CD Hill

Yes, you can always take nursing prerequisites prior to be admitted into a nursing program. Classes like Anatomy 1&2 with labs, Microbiology with lab, Chemistry I, and Nutrition are some of the classes I had to take to get into nursing school. I needed the anatomy classes with lab and the Microbiology class with lab for getting into an associate nursing degree program at my community/junior college. Bachelor degree/ university 4 year nursing degree programs require the chemistry and nutrition classes in addition to the anatomy and Microbiology classes. You also have core or basic classes you need to take such as history, speech, psychology/sociology, English, and some type of math. Each program is different so call the programs you are interested in to ask about their requirements. Also, ask for an appointment to sit down with an advisor in nursing program so no unnecessary classes are taken. Best wishes toward your future goals whatever they may be.

NYNative21, It sounds like you bit off more than you could chew with everything that is going on in your life. Learn from your mistakes and be accountable for your actions instead of being defensive of criticism. Now, to my advice on your question, anatomy and physiology classes are hard but not as hard as nursing classes. You need to retake your class because not all nursing programs take Cs to get into their programs. You want to do well on your prerequisite courses because they help to determine if you even get into nursing school. Secondly, get into nursing school and pass that before worrying about being an NP. Furthermore, if you want to be a nurse, you need to be able to take a serious amount of time to study (8-12 hours daily). Pick where your focus lies and remember that you cannot do it all. People who work too much in nursing school and college can flunk due to not studying long enough or putting enough effort into their goals. You want to be a nurse look for part-time work because you just are not a juggler of many tasks. Good luck!!

Honestly, I was a little offended by the minimum wage job crack because I was forced to work a job in retail with a master's degree. Lots of people have to use retail or minimum wage jobs to work their way through achieving their goals. I absolutely hate retail, but maybe you should work part-time to pay for your NCLEX expenses. Be proud that you have a BSN and do whatever you have to do have to do to pass your NCLEX. Kaplan, UWorld, Saunders, Lippincott, or NCSBN (the guys who developed the NCLEX). Just figure out where you are screwing up and work at it. After being dismissed from my RN program twice (once for missing my final class by one point and another time for clinical skills) within a six month period, I went three weeks later and entered the summer session LPN program. I passed it with As and got my LPN in March of 2016, after many months of being afraid that I would not pass the NCLEX. I passed it in 85 questions, but I studied a grand total of 2 weeks and 12 hour days with the NCSBN review. So, grow a pair and keep moving forward if you want to be a nurse!

Dear Overqualified, I, like you, have additional degrees and experiences besides my LPN. First, and foremost, I spent 3 years pursuing a ADN with little success ending up with the LPN after an additional summer session. Secondly, I spent five years obtaining a bachelor's degree in social work, two more years getting a master's degree in thanatology (death, dying, and bereavement), and another year to obtain my associates degree in medical assisting. In short, I have worked too many years to become educated and I have the student debt to prove it. So, I refuse to hide anything off my resume. You should have an attitude similar to mine because all of your education and experiences have helped to shape you into the nurse that you are becoming. If a manager is uncomfortable with your education and experiences, do you really want him or her to hire you!!?? Be clear with what role you hope to fulfill and where your future interests lie within the facility interviewing you. Also, mention how the skills from your current degree and previous degrees will help the interviewer meet his or hiring needs. Like you, I am also looking for work as a new nurse. I wish you much luck with your job search and your impending position as a new RN. I hope this was helpful!

I have not heard of this method because I am from Maryland, but in California there is a third method to becoming an LVN. I found that out thanks to Google. I would read through both the information on both of these links and contact the board for further assistance. Good Luck!! Here is a link from the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric technicians: Method 3: Qualification Based on Equivalent Education and/or Experience - Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians Here is an application from the California Board of Vocational Nursing: http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/pdf/method3.pdf

Never put your eggs in one basket (there are other schools) and read all applications or program information for requirements to get in. A lot of programs require the TEAS test but the TABE test is a new one (both are to make sure you have enough knowledge to be able to learn nursing). Give yourself adequate time to review for both so that you feel smart!! Take it one step at a time and don't overwhelm yourself. Besides, don't you have classes that need to be completed to get into the program? Just curious. I had to do two anatomy classes and a microbiology class. I started in the RN program at my local community college in 2013. When I applied in 2012, the TEAS test was not required yet but straight A's were required in the anatomy and microbiology classes.

Each school is different in how there programs are arranged, but all are difficult. What makes it hard is the large amount of information you have to learn both clinically (skill wise) and book wise in a limited amount of time. Additionally, you put your life on hold to learn it all and not all instructors are easy to work with due to their different expectations so be adaptable as possible. My best advice is study hard and practice your skills on a regular basis.