jaime_michelle

Let me guess......you have what it takes to become a great nurse but you can't get into nursing school?!?! Research proves that GPA and high-stakes testing does not predict nursing school completion/success. Yet, most nursing schools still use those numbers to decide who gets in and who doesn't. I have to admit that I entered nursing school in an era where all interested were admitted (thank goodness because I didn't have good grades- I was well-rounded). The reason that academic leaders use numbers (GPA and/or test scores) to decide admission is because it's easiest and least likely to be litigated. The profession of nursing is an art AND science. It's a caring profession that requires compassion AND competence. Since you are reading this article, you want to get into nursing school/ you are meant to become a nurse. Don't give up. My advice to you comes from a decade of serving on admission committees/ deciding who gains admission. First and foremost, find an accredited nursing school and apply. Keep applying to schools because the profession does not punish applicants for applying elsewhere (med schools are notorious for that type of exclusivity). Professionally accredited nursing schools are all quite similar and your goal is admission (anywhere). Hospitals (employers) do not publicize what college their nurses attended, so don't worry - graduation/passing Boards is your goal. If you have to take a standardized entrance exam, be confident! Sleep the night prior, eat a healthy meal, and plan to ace the test. If you get to write an essay or interview, please don't say, "I love helping people". SO many professions help people. Why do you know that you are meant to be a nurse?!? Do you know a nurse? Do you know what a nurse does? And please don't offend the admission committee members by telling us that "I wanted to become a doctor but couldn't get into med school so my mom talked me into nursing school" or "I want to become a nurse so I can go back to grad school and become a PA". PLEASE!!! OK, I'm done ranting: good luck- it's an amazing profession worth fighting to get into.