MissHeatherD

Thanks for your kind words. Fortunately my GPA is around a 2.5, low but fixable, and I'm taking 4 lab classes and 2 regular classes with high expectations for A's/B's so hopefully that 2.5 is upped near a 3.0+ GPA. Fortunately my college cancells out the lower previous grade achieved. For example, I got a F in my first attempt algebra class and I took it over and got a B. My transcript still has the "F" but did not apply the class credits for that F, meaning my GPA now counted the new B and voided the old F. However, I'm only taking one more class over that I previously got a D in and the rest will all be brand new classes. Hopefully it does enough to help my GPA!

I'm approaching my last year at my community college. I already have my associate's in liberal arts (general education) and I'm about to complete all of my nursing prerequisite classes. I have high-hopes of transferring into a four-year college, getting accepted into their nursing program and persuing an RN/BSN degree. However, if it only it were that easy! Here's the thing... my associate's degree does not have the greatest grades ever. However, I only did poorly on classes that have nothing to do with nursing. The classes I did do poorly in that are required as nursing prerequisites I am taking over though. So far in my nursing prereq classes I've gotten all A's and B's, and even though I'm still in the process of taking the more difficult courses (Anatomy :stone), I am very confident and hell-bent on getting no less than a B for a final grade. Here's the other thing... even though I've been doing well, and will continue to do well, I'm still very worried about my previous bad grades. Even though they're irrelevant to my major, they still effect my GPA. I'm worried that colleges I apply to will take one look at my bad grades and deny me, even though I've shown tremendous improvement... especially in the classes that matter. The classes I'm taking now and the good grades I'm expecting to get from them will definitely help my GPA but it still won't be that great. I was told that private colleges have more seats available for nursing programs since private schools receives more funds/money for nursing programs. The cheaper colleges, the state schools, are very competitive and always have a very limited availability of sets available for nursing. Unfortunately, my parents are going through a rough spot and can only afford a state college... meaning, I'm pretty much applying to the more competitive/limited availability of seats available for nursing. SO, on top of my previous bad grades and slightly non-impressive GPA, I'm also applying to very competitive schools. GREAT. Basically, I'm just wondering if anyone out there has experienced or is going through the same thing. Am I just too worried about it? Are schools really all talk when it comes to how "competitive" their nursing programs are? I really don't know what to think and it's constantly on my mind. Any insight would be very helpful to me... thanks in advance!!!

Hi! Right now I'm taking prerequisite courses to transfer into a BSN/RN program. Although I already have my Associate's degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences, it will take me another 3 years to become an RN with a BSN since I don't have any of the required courses for nursing. I ultimately want to become a Nurse Practitioner and I was wondering what to expect and prepare for these next few years. From what I understand, after I get my BSN, I can go on to persue my Master's degree. However, will a Master's in nursing grant me as a Nurse Practitioner, or is it seperate from a Master's? Could someone walk me through the process of becoming a Nurse Practitoner? In the mean time I'm also looking for a job as a Nurse's aid. Any other suggestions to what I could do in the mean time? Also, does anyone know the best college(s) for a possible accelerated program for Nursing in NJ? I know I asked a lot of questions but I'm very interested about my future in nursing. Thanks in advance for the helpful responses!