Another Sleepless Night, While Stuck in Limbo

I got my Pre-Nursing degree. However my GPA does not qualify me for a BSN program. I was advised to get my Associates in Nursing first, then go back for the BSN. Is it worth it? Or should I raise my GPA up & re-apply for a BSN program? Nurses Announcements Archive Article

Another Sleepless Night, While Stuck in Limbo

So here I am having another sleepless night due to my current uncertain state regarding my professional future. If you have any guidance and time to read my story, please reply.

I have been attending college since 2012 for my pre-req Nursing courses for the BSN programs at University of Incarnate Word & UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. Last December, I completed my pre-req's and went on to apply to each program stated above. I got turned down by both programs, due to my low Science GPA. At UIW, the application only considers your overall & Science GPA, in which I stand at a 3.02 & 2.2, respectively. UIW requires a minimum Science GPA. At UTHSC, they take into account your overall & Science/Math GPA, in which I stand at a 3.02 & 2.05, respectively. UTHSC, requires a Science/Math GPA of 3.0.

After being denied by both BSN programs, I felt devastated and quickly fell into a state of limbo & self-guilt. Yes, I do admit to myself that I could have pushed myself harder in my pre-req classes , instead of just trying to make the cut, I should have prioritized better (which I am usually great at). But enough with my self-pity. After these stated emotions. I went on to think what my next steps would be, so I contacted the Admission Department from both Nursing Schools.

From UIW, I had a 30 minute conversation with the Dean, in which she suggested I not "put all my eggs in one basket", and look at other Nursing schools and perhaps get my RN license, then re-apply to their accelerated BSN program at a later time.

From UTHSC , the Admission Department, informed me that if I re-take 7 courses (A&P I & II,Nutrition, General Chem.I & II, Microbiology & Contemporary Math) & received A's in all of these courses, I would be well over the minimum 3.0 Science-Math GPA requirement & would be a better qualified candidate for their program.

I also looked at the Baptist Health Career school, which I currently qualify to apply to, although I would leave the program with solely an Associates Degree in Nursing. I mean, yes there is nothing wrong with solely an RN license, which I know I can go back to school for my BSN, but I feel like I did not go to college for 2.5 + years of pre-req courses, just to have only A & P I and II, and Microbiology count.

I reconsidered the advice given to me by UTHSC , and I did the math of how long it would take me to re-take these 7 courses. If I want to successfully pass these classes, and get A's in all of them, it would take me 1.5 years and be done by Fall 2017, if I start this Fall. I do not mind taking these classes again if it would benefit me in the long -run.

My main question becomes, is it worth me re-taking these 7 classes, or should I just get my RN license now?

I only looked at Nursing schools in San Antonio, since I live at home and would prefer saving money on housing, but I am open to any new angles that I perhaps did not consider.

P.S.

I am currently a CNA at a local hospital and have been for 1.5 years now, so I have the general idea of how working as a nurse would be like and I am very inclined to take on this challenge, in order to enhance my skills in a healthcare setting and better my economic status.

I have a passion for caring for others. I am very driven to become a nurse to better my life and those around me.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Have you looked into whether the program's accept CLEP test outs for the science classes?

You may not necessarily have to "retake the courses", but take a test and then present the "re-taken" grade.

I understand your thought process; I felt if I was to go to school and have done the work and received a lot of credits, the most I can do is obtain a Bachelor's degree-it was a personal goal of mine, and it took me 12 years to earn one, with a stop along the way where I became an LPN, which helped immensely with my experience and my economic status; it was a different time period; but effective nonetheless.

Check into CLEP, and repeat the science courses you can't CLEP, and go from there; the nursing programs pointed you into the right direction to help with your success.

Best wishes.

I wouldn't take 7 classes over again. I would start with my ADN. You can be almost done with that for as long as it'll take you to redo those classes. You have endless options when it comes to your BSN.

What if you try to retake those classes and don't get an A? You'll be in the same spot, except in more debt.

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Those science grades are pretty low. Only you can truly evaluate the cause of these outcomes. If you simply did not put in enough effort, it's likely that you will do much better if you try again. However, you may also want to consider whether a science-based profession is the one for you. Not all brains are hard-wired for science. This does not have anything to do with intelligence. It may be a good idea to arrange for career/aptitude testing to determine your underlying strengths. There are many types of "helping" professions - nursing is not the only one.

BBboy

252 Posts

Specializes in PICU, CICU.

First, if you knew you needed to put more effort into your classes why didn't you? This could've saved you all the headache and nausea associated with not getting in.

Second, your GPA is more than extremely low for nursing (both overall and science based). To be competitive anywhere where you are not in danger of not being able to sit for the nclex, accredidation, or paying a kings ransom you need to retake your pre-reqs. Yes, it will take a considerable amount of time and money but you made that decision when you put in a sub par effort.

Third, there is nothing wrong with being an RN. You understand that even those with BSN still have those little two letters in front of their name correct? Aside from that I can't exactly tell you how you plan on getting your RN now if your grades fall at a 3.0 and 2.0

Fourth, I'm sure you realize now that the pre-nursing degree doesn't exactly guarantee anything other than the fulfillment of the pre-reqs. I too have a coworker that is more evenloped on attaining theirs than getting the best grades they can get (some people learn by trial and error)

Now that all of the constructive criticism is out of the way I will say there is hope even in the darkest of times. You really do need to boost those grades, getting into nursing school is very if not entirely academic based (experience and etc can also play a role depending where you go). Without the grades you will be stagnant and you don't want to look at this thread months from now and wish you restarted sooner. Take your new oppurtunity to really better yourself

Littlebit22

5 Posts

I agree with some of the others comments that your science grades are a little low. However depending on what your A&P/microbiology grades are you should look at Western Governers university if a bachelor's means that much to you. They won't take your nutrition class but they will take into account the fact that you have experience in the health care field. Honestly I have a feeling the ADN programs in your area are going to say your grades aren't competitive enough. I live in Wichita Falls and our ADN program requires a minimum 2.75 but they usually don't take anyone lower than a 3.2. In the end you may have to retake some of your prerequisite classes no matter what. Don't give up you will find a way ni matter what path you take it just won't be easy.

Specializes in Trauma/Ortho/Plastics.

I think you should apply to some of the ADN programs in SA and while you're waiting repeat those courses you need a higher grade in. You can always get your BSN online right after.

Bonnieparker22

28 Posts

Retake some classes. At my school you wouldn't get in with those grades and it's just a community college. Plus it takes time to get into any type of program so if you start retaking classes now at least you'll be a few steps closer than you were before while you figure everything out! Best of luck!

troy14

19 Posts

Schools near me wouldn't even let you apply with those grades I don't think... definitely wouldn't get in. But I'm not here to insult you, whatever the cause for the low grades is irrelevant at this point.

I would recommend getting your ADN if you can apply to the program and get in. Your work options may be slightly limited with an associates instead of a bachelors, but, I do believe getting your ADN -> BSN will be significantly easier. Retaking 7 classes is nuts in my opinion. That's at least 2 semesters...

Specializes in PACU.

That science GPA is going to kill your chances at a majority of nursing school. I'm not trying to put you down, I'm just trying to give you a little reality.

That being said, I got into a nursing program with a pretty abysmal GPA and I'm doing pretty well. You really want to look at holistic nursing programs. Those are the ones that look at the whole candidate, and not just the GPA.

I'm in the same limbo, but no classes completed.

BBboy

252 Posts

Specializes in PICU, CICU.
I'm in the same limbo, but no classes completed.

Then you are definitely not yet in the limbo