Plans if not accepted into nursing school

ECMOismygame · May 11, 2005

OK, time for Stupid Question of the day. This is gonna sound really stupid, but what other choices do I have if I don't get accepted into a nursing program for next year? I really don't want to sit around and wait to apply again. don't get me wrong, I want to do nursing. But if it means sitting around for two years waiting to get accepted, I'm not sure if that's for me. I'll be applying this winter (in Dec) to various nursing school, but my GPA is a concern (will be in the 2.9-3.1 range). However, I have B's or better in all my science courses.
Also, one more thing you should know: I've always wanted to be either a CRNA or a teacher. would many of my pre-reqs apply if I decided to switch and go into education? I realize this choice is awhile away, but I would appreciate some insight. Thanks.

try LVN school. that will help you alot. or look into other fields in healthcare that arent so cut throat. maybe respiratory therapy

sHaMpOo_mE · May 11, 2005

I was also thinking the same, if I can't get into nursing school this year, i will go for the LPN/LVN program and from there go into a accellerated LPN to RN program, main point is not to give up easily ¬¬ Good luck to us! ¬¬

RedSox33RN · May 11, 2005

I had a list of things I was going to do if not accepted last year.

1) I got an application for a Surgical Tech program. I knew this REALLY wasn't what I wanted, but I figured it was a step toward that goal (though I found out later that since they are not full-credit classes, none of the classes taken would have transferred into an RN or LPN program).

2) I got an application for an LPN program starting the month AFTER I got my acceptance (in March; LPN program started in April for 11 full-time months). It probably would not have worked, since I still would have had to take the NET, because I had only taken the NLN admission exam.

3) I did sign up for an LNA course through the Red Cross - paid the fee and everything. Since I knew I'd be an LNA after my first semester (in my state we can get a license after completing the first semester of nursing school with an 80% or better), I told the Red Cross to let a person who could not afford to take the class to take it on me.

4) Get an application for a school for the OTHER thing I want to get a degree in - Sports Management.

5) As a last resort, take a vacation (never did get that) or make myself and my children miserable for another year. I had been rejected by another school the year before, and couldn't even stand to be around myself for a few weeks! Last year, I applied to every school within a 75 mile radius - no joking!

mrod, LPN, LVN · May 11, 2005

Hi :)

I applied to 3 Nursing Schools and only got into one, how ironic that it was the one I didn't think I was getting into.

I had a backup plan myself just in case, I was going to be an EMT and also work at the hospital to gain exposure. See, I am intersted in the ER, OR, ICU or PCU at a hospital. I had considered a CNA but my father is an RN for many, many yrs and he does not recommend it. To him it is a waste of money, little pay and bottom of the barrel job (not to offend anyone that is currently a CNA). He believes you do not gain much experience at all and you can make more money as an admitting representative than a CNA.

I think the best thing to do is the next best thing you are interested in that is closely related to nursing.

I hope this helps.

Doug85 · May 12, 2005

Thanks to everyone for your replies! They have been very informative so far. More questions from me to follow soon! :coollook: (as i think of them)....

Di Deanna · Jan 16, 2009

deleted :)

Equinox_93 · Jan 16, 2009

"it's easier to get into the LPN program than it is for Nursing?"

... LPN IS nursing. :)

And- it all depends on the school as to how easy it is to get into what. Best bet is to call the school and ask *them* what the waiting period is and what you can best do to gain acceptance...

Good luck!

sunray12 · Jan 16, 2009

"it's easier to get into the LPN program than it is for Nursing?"
... LPN IS nursing. :)
And- it all depends on the school as to how easy it is to get into what. Best bet is to call the school and ask *them* what the waiting period is and what you can best do to gain acceptance...
Good luck!

+1 - A LPN is a nurse. The question is whether you want to be a LPN or a RN. If you start at the LPN level and want to be a RN then you'll have take the LPN to RN route. On the plus side if you are a LPN you'd probably be admitted to a RN program with advanced standing. It can be easier to get into LPN school because there are fewer prereqs.

@OP,

Many of your nursing prereqs should apply for teacher cert. Check the website of the school where you plan to get your teacher cert and/or talk to an adviser at the school.

Cilantrophobe · Jan 16, 2009

If I don't get accepted to the Traditional Program that starts this fall then I will apply to the accelerated program that starts next summer and graduates at the same time I will be graduating if I get into the Fall program. And during my time off I will either take my son out of day care and be a stay at home mom, or I will get a job.

c_white1 · Jan 17, 2009

This thread is of huge interest to me. I'm starting to wonder what I will do if I don't get admitted into nursing school.

I'm curious to know about how hard it would be to switch into some kind of medical research/scientist track. Since I've started my prereqs I've realized how interesting I find research.

I'm applying to ABSNs and already have degrees in other fields (both in non life sciences fields) as well as a career history in high tech/software marketing.

How does one make a switch into medical/pharm research?

ChrisLady · Jan 17, 2009

Try applying through some hospitals for RN programs too. I know that Bayonne Hospital in NJ had a program where you go to school and work for them for 2 years in the Hospital {you get an associate's degree} and then they pay for you to finish the other two years at Seton Hall University.