DiscontentedNS

You'll need to find out what GPA is required by your nursing school. Some programs will count all of your grades from your entire academic career. Others will take only those scores over the last five years. However, it might be possible for you to retake the courses you received C's in. I'm not sure if the new grade will replace the C or if it will be averaged-- that also depends on the school. I'd consider speaking with with a nursing advisor or your current advisor. They'll be able to provide you with more info. I wish I could be more help.

Thank you all for your input. I've decided to leave the program and build on my science degree. I think I'm better suited for working behind the scenes with others involved in research in treating those with rare illnesses. I don't necessarily need to be the one diagnosing. I hope I didn't put others off with my previous post; I feel nursing is a noble profession and believe more are needed to care for others. It just isn't the right fit for me.

Yes, I've looked into PA school, but I wasn't able to get in. It's very competitive. There are two schools in my area and they are private; so there are only 40 openings at one and 60 at the other. The one school gets around 850 applicants per year. I have a family and am unable to relocate, unfortunately. I'm also 40 years old, so reapplying and waiting isn't something I can do.

I've just completed my first semester of nursing school and I hate it. My goal was to become a DNP, but I don't think I'll be able to put up with what that entails. My reasons for being despondent stem from the affect some of the professors have toward the students. Firstly, we aren't allowed to look at our exams; as a result, none of us know what we got wrong. This makes it very difficult to study and improve our test grades. I feel my lack of knowledge comes from a misunderstanding of the nursing process. When I take practice tests at home, I'm getting the "what to tell the patient" questions wrong. I have a science degree and feel confident in the knowledge based material, but I can't know for sure what I'm missing. Second, my advisor will not return my emails. I tried reaching out to her to nail down where my deficits are and it's proving to be futile. Third, I'm not fond of clinicals. No, it's not because I hate doing hard work; mostly, I feel terrible watching the nursing home residents being treated without dignity. It's also true that I'm not enthralled with giving injections and passing meds. My clinical advisor says I'm not enthusiastic enough and don't try to take advantage of additional tasks being offered. Honestly, I know I do not want to be an RN, I want to be an NP. I like the concept of diagnosing and treating patients and helping them live their best lives. I want to order lab work and any necessary tests that are needed. Lastly, I'm on borrowed time, physically. I have a progressive disease and will not be able to do the work of an RN long term. I'll be able to work long enough to get me through NP school (most DNP programs require students to work as RNs). I'd really love to know, from any NPs here, what future clinicals are like. Also, is it normal to feel this way about the nursing program?