Concrete Rose

Have you looked into residency programs? It might not be because you lack a BSN degree but you might not have the experience they are looking for despite the fact that you've been an LPN for a few years. I know new grads w/ ADN degree's that were recently hired into residency programs. Perhaps in your cover letter you can also indicate how important continuing your education is and that you plan to do a bridge for your BSN in the near future. There could be a lot of factors but don't lose hope!

Anyone started received acceptance letters? Anyone care to share their stats?

In my humble opinion, I think Gwinnett Tech in Lawrenceville would be my first choice. It's not far from Lithonia and honestly, I've heard nothing but good things about the program. Regardless of the program though, I think you will find some type of negative feedback. Everyone has different learning styles and different expectations. I've heard some not so great things from some students in GPC's program this year, but if you're considering GPC, I say go for it. If a teacher isn't supportive or if the structure of the program isn't ideal, just keep in mind it's only a max of 2 years that you have to muddle through. GPC grads get hired and that's what counts. For Nclex pass rates up to last year you should check out http://sos.ga.gov/PLB/acrobat/Forms/38%20Reference%20-%20Nursing%20Education%20Program%20Results%20(NCLEX).pdf

To be fair to guyjincj I've heard other people say that about GPC. I know someone who recently graduated from that program and although that person passed NCLEX 1st try, had stellar grades, and was able to get a residency in an ICU unit she felt as though she was not as well prepared as her counterparts. She went to GPC because of the cost and despite their approach, they do get a good a number of RN's licensed. I think sometimes it's important to know this information so you can go in mentally prepared to deal w/ the challenges. Nursing school is hard wherever you go and it kind of sucks when you don't have support from faculty. But as with everything...these experiences are very subjective.

Oh ok and ha ha I meant Hampton lol. Howard is a great school though. The semester just started but the workload is heavy since they're cramming everything that would of been covered Aug-Dec into just 8 weeks. I'm taking lecture online and of course lab on site. I'll PM you the professor's name now.

Thanks for sharing that. I'm definitely going to check it out. And you'll like Atlanta. I went to HU for a few years but since I'm from the city up north VA was a little bit too much of a culture shock for me. I'm taking Micro at GPC and so far my instructors are pretty good. I can't post their names on here but def. check out ratemyprofessor.com. I wanted to take AP at GPC but they require chem as a prereq.

Good idea. Khan Academy is also good w/ basic concepts/subjects too. I used that site when preparing for the TEAs but I have no idea what the Kaplan is like or whats on it. @Vsustudent...are you applying anywhere else...and did u go to VSU or still there? Just curious.

@vsustudent...that's awesome :). I want to start studying for the Kaplan in the next few days actually but I wasn't sure where to start. @ilovenursing86...how are you studying for the kaplan and what study guides are you using to prepare? I really need to score in the high 90's....GTC is my 1st choice so I'm ready to put in work....As far as prereqs I have A's in Psych and English too. I have a B in APII and Math. My AP1 and Micro have expired so I'm retaking Micro right now and will take AP1 in the fall. I'm probably going to retake my math online.

It is very possible but it won't be easy and MIGHT take some time. Did you fail more than two nursing courses to get dismissed? You only mentioned Med-Surge? I recommend that you talk to the dean of the program you got dismissed. If you have extenuating circumstances that led to your failure, you may be able to get a waiver of some sort. Now, if you've already tried everything...Unfortunately you may have to start all over. You may have to apply to another program. I would recommend you call every local ADN program ad explain your circumstances. If you've performed well throughout the program with the exception of that one class, that also works in your favor. Some schools will average your nursing courses with your general courses to get your GPA and evaluate the likelihood of future success. I think the most important thing for you to do is to figure out "why" you failed. It may take 2-3 years (some times much longer) or you might get a second chance next semester. You won't know until you start making those calls. BTW, it's true,the LPN route is also a good option and then doing a bridge. LPN programs are just as competitive to get into these days though . Good luck to you and don't lose hope.

