Noonpoon

Hey, so I have a bit of a peculiar case. I am one year out of high school. I'm only saying this because it might matter later on, but I was a very, very good student. I took a gap year this past year. I fell in love with the nursing career path during that time, but didn't commit to it until after the 4-year direct entry program deadlines were over. My options as of now are: 1) Go to community college for an Associate's in pre-nursing in preparation to transfer to Seattle U, UW, and similar schools in Washington. I have heard it is extremely competitive (80 spots for 600-ish applicants at Seattle U one year, for example, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that a lot of slightly older students with years of experience are competing for these positions). Also, a lot of schools (Seattle Pacific University and Washington State University (I think?) only designate a meager 5-10ish spots for transfers). I can't tell if I'm selling myself short, but I don't like those odds. Plenty of very qualified students don't make it. So if this doesn't work out... 2) I go the ADN and RN-BSN route. This takes longer. I have to apply every step along the way, and that's a headache in of itself. I have no reason to believe I won't get good grades based on my past academic record, but you never know. It's also cheaper, but money isn't the hugest priority (something to think about, but I have resources for non-community college route) -or- 3) I try to get into a direct entry nursing program (Seattle University or Pacific Lutheran University) to enter college TWO years after graduating high school. If admitted, this would guarantee I would get into the program as long as I get decent grades. I am perfectly happy to put effort into working and volunteering, but the odds of getting in as a transfer into these programs are something to be recognized. I would happily work/volunteer just for the experience no matter which program I choose. I love the program at Seattle U. I do feel insecure about applying as a graduate and not a high school senior, but I have a perfect GPA, very difficult coursework, and what I like to believe are impressive non-academic endeavors. I think I have a decent chance at getting a scholarship if I go this route. This would mean working as a CNA for a year, and not starting school yet. I don't know what to do... I'm having trouble sleeping and general anxiety because I feel like I messed up my life even though I logically know it's not true. I think I'm having trouble adjusting to making adult decisions, and it honestly sucks. Essentially: Is going into a direct-entry program worth it for me? I am specifically talking about direct-entry programs vs transferring vs ADN/RN-BSN in Seattle area. Anyone who has gone through any of these paths in the Seattle area, I would much appreciate any advice

I looked into all of the BSN programs in my state. A few of them are still accepting applications, but they don't seem much better than getting pre-reqs done at a community college and transferring to a BSN program. I know plenty of people who have successfully gone from local community colleges to top-tier nursing schools in my area (there happen to be quite a few high ranking ones), assuming they have pretty stellar grades. For a 4 yr BSN program, I would either have to wait another year to apply or go to a regionally accredited/religiously affiliated school that seems akin to CC. I have nothing against either type of school, but I'm not sure why I shouldn't go to CC? especially if I can transfer to a BSN program? Or is there benefit in maneuvering for a 4 yr program?

Thanks... that's very reassuring to hear. I'm honestly glad that nursing isn't so strict on having name-brand credentials. It seems like flexibility and room for advancement is a common theme :)

That's a good point... I initially thought I would have to wait out another year before applying to a 4 yr school since I have missed the deadlines for next fall. Having a second gap year would become a tad odd... not to say that I wouldn't gain admissions anywhere, but I am not very interested in having two years off. But your input has got me looking into any schools that are still admitting students. I'll definitely look into that... :)

Hi! I am a high school graduate on a gap year at the moment. Before starting my gap year, I already had admission at a very prestigious women's college affiliated with an ivy league school (I would graduate with the ivy league's diploma). During my gap year, I have fallen in love with nursing. I have struggled with finding my place in the world, but I really feel that nursing is a calling for me, of sorts. I have consulted multiple RNs with decades of experience and I have always left inspired and excited. If it counts for anything, I helped my dementia-ridden grandfather into death because we couldn't afford hospice care, and I feel that I have an intuition for what ailing people need. I really feel that nursing would be perfect for me, especially because I can continue on to become an NP, which I would love. The problem is that my college does not have a nursing program! Now, this isn't the only problem with the school that I should be attending this fall. It is also exorbitantly priced. My family isn't rich, but very self-sacrificing. My parents keep telling me not to worry about the price, but I think most families in our situation would consider it a pretty big reach. Also, the aura at the school (in NYC, by the way) is very negative and many students seem depressed (with high suicide rates). I enjoy healthy competition, but this isn't it. I honestly worry I will be crushed under the pressure, and it's only partially explained by pre-college jitters. So I have two options, it seems: 1) I go to my prestigious school in NYC, not major in nursing, make life-long friends (hopefully LOL), have awesome experiences, graduate with an impressive degree, broaden my horizons and all that jazz. I could also end up very upset... I am starting to doubt how I fit in. I would then for for an ABSN, and after some experience, go for NP credentials. 2) I drop my college, which I have (perhaps naively) defined as success for much of my life. I worked HARD to get into that school. I go to a local community college for an ADN, transfer to a BSN program, work for some time, then hopefully go on to a DNP program. This would be much more efficient and would save a LOT of money. My question is: Do MSN/DNP programs have anything against community college credits? I imagine not, especially because you would have years of experience before applying to these programs...? Also, any advice on what to do would be very much appreciated. After consulting with the adults in my life and analyzing the situation over and over again, I need some fresh opinions. I am reluctant to drop my opportunity to go to such an amazing school, but I also need to think of my future as an RN (and, probably, eventually as an NP).