Ickles

I originally decided to volunteer when I made the decision to return to school to become a nurse after already being out in the workforce. I did it to make sure this was really, really what I wanted to do, and it was also suggested to me by an advisor. One year later and I have completed the hours required for a letter of reccomendation, yet I couldn't bring myself to leave and have stayed on for another rotation (another 13 week committment). The only reason why I am stopping at that point is because I am pregnant and will not be able to commit to it anymore. I love volunteering, and can't believe I haven't done it until now. I love talking with the nurses, helping out whenever I can. Once I have my baby and begin the waiting period to apply to nursing schools, I plan to go back and volunteer some more, if not at a hospital then another organization that has a need locally.

I need encouragement, I just signed up for Microbiology, Anatomy, and Physiology ( I am not talking about API or AP II, actually taking a full anatomy course and seperate physiology course to fufill my AP requirements). I am just dying to get my prereq's overwith so I can apply to nursing school, or at least get on a wait list. I have absolutely everything else I need done. Anyone conquer this in one term and get through it??? I will not be working at all with the exception of my four hours a week volunteering at a hospital and I am married with a 2 year old who will be in daycare full time while I attempt this. Pulleeaase give me some encouragement, stories, whatever!

Hi Stephanie, I have a situation a little bit like yours, except I got my degree about 8 years ago. I have a B.A in Social Sciences, which means I had three minors of Sociology, Psychology, and History. My gpa isn't very high either, around a 2.65-2.7. Same as you as well, I didn't feel very confident about getting into Nursing and now I feel like it was what I was meant to do. I did some calling around and investigating when I first decided to pursue this, and the state university closest to me (California State University at Northridge) had an accelerated BSN program. I was told flat out (and I am very grateful for this) there was nothing I could do about my grades now and the only thing I could do was find out what I could do to get an Associates in Nursing and go from there. Meaning, after earning a BA I had to go back to a community college to find out what I could do to get into Nursing School there. So that's what I did. I am taking the pre-req's in the Fall, and I was told by an advisor that I had to get the very best grades possible in those classes (I have to take a Bio Class, A&P I and II, and Microbiology), as well as find an internship or volunteer work to help my chances to get into Nursing School to make up for my poor grades previously. My plan is to put my best foot forward now and accept the fact that I didn't do some of the work I was supposed to do when getting my BA and now I have to make up for it. After attending Nursing School and becoming an R.N. I plan to pursue my BSN. It's going to be a lot more work and time than an accelerated program, but what matters is getting it accomplished in the end. Good Luck to you!!