Great question. Not sure how much it's changed but 1 1/2 - 2 years ago the program was as diverse as the general university. We definitely had non traditional students. It was a mix of new grads (out of school for at least a year), traditional students (in their junior year), seasoned professionals switching careers, adults w/ children (some actually pregnant) and individuals still working (although it wasn't recommended). It was a melting pot of different cultures.

Perception of a course/semester is completely subjective AMF7 and by no means did I say nor mean to imply that patho was an easy course. I stated it was not difficult and looking back, I say that with confidence. I have many friends that feel the same as well and I have friends that feel the same as you. I gave my opinion, I did not state a fact. When your in it, the first semester definitely feels like one of the most challenging because it's new and all the courses are packed together. When you get to other classes, the content will be more familiar but you will have less time between exams, higher expectations, and more chapters. In theory everything is built on one another but realistically you won't grasp all the concepts well enough in a few days for that to happen. And youre absolutely correct, you don't know my background. I went through what you and your friends are going through and well beyond. I used to feel like the first semester was the hardest but I realized it was more memorization and less application than the rest. I did not respond in a way to make the reader feel as though the program was easy. At least I did not mean to.

Are you a pre-nursing student or newly admitted student? How about changing careers or non-traditional student? Full-time mom? Previous degree? We all share information so effortlessly and we're all working towards a common goal....but we all have different life experiences. I'm curious to know why did you choose nursing, what specialty (if any) are you leaning towards? Is there a specific hospital? After becoming an RN...then what? We might learn from each other! I can start off: I have always wanted to be in the medical field and have had the opportunity to dibble dabble in different areas. At one point, I thought maybe I could do something else, so I graduated college and eventually attained a senior management position. I realized that despite the pay and how quickly I was excelling, I didn't leave work feeling accomplished. So now that I've gotten that out my system...I'm ready to go! As far as hospitals...I am in LOVE w/ CHOA. The people that work there are amazing...they are so happy even though they are dealing w/ some of the most difficult situations. I also have this "thing" for Emory. Recently, I've become interested in research which is how they fit in. So if GOD see's fit I plan on going to 2 year ADN program and doing a bridge option so I can eventually get my masters. I won't go into too much detail but I also I have a long term goal of impacting patient satisfaction/employee morale on a large scale.

hopefull1n30188 Good break down. I actually don't think CTC RN program was ever accredited. Their LPN program is. I'm not sure if the RN program was recently started. Some employers take into consideration if the school is ACEN or CCNE accredited as well. Ive heard that CTC grads have not had an issue getting a job but I've also heard of people having an issue when relocating to other states. While the accreditation is optional, it speaks to how well the program is preparing their students and that they are in line w/ other institutions. But again, CTC is supposedly in the process.

The previous poster nailed it about CTC. Definitely look into their accreditation. There program is new but by now they should received a change in status. It may happen by the end of the year but if they don't I would be on the fence about apply there. The ASN route is definitely a good option but the programs are just as competitive. They are definitely not easier to get into, especially since most of them are looking primarily at stats. BSN programs, depending on the school, take a more well rounded approach. They are interested in references, some want interviews, others want personal statements/essays/resumes. I would highly recommend you check out some of the different threads by the school you're interested in since many posters discuss their experience from the time of applying to getting accepted or rejected. As far as your classes...many programs, ADN and BSN are interested in how you perform in your sciences since SOME believe it may be an indication of how you'll perform in the program. If you have TWO C's and 82 TEAS, your application may not seem as competitive when compared to others. Not to say programs don't accept C's but I would imagine those C's (4 credit hr class) will bring your GPA down a lot. It may seem like a pain but retake the class..even if it's just one...it's worth it! And I've had test anxiety too. You should start looking into different relaxation techniques and even if you feel like you know the material and you've studied but you always feel like you can't perform well...start using alternative study methods. Youtube, games, quiz yourself...so that way when you have take exam you are confident and that will also help w/ the anxiety.

AHHHHHHHH! MichellO thanks for responding!!! I'm just seeing this but the moderator has already removed the names :-(. Can you inbox me?? And I appreciate the feed back. I've decided to go the online route at GPC. I figure if I want it bad enough, and since I've already taken the class before, I can and will do well. I appreciate you sharing your experience!