Grizz

If you don't like dealing with bs then don't be a nurse or a PA. People aren't at their best when they are sick/injured or otherwise need medical care, and their families tend to be worked up and stressed as well. Small talk does count when building patient rapport or trying to make the patient more comfortable. It sounds like you would have a hard time faking a good bedside manner. And if you don't like stress, I don't know how in the heck you'd be a nurse or PA. Its stressful but its rewarding if you genuinely care about helping people. It sounds like your interests lie in the scientific side of it.

I am going to try to apply for this summer's program! I'm having trouble finding the time to study for the TEAS between planning a wedding, building a house, and moving. But like you, I'm going to keep applying until I get in! Have you applied in the past or is this your first time? Did you go to the Diversity Day program today?

I need to figure out a plan B if I DON'T get in to nursing school anywhere this year. For those of you who didn't get in the first time around, what did you do to prepare to re-apply? My pre-req gpa is a 4.0, but this is my 2nd time around in school. When I graduated with my bachelors degree (different field - non science) in '07, I had a 2.65-2.9 or so, depending on the way each school calculates gpa. What can I do to show the kind of student I am now?

I am nearing the end of 2 of my summer courses (and already finished one) and I am completely physically and emotionally exhausted. I was doing fine while we had easier concepts, but now that we're into heavy memorization of new concepts, covering 2 chapters every 4-5 days, I'm burnt out. Its hard for me to sleep thinking that's time I could've studied more (while I'm studying every waking moment I'm not at work, and on my lunch breaks), plus I'm working full time. I have A's in both courses for the time being, but I'm terrified of bombing the finals because they're comprehensive and I'm worried I haven't retained enough. 2 questions - How do regular semester courses compare to summer courses? I'm so exhausted I'm thinking of sitting the fall out, but if they're more manageable I think I could handle it just fine. My first bachelors was in a field where summer classes WEREN'T a big deal, so that's how I went into this naive! Also, do you have any tips for studying for comprehensive finals and also calming the heck down about them? The courses are A&P I and nutrition.

Can anyone provide insight about what program you chose and why? My first choice is UT's CNL program but I'd like to hear from current/past students of all programs! I also need a plan B - although UT's web page says they weigh all 5 admission categories equally, I worry about my undergrad BA gpa (2.9) although I have a 4.0 in my pre-reqs (not sure what that bumps my total gpa to). I work at a Memphis children's hospital and I am chomping at the bit to go to nursing school and return in an RN position!

MemphisTiger, I added you as a friend on here. Could you PM me? I'd love your insight on Memphis nursing programs. I'm finishing pre-reqs at SW and already hold a BS so I'm exploring my options!

I know a lot of MSWs who end up being awesome nurses! Go for it - the kids are raised, do something for YOU!

Anyone? :)

There are things I'd be WAYYYYYYY more concerned about than HIV, but if I let those fears dictate my life, why would I join the healthcare profession? I'm a counselor (and pre-nursing student) and I work with patients who are newly diagnosed, pregnant, have new babies, or other situations where they made a little extra support. There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a patient discriminated against by healthcare professionals who learn of their HIV status. I've seen doctors and nurses blatantly avoid patients, avoid eye contact/speaking, put every material from the room in the biohazard bin when the patient leaves, you name it. We have even had instances of OB/GYNS advising HIV+ pregnant women to have abortions. Singling patients out when you know (or should know) dang well that universal precautions are universal precautions is not what being a nurse is about. Sorry to get all emo but I am very proud of my patients that we empower to be healthy, happy, successful mothers with equally happy and healthy (and 99% of the time uninfected) babies :redbeathe

I love the Army one too! I've seen some pretty cheeseball versions out there :)

I'm applying for an accelerated bridge to MSN program that uses 5 criteria equally to determine acceptance: undergrad gpa, personal interview, professional references, TEAS score, and personal statement essay. I feel confident about everything but the undergrad gpa - I got a degree in another field and had so-so grades, around a 2.9. However, in my nursing pre-reqs I have a 4.0. Not sure what that elevates my total gpa to. My first choice school requires a 2.6 in pre-reqs, and says the average entering total gpa is a 3.2. If I DON'T get in the first time around, can any of you recommend courses I can take to further demonstrate my commitment to the field and also raise my gpa?

Mods, can this be moved to the MSN forum? I think I put it in the wrong place :):)

Stats was one of my pre-reqs and I got a C. Would have loved to have gotten higher, but I'm scared if I re-take it I'll get a lower grade! Eek!

Looking for some advice and opinions about my chances of getting in to a program, and advice on what I could do to improve my odds! I am applying to an accelerated MSN program that uses the following criteria for admission, with none carrying more weight than any other: Undergraduate or graduate academic preparation and achievement Personal qualities as assessed from interviews Professional recommendations Personal statement Standard Test Scores - TEAS & ACT In my undergraduate program in a non-medical related field, I made decent grades but nothing to write home about. A sprinkling of A's, lots of B's, a few C's. However, when I began working for a children's hospital and realized I was missing my calling as a nurse, I enrolled in pre-reqs and have been getting all A's, save for statistics where I earned a C (and plan to re-take). I interview very well, will be turning in recommendations from docs/nurse practitioners I work under at the hospital, have worked very hard on my personal statement essay (and my undergrad was in writing! :) ), and will be turning in a 29 on the ACT and have been testing very well on TEAS practice exams and am studying my TAIL off. I'm just hung up on my undergrad GPA from my Bachelor of Arts program - I believe its a 2.7. In my nursing program pre-reqs, I have 5 A's, 1 C. They require a 2.6 for the pre-reqs. Thoughts?