any one else feeling really discouraged about getting in?

Published

The nursing school application process is in full swing for me, and I'm just feeling so discouraged. I am applying to 5 different programs all the way from private 4-yr university, down to 12-mo LPN program (with the plan of fast-tracking to RN right afterward).

Basically I had a year of school right after my brother died where I did horribly. I really just should have taken some time off, but now I've got these terrible grades on my transcripts that will very likely keep me from getting into my top picks.

I find it doubly frustrating because I'm a single mom and school/work/parenthood is hard enough... I'm just ready to be in a stable place financially and doing a job I love, but I feel like every where I look there is a huge obstacle. I'm not 22 and I don't have the time to wait around for years and years to get into a program.

And I'll be totally honest here, I really feel like a loser for applying/attending a vo tech to get my nursing degree. I always had this dream of going to a good school, working hard, and being proud of it. But now I feel like I'm going to get stuck going a route where I won't be proud of my educational background at all :cry: Anybody else frustrated by this type of stuff?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi April,

I think I wrote the book on this topic. I don't have kids yet but I too am not 22 and had a bad couple of rounds when I first tried the college thing. In addition I was really embarrassed to admit that I was considering a community college program for nursing but I got over that quickly. Unfortunately its not easy to prove that you are committed to your studies when you have a faulty start. So I resolved to use whatever academic situation im placed in to my advantage. I will more than likely not make it into the 4 year programs........YET!!!!. But I am going to rock the heck out of a 2 year program. I plan on eventually getting my nurse practitioner and that will take some time. But it's a journey and I simply have to prove that I am worthy. Don't sweat the small stuff. Pick your head up and carry on. Be a role model to your kids. In the end they will know that you may have built obstacles and perhaps you did things you didn't want to, but you presevered and got it done.

Good luck.:up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can really relate. I have been going to a community college trying to complete all my non-nursing classes so that I can enter their nursing program. It was really discouraging when we were told, at the Information session, that we would not be considered until we had all those non-nursing courses completed with nothing less than a B. Needless to say, It will take me four years of full-time schooling to get my Associates Degree in Nursing. At least it is an RN program. I also am not 22 and have 2 kids (3 if you include my husband), full-time job, full-time school and household duties. It definately is not easy! I have already applied to 2 schools for the fall of 2008 and will apply to another (which I really would rather not go to) soon. I am very nervous about starting the nursing program because I have heard that you really do not have any time to do anything other than your school work. This is going to be difficult since we are a 2 income family who reall ycan't afford to cut down to 1. Well, we will see. For having such a shortage of nurses, they do not make it easy to get into the field!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I hear you! It's so so so competitive that sometimes it feels like there's absolutely no room for error...which is completely unreasonable since we're human and all, and bound to make mistakes sometimes. I actually am 22;) but it's still hard waiting around and being worried that you won't get the chance to live out your dream. Hang in there, this is a really great supportive network to be a part of. It will all turn out ok in the end!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Did you do well in the year(s) after that terrible year? A lot of schools only count your last 60 credits. One school I applied to only counts your most recent science credits. So it depends on the school. If it were me, I would go to the best school that accepts me, and work my butt off there so that when I went on to a BSN or MSN or whatever, they would see what a great student I am! :)

Definitely don't get discouraged. Keep on plugging!! You'll get there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Corrections.

I was feeling pretty good about my chances until I discovered that probably over 1/2 of all the people in my classes are going for nursing. I recently found out that there are only 50 spots open for Fall 09. I see what Im up against and it just makes me wonder "how in the he!! am I going to be selected?" Oh well...all we can do is try though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.
Hi April,

I think I wrote the book on this topic. I don't have kids yet but I too am not 22 and had a bad couple of rounds when I first tried the college thing. In addition I was really embarrassed to admit that I was considering a community college program for nursing but I got over that quickly. Unfortunately its not easy to prove that you are committed to your studies when you have a faulty start. So I resolved to use whatever academic situation im placed in to my advantage. I will more than likely not make it into the 4 year programs........YET!!!!. But I am going to rock the heck out of a 2 year program. I plan on eventually getting my nurse practitioner and that will take some time. But it's a journey and I simply have to prove that I am worthy. Don't sweat the small stuff. Pick your head up and carry on. Be a role model to your kids. In the end they will know that you may have built obstacles and perhaps you did things you didn't want to, but you presevered and got it done.

Good luck.:up:

I would have to say that I am in the exact same situation. I feel that I should be going to a 4yr but I am not that kind of student. I spent the first 2 years of college waisting my time and getting horrible grades because I simply did not want to be there. Trying to pick up the pieces years later is the most difficult thing I have done yet it has been the most gratifying. I am proud to say that I want to go to a CC, and I am 26 and still rockin the community college! My plans are to go right in as the RN to the BSN transfer program at CSUS and then move to my MSN. Some people just take school a step at a time because it works best for them, and there is nothing to be ashamed about.

;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.
I was feeling pretty good about my chances until I discovered that probably over 1/2 of all the people in my classes are going for nursing. I recently found out that there are only 50 spots open for Fall 09. I see what Im up against and it just makes me wonder "how in the he!! am I going to be selected?" Oh well...all we can do is try though.

The odd's may be against you but you will never know if you would be selected if you never applied! Just do it! :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have wanted to be a nurse forever, and while Active duty I completed all my prereqs which came by blood/sweat/tears LOL and then I got out, and got stuck in a holding pattern trying to get into college!!!! its so horrible, I talked to another lady who said she finally gave up and just went into public health, which seems to be what her whole class did they all wanted to be nurses, i think we are losing alot of potential nurses to this issue!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I must agree with everyone here..I also am NOT 22yrs old, I am a single mom struggling to make ends meet, working 2 jobs and going to school, and trying to keep an eye on my 14yr old son, I feel like my only chance is getting in 2009, I cant wait, I started up school after 14years, finished all my pre-reqs this winter, all I have to take is the NET test and then cross my fingers and HOPE to get in, with the rest of the school...I am 35 years old and its now or never (or apply again in 2010...2011...2012, etc):bluecry1:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am 35 years old and its now or never (or apply again in 2010...2011...2012, etc):bluecry1:

Only 35 years old? You kitten! :nuke: I'm 50! Keep applying, keep plugging along, and you'll get in and before you know it, you'll be done. Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I couldn't feel any better to know now that there are others that feel the same way I do!! I was actually in a ADN Nursing program when I was 19, and I was so young and immature that I screwed it up! Now 6 years later here I am trying to get back in the game! And I feel like I'm never going to have another chance again because of my previous mistakes! I just applied to 4 programs (2-BSN, 2-ADN) to start this fall and I'm just a wreck! I managed to change my study habits, make it my priority, (and it worked out good, I've been getting A's this past year, on repeats of course!) But I just feel horrible to think that it won't happen to me! and I get so depressed, it's been hard for me, with 3 kids, work, school and another big kid at home! (the hubby, but he's very supportive). So girls, we need to hang on tight and keep going for our dream job, we have to, because I realized this is how bad I want it! I will keep going for it! and I will keep on applying! and you'll have your days, but keep your head up!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion