ALHRN11

So... My ultimate goal is to become an FNP. Unfortunately, my GPA doesn't reflect that, therefore I find myself going a different route to accomplish this goal. I have over 150 undergrad credits and it would take another 60 credits for me to even come close that magical 3.0 requirement. I am also aware that having a 3.0 doesn't make anyone competitive as most reputable schools desire candidates with at least a 3.5. I've pursued my BSN with the intent of advancing to an NP degree, however life happens and I only graduated with a 3.1 GPA. Couple that with my previous college credits (to include my ADN degree) and I am looked at as the dumbest person alive, and how dare I even attempt to waste a recruiters' (school "enrollment reps") time for even dreaming of wanting to become an FNP all because I don't have a stellar GPA. Granted, I've only actually applied to two schools (Simmons and Catholic). The reps were helpful and informative, thus giving me the boost to actually submit an application and pay for my transcripts (I have 6 of them... And costs add up) But still, everything is wonderful upon initial contact until the GPA comes up. I spoke to Georgetown a few years ago and I get it, they have earned their right to be extremely selective, however being dismissed like I'm some dirt bag off the street isn't acceptable either. Ok... Back to my original question... Would an MSN in let's say Education or Nurse Manager track be helpful in redeeming my substandard GPA? I often question my desire in pursuing the FNP degree and was I really willing to spend money on another degree, just to attain a post master's certificate later on. But at the end of the day, I still feel I want this and I can become a competent and knowledgeable provider who will make a bigger impact in patient care in this role as oppose to remaining an RN. Am I being a complete idiot for going around the system in this manner? No disrespect to anyone, however I strongly feel that even though I am not a competitive FNP applicant at this time, I would still like to attend a reputable B&M school with an online component in MSN degrees. Meaning, I prefer not to pursue a for profit school. Investing in my education is an important step for my family and I. I guess i just want to invest my money wisely and not be in even more school loan debts only to find out my degree will