanks so much for the helpful information. Now, I understand more how the waiting list works. Yes, I am on the waiting list at all three Community Colleges. The only other prereq's that I have left to take are English Comp. II, Missouri Requirement, and History. Other than that, I am finished with all my prereq's. Thanks so much for the helpful info.
My last suggestion will be this -- if you're waiting anyway and get the other classes out of the way, go for the math...if you might ever intend to pursue a BS or higher, you'll most likely need it anyway....one way we're fortunate here is that they don't weigh us by GPA, etc....so if you only finish with a "C" or so, it won't kill your chances of getting in the program....
It would be worth your time to look into those requirements if you think you might possibly go on to a university one day....see what those requirements are for that degree...it'd be a lot easier now when you don't have the added pressure of nursing classes/clinicals and while the other algebra is still fairly fresh.....or if the wait gets too long, you'll be ready to pursue other avenues -- check into UMSL, the recruiter there -- Christy Niles -- was very nice, also...
I never was a math whiz, but I muddled through and you will, too....they have terrific resources on campus for math help....
I start Meramec in August and am thrilled/scared to death! Keep in touch!
Please let me know how your experience goes at Meramec. I'm excited to hear how it is being on the inside. I wish you the best of luck!! Let your determination take over your fear. Know that whatever possible hardships come your way, you will conquer them. I am proud of you for making it this far. Besides, you could be still sitting on the waiting list, like myself. So, God has blessed you and you will succeed. Good luck!! Keep in touch!!
STLCC sends you a postcard when you are eligible to start the program which you need to send back by a certain day. I was told that they sent out 45 notices (the maximum) for fall 2006 and none of the applicants replied. The waiting list is not as long as they say. Don't give up. I am in a similar situation as you. It's tough being a wife, mother, and working fulltime then trying to go to school. I thought about giving up and going to school for Healthcare Management but I knew I would regret it in the long run. Then, I would be going back to school when I'm 45 trying to be a nurse. Stay Focused. Stay Strong. I can't even get on the waiting list because my GPA is 2.4 (it requires a 2.5). Science is hard but I know I will eventually make it, and so will you.
Barnes Jewish College told me that they were going to abolish their ASN program.
My last suggestion will be this -- if you're waiting anyway and get the other classes out of the way, go for the math...if you might ever intend to pursue a BS or higher, you'll most likely need it anyway....one way we're fortunate here is that they don't weigh us by GPA, etc....so if you only finish with a "C" or so, it won't kill your chances of getting in the program....
It would be worth your time to look into those requirements if you think you might possibly go on to a university one day....see what those requirements are for that degree...it'd be a lot easier now when you don't have the added pressure of nursing classes/clinicals and while the other algebra is still fairly fresh.....or if the wait gets too long, you'll be ready to pursue other avenues -- check into UMSL, the recruiter there -- Christy Niles -- was very nice, also...
I never was a math whiz, but I muddled through and you will, too....they have terrific resources on campus for math help....
I start Meramec in August and am thrilled/scared to death! Keep in touch!
How long were you on the waiting list before you got accepted to Meramec?
Yes, I guess I should count my blessings to even be eligible for the waiting list. I agree with you, by not going for Healthcare Management if your heart is with nursing. Yes, it would be a mistake that you will always regret. Your GPA is almost there, so don't you give up. THanks for the encouraging words, you don't know how much better that makes me feel.
I was told that they sent out 45 notices (the maximum) for fall 2006 and none of the applicants replied.
You must be talking about another campus, as I definately replied to mine!! And the postcard is enclosed in a letter in an envelope that contains your health forms and a couple of other items, so don't get discouraged EVERYTIME you get an envelope -- lol.
I waited 2 semesters for FP; 3 for Meramec. It looks like I was originally #161 for Meramec, but again, please remember this was BEFORE the dosage test was required for final admission.
It has been worth the wait and the time goes by regardless of whether you are on the list or not...so find something worthwhile to help the time pass. I had to defer once to get vested at work, then had some financial reasons I had to take the pass with FP. I am starting in August come he!! or high water!!
I am considering the BSN program, instead of waiting for SLCC. If I wait on SLCC, by the time I graduate, it will be three years away. I noticed you said you finished all of your pre-reqs and it would be another 2 1/2 years for BSN, which college did you get your BSN or which college would you suggest? I appreciate your help. Thanks.
Don't allow yourself to get stressed. Nursing school is hard work. Your will come to appreciate your situation when you start school. That added support for your children is invaluable. I recently graduated and failed NCLEX twice due to stress. Take your time, look at the requirements for each program, because an ADN is only two years, it will possibly be the most intense two years of your life. Look into Lutheran's diploma program as well which is also easily transferable to a BSN, others to check are Chamberlain, Sanford Brown, SCCC. I have a friend who attends there who thinks its an excellent program.
You might just want to chill and get some nurse tech experience under you belt before you start school. In some hospitals, you'll learns many skills that will be quite usual when you do actually begin your clinical rotations, as well as how to communicate with patients and their families which is just as important.
Unfortunately, many of the programs fill fast, so you just have to apply, then utilize your time of the waiting list learning as much as you can in the hospital. You can sometimes cut your hours down to 1 to 2 shifts per week and still qualify for some assistance with tuition.
I wish you the best, it sounds like you are very excited to get started, I was too! Good Luck! Be patient!
Look into Lutheran's diploma program as well which is also easily transferable to a BSN, others to check are Chamberlain, Sanford Brown, SCCC. I have a friend who attends there who thinks its an excellent program.
The OPs original post is over a year old; I would be interested in hearing whether she and Tosie ever got in to a program?
I wanted to point out that in reference to your reply, prospective students need to be VERY wary of Chamberlain and Sanford Brown. Chamberlain has been having a lot of problems from what I have heard and right now, might be in the midst of losing their accreditation (if they are even accredited at this point) and Sanford Brown students often have issues with the transfer of their credits to other institutions. Both of these places charge entirely too much money for this to occur. Folks are probably better off waiting for a good academic program at the community colleges, Barnes, or a university.
Keep in touch!
dtermineddenise
70 Posts
Thanks, Pixie for the suggestion. I've already taken the Dosage and Cal. Test about a week and 1/2 ago. I passed it with 100%. I took that class, also and I don't think I would have passed the D&C Test without it. It's not that I can't do the math, but it's very difficult for me, when it comes as hard as Algebra. The community colleges discontinued the LPN bridge program. I just wanted to take the LPN meanwhile, because I don't know how long I will be on the waiting list. I left my job and moved back with Mom to pursue this and that's why the wait is disappointing. But, thanks for the encouragement from your experience of being on the waiting list. I hope that it's only two semesters. Where you frequently notified of your updated number on the waiting list? When you were finally accepted, did they send you a letter and/or e-mail you? I'm trying to stop thinking about being on this waiting list every day and night. It's really taking a hold on me. I am very anxious to start the nursing program. Thanks again for the info.