PLEASE HELP i cant get into nursing school

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Feb 29, 2012

I can give you some advice, but you probably won't like it. A GPA of 2.8-3.0 after five years of community college isn't going to get you in anywhere. A TEAS of 73% is also not good. I'm sorry you've had a difficult time, but you're now competing against students who do not have a poor scholastic record. Perhaps nursing isn't in the cards? I know there are others who will blow all kinds of positive smoke around, but honestly, the competition right now is fierce, and it doesn't look like you have what you're going to need to get in.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 29, 2012

I'm going to second what RNsRWe said. I've been researching all the schools in my area (there are 10 that offer nursing programs). Each one states that while they'll accept a 2.5, you need a high GPA just to be competitive with the flood of applicants they have.

The school I really want to get into even has you put your initials next to "I understand my GPA needs to be 3.5 or better to have competitive standing for admission" right on the application. They have 350+ applicants for 128 spots each year. They don't have a waiting list, they use a point-based system. GPA counts for the majority of the points. Then they give bonus points for having pre-reqs/co-reqs completed before applying. Additional points are given for experience in the medial field (e.g. CNA, medical assisting, etc.) and volunteer work (100+ hours minimum). They then add up all the points. The 128 applications with the highest points make it in.

If you're competing for a spot with hundreds of other applicants, you need to have your record speak for itself. I don't want to discourage you, but I also want to be realistic about what you're up against.

If you really want to become a nurse, a would highly suggest that you ask for an appointment to speak with the Nursing Advisor with the program you wish to apply for and ask him/her how you can make your application more competitive. Some programs will only allow you to have 1 re-take, so if you've already re-taken many of your courses, you may be stuck with the grades you have. Again, you'll need to speak to the Nursing Advisor to know for sure.

Good luck with your decision!

Palexander3512 · Feb 29, 2012

yea i hear what you both are saying and i really appreciate the honest advice. it's just really unfortunate because i know i am better than what my grades represent. when i first started college i was just going through so much at home (being homeless, abuse ect) and that really took a toll on my ability to concentrate and get the grades needed to be successful. like i said since i have gotten myself together i have been doing much better academically and managed to get bs in all my science classes but i did have to retake them. i went from never opening a book and getting a d or an f to studying my butt off and getting a b. for me that is a huge accomplishment and it just sucks that it won't be rewarded. i honestly don't know what else i could do besides nursing. i have been waiting for this my whole life and i know i would be a great nurse. i am thinking about doing a prn program or an lpn program and just working my way up to a bsn from there but i'm not sure if it's worth it because i fear my low gpa will follow me everywhere and i just don't have the energy or the resources to retake any more classes. also, the job market doesn't seem like it's interested in prn or lpn careers. does anyone out there no different? and i only took the teas one time and got the 73%. the instructor who gave me the exam said i did good seeing how my score was above the average but i guess we were both misinformed. what is a good teas score? any advice as to whether i should go for the prn? and what's the difference between a prn and a rn anyways? thanks again for your comments.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Feb 29, 2012

I don't know what "PRN" means as far as licensure goes...are you referring to a per-diem RN? At any rate, there are only two nursing licenses: RN (Registered Professional Nurse) and LPN or LVN (Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse--depending on your State). LPNs are frequently limited to nursing home care, as more and more hospitals not only demand RNs, but BSN degrees as well.

And here's the hard part for you to hear (or read, in this case): while it's certainly admirable for you to have buckled down and improved your grades like you have, "studying your butt off" and earning a B in a repeated course just isn't enough for pretty much any nursing progam in any college I've heard of. If there is an exception out there, I do hope you find it, but I don't want you to expect it...there's just too much competition right now. People who have taken a course only once and gotten an A are seeking the same spots you are.

You say you have been waiting your whole life for nursing, and believe you could be a great nurse, but I do have to wonder if you know exactly what it is you're getting into? Have you worked as a CNA, patient care tech in a nursing home or hospital? Maybe doing that, you'll get a bit of a feel for what the nurses in those environments are doing. I have seen many people who say "I'd be a great nurse" who, once they see what nursing REALLY is, realize that it isn't for them. And that's not a character flaw, just a simple reality.

I would suggest, that with those grades, you either find something else that interests you...or if you really feel you must be patient-involved somehow, look into becoming a CNA. It might satisfy your need to help people (if that's what's driving your interest) and still be attainable.

Reese2012 · Feb 29, 2012

if you could afford to go out of state I would broaden your boundries. I am sure there is a school out there that is willing to take you, but you need to research them before applying. It is frusterating, I currently have a 3.0 in my pre reqs (not all of the completed) and I feel that I am at the bottom of the todem pole. I keep telling myself to keep trying and work harder, because eventually one of these schools will accept me :)

iPink, BSN, RN · Feb 29, 2012

I didn't get to read everyone's response, but did glance through some honest responses. And honest they were, which is what the OP needs. I have a friend who has been trying to get into an Associates nursing program, with his GPA of 3.8. One of the program's advisor even told him, if he doesn't have a 4.0 don't even applying. Ouch. He wants to be a nurse, so he's taking the same route I did. Finish up his first degree and will be applying to an ABSN program.

You may want to think about that route, but good luck to you.

RN2BKS · Feb 29, 2012

Why don't you just work your way up? Go to a LPN school, work in a clinic or nursing home and then keep at it with the RN route. I wouldn't give up if that is what you really want. I know people that have gotten into programs with a 3.0 so it is crazy that some people with 3.8 or 4.0 cannot get in. If you can, I would look at different states, maybe the closes around you. Good luck with your decision! :)

2bEsqtoRN · Feb 29, 2012

OP, do not give up on your dreams. You may have to look at schools outside the Philly area to see who takes a bite. Also, if you can, start working in a hospital setting and explain your story if they ask for an essay/personal statement as part of the application package.

What schools have you applied to? If only BSN programs then I can see why you may not have had as much luck. Look into Associate Degree of Nursing programs where you can graduate as an RN and later on, bridge into a BSN program.

simmdd · Feb 29, 2012

I do not believe I will tell someone to bascially giveup because her GPA and TEAS score was low. I actually got into a college in daytona beach florida with a low TEAS score and a 3.0 GPA and it was a BSN program. So I will say try again and again. Yes it is hard to get into nursing school but I will never advise you to give up on your dream. Some one will give you a chance. You may have to settle for a online program in nursing. But never give up.

Raviepoo · Mar 1, 2012

Are you willing to look outside the Philly area? I am currently in an LPN program in Lancaster County. I think your TEAS scores would be good enough for admission. Area hospitals are not hiring LPNs but there are plenty of other opportunities - doctors offices, long term care, school nursing, clinics, the list goes on. Once you become an LPN you might be able to get into an LPN to RN transition program. PM me for specific information.

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Mar 1, 2012

yea i hear what you both are saying and i really appreciate the honest advice. it’s just really unfortunate because i know i am better than what my grades represent..

then hang on to that thought.

the worst "test-taker" rn i ever worked with, who even barely passed her nclex after two attempts, turned out to be one of the shining stars in the er. girl had a mind like a steel trap for practical skills and her clinical judgement was impeccable.

there are multiple programs out there that admit on a lottery system, or a "first come first served" (take a number) as long as you've passed your pre-req's with a 2.7-3.0 or better.