KittyKat19

I might further add that when I was really depressed, I could have easily said what you said about being able to tolerate nursing as a career (and probably did say something to that effect). That set off a red flag for me.

I don't think I ever really changed my mind. I think, in a way, it was what I always wanted to do. There were just so many things in the way. I was definitely depressed at the time I flunked out. I joined the military during most of the time in between, so I couldn't go back even if I wanted to. I also feel that for me, being a nurse practitioner is a better fit (no disrespect to RNs, I think what they do is fantastic and commendable). After I got my B.A., I could go into to such a program that allowed me to become an FNP on graduation. And yeah, I had the help of a counselor who helped me cut through all the crap that was keeping me from going back. Which included, but was certainly not limited to, the feeling that nursing wasn't "good enough" for someone who was intellectually curious. This was reinforced by my family. Why try so hard at something that you don't think is worth it, right? It's tough and I hear where you're coming from. Your path may not be the same as mine, but I really do think that counseling can help you clarify things in your life. Specifically, if nursing wasn't for you, why did you try so hard? And if it is, why didn't you succeed? These are not small questions. There the kind of things you need help with at 21...or 28...or 48. PM if you'd like to chat.

Ouch! I hope I'm never on the receiving end of your compassion.

I think you might consider seeing a counselor. These are some big questions and you seem depressed -- understandably. Even if it's not that serious (and I would argue seeing "able to bear it" as a major qualification for a career path really is), a counselor might help you with aptitude testing, study skills, and/or galvanizing your passion for nursing or something else. FWIW, I flunked out of nursing school when I was about your age. Now I'm 28 and starting a nursing program in the fall. If it's really what you want to do, you'll find a way back. But in the meantime, regardless, I think professional help is order.

Agreed PuraVida. I have seen a study like that on this site. I also think that working in primary care minimizes the difference, since there really are few jobs for RNs in primary care and a great deal of hospital nurses' experience is not relevant to what an FNP does.

Thanks for the encouragement. I agree that doing a postmortem does no good, however, I really think it's disingenuous to say that ethnicity is not a factor, given the stated goals of the school. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, or that I would have gotten in if I had been a minority, and I'm definitely NOT saying that those who did get in did not deserve it.

I'll just chime in here since I'm going into one such program although it is only two years, straight through the summer. I hear the whole thing about not being ready, it was a real worry for me. Before I found out I didn't get into UCLA, I talked to an NP I know (old-timey nurse who took the long way). She was very supportive and said she'd heard good things about Vanderbilt. She said that she's precepted students from the program and the major problem they had was adjusting to the role of NP but otherwise they were great. She said the program gives you a good knowledge-base, but regardless of which way you go, the first year or two as an NP will be a challenge.

Sorry Lovin. You know belong to a very special club of rejects. Sarah: Shelli better have a really good reason for making you waiting another day!

Sarah, I know how much you wanted this so I'll check in tomorrow to hear your news. I feel invested. 'Promise you'll call? Music, you sound pretty super-human to me. Congrats!

I did. I did not get in (sorry for lurking but I was trying not to steal Music's thunder...it looks like she's gone out for Margaritas).

Ok guys. I'm going radio-silent for the next hour. Next time you "see" me, I'll probably know.

My co-worker is badgering me to call right now...now I know how you feel Sarah!

Thanks Sarah...I can't sing and dance though.

I'm doing the same if I don't get it today. No need to prolong the suffering needlessly.

Nope. But I will in about an hour if it made it's way up here by today. I'll let you guys know....but c'mon, the chances are pretty slim.