CupcakeMonster

Hi guys!! I'm taking a 5 week MicroBio class that just started today... Lab and class 4 days a week! I really hope I can do this ~ I'm terrified but it's my last science pre-req and I hear from the BSN program in October for Spring start! We can do this! AHHHH! :)

Woohoo!! Congratulations on your two acceptance letters! I just turned in my application for Bethel University, but won't hear back until October since the only have a Spring start date. I hope to be as happy as you, come October! Good luck on hearing back from the UoMN, keep us posted :) Sarah

It's true, a C average won't get you into nursing school, but I've never heard someone say "Well, I am not smart so I guess I'll just go into nursing school!" It takes so much time/effort to even get into a nursing program, and then to stay in it! I really hope that my professors and the head of my nursing program never says, " If you can't maintain a 3.75 GPA, you might as well forget it." That might be being blunt honest, but it's not going to get a student anywhere and just going to give them some serious anxiety. Most colleges, especially what I've seen in the programs I've toured and now applying to, they will do anything to help students get through, especially if you really want it. Don't give up and just make sure you try your absolute best! Don't settle for C's, that won't get you in the door, but you are still in HS and you can get those grades up. :) Sarah

Hi Guys! I will be filling out my application for the BSN program at my school, and I won't hear back until OCTOBER! How long of a crazy wait is that?! They only have Spring start dates, so it takes awhile to hear back. I really hope I get in. I applied 3 times at a local community college and the applications were overwhelming there were so many! Truly hoping I get in this time around. I will be very patiently waiting :) Good luck to everyone and congrats to those that did get in!! Sarah

Coming from a CNA that works as a HUC/NST in Labor and Delivery at a hospital, I would say CNA! The job opportunities here in Minnesota for a CNA in a hospital setting go QUICK, so if you want a job in a hospital... apply, apply every day if you have to! I did not like working in a nursing home at all ~ just wasn't for me! I love working nights and being in school as a pre-nursing student. It gives you valuable experience and you have your foot in the door if you'd like to stay at that hospital. Do what works best for you and your schedule, but I did the CNA and haven't regret it :) Seriously though, apply a TON to hospital jobs. They list them as PCA, HUC (health unit coordinator), NST (nursing station tech) and a multitude of other position titles. Just something to be aware of. Good luck to you!!

Hi! I recently got a job as a CNA at a hospital here in the Twin Cities. The position is for an NST/HUC (pretty much the same thing as a CNA, lots of responsibilities everywhere) and I can agree with most of what everyone is saying. For me, I wasn't even getting interviews without having NA experience elsewhere, just to get a job as an NA in a hospital. I have a few nurses I work with that started out as an NA/HUC at the desk, and then were offered RN jobs when they were almost finished with RN school. It's really all about what you want! If your program requires CNA, definitely do it, but if you just want experience, maybe you should try it :) I can honestly say it's not my favorite... it's a lot of work and many patients per NA (of course, you work under an RN!) but still, it's difficult. I tried working in Senior Care and I just couldn't do it. I lasted about 3 weeks. I hope everything works out for you!

Heya! I joined Phi Theta Kappa because it looks good on your resume, and not only that, but I get an extra 1000$ per year as a PTK scholarship. It might not sound like much, but every bit helps! Totally up to you, but the 75$ I spent inititally has paid off :) Good luck to you! Sarah

I'm literally just going to apply to the same school, every semester, until I get that Biology class done for the other schools. Just seems like a long wait, but I'm in it for the long haul :)

Oh yes, I am doing pre-reqs for Nursing already. I plan on taking Physiology this summer (required for most anyway) Biology in the Fall, and Micro Biology in Spring 2013 while I'm waiting. The PA program is not as high demand as RN programs and my doc is a PA and I've been sort of drilling her for tons of information about the program, as we only have one program in the state of Minnesota. I just want to help people and PA or NP were a thought in the back of my mind when I was thinking about Nursing anyway. It's not like I thought "Oh PA, that would be easy and easy to get into" because clearly, it's a difficult program all around :) I plan to get as much info as I can about all the topics I'm thinking about. I really thought that getting or "taking" classes toward a Biology degree while I wait, might help... because soon, I will run out of things to take. The only pre-reqs I'm missing for any other schools are Micro Biology. My school does not require Biology before Micro, but I plan to take them that way since the Science dept at my school is ridiculously difficult. THanks guys! Will keep you posted. Going to keep trying to push forward....

I too, love seeing people post about waiting :) I am playing the waiting game currently! I was denied for Spring 12, hoping for Fall 12. I do feel as though I don't have a chance, with Fall being a greater number of students applying and with much higher GPA's than me! I do have back up plans, and classes that I plan to take while I wait! If all else fails, I am going to get my Bachelor's degree in Biology and pursue another Health Care related field in a Masters degree. Here's hoping that I get into Nursing! I Please keep me in your thoughts! Here's hoping :) Even if I don't get in, I'm going to keep applying! Hugs :) Sarah

It's difficult applying to other schools because I do not have all the pre-reqs done for all those schools. 8-12 schools?! There's not that many around here lol. I wish! I only have to the pre-reqs done for Normandale and if I wanted to apply anywhere else, there are 3-4 other classes I need before I can even apply. This next semester and summer (fall and summer) I will be taking those pre-reqs to get a better footing for myself! I just wish schools had similar pre-reqs for the same state. I might also transfer and take courses toward a Biology Bachelors degree while I wait... and if it never happens, get my Bachelor's in Biology and move on to Physician Assistant. As much as I want to be a nurse, I can't wait forever Thanks for the posts you guys! Sarah

Thanks Heidi!! I think I will take Bio then Micro, just to get my bases covered!! I hope you keep me posted on how well you are doing in Nursing school, so envious right now!! :) That stinks SO bad that you had to retake Biology ... UGH! I would have been frustrated! I have all my stuff done, just hoping to get that darn NLN score up this year and maybe next year they will say "OOOH la la, lets accept this girl!!" :) Sarah

Hey Heidi! Not sure how I missed your comment!! So sorry! Thank you VERY much for your helpful and kind information. I applied to the program at Normandale for this Fall, but my GPA is .06 less than it was last semester so that is disheartening. I will be retaking the NLN exam come October, since my score was pretty lame compared to that of others that are applying. Do you recommend any studying habits for that test? I have the booklet and CD from last time so I think I will start studying as soon as my Physiology course is over this summer! I so badly want to get in to the nursing program at Normandale. Do you think taking Biology in the Fall is an OK idea, even if they don't require it? Did you take Biology and then Micro for Inver, or just Micro? I am seeing the Biology is not a pre-req for Micro Biology, but what do you think? Thanks SO Much and good luck with Nursing school!!! I hope to be in your shoes in the next year or so. I hate waiting! Sarah

Hey guys! I wrote in a here a week or so ago with no response so I thought I'd try again! I have a 3.5 GPA at my current Community College, trying so desperately to get into their Nursing program, but they do not look at anything but "points" and GPA. I will be retaking the NLN this Fall (since my score can be much better) and hoping to get in for Spring 2013. My question - if I don't get in next year... should I go and get my Bachelors in something science related, then move on to Physician Assistant? As much as I really want to be a nurse, I also have all my generals and pre-reqs done and you can only take so many classes until there is nothing left or until I need to start retaking classes (mostly just Math, needs to be done every 2 years while waiting.) Any advice?? I am looking for any opinions, advice, info you name it! I have 8+ years as a PCA and hoping that will strengthen my University application since they do look at experience, but I have seen people with 4.0's get turned away Thank you all! Being patient and hopeful!! Sarah

Hey all! I also posted this in the MN forum but wanted to spread it out to this one as well! So - after many years of taking a break from school because I couldn't decide what to do, I am back at it (about 2 years in) and need to figure out what to do! I really want my BSN for Nursing but I am finding out how difficult it is to get in. I applied at Normandale CC for their 2 year RN and was declined for Spring 2012, so I just applied again for Fall 2012, not keeping my hopes up though. I have all generals and pre-reqs done for Normandale, and am now working on UMN pre-reqs (pretty much just Biology) and Inver Hills pre-reqs this year. I feel stumped! I have an OK GPA of 3.51 that I am trying to get up, and I have so much experience as a PCA/CNA (I have been doing that type of work in a group home for over 10 years on and off). Do I apply to the UMN? Is it even worth it with that low of a GPA or would they look at my 1000+ hours of work experience too? I have heard of people with 4.0's not getting in I just so badly want to get into the healthcare field. I might even apply to the UMN, get accepted, and then declare a major and go to Augsburg for their PA program. Any suggestions, opinions, helpful tips would be SO wonderful! I just feel like I am running in place at this point, and this semester I'm taking classes that really don't apply much, well sort of, trying to make it work! Thank you all !!! :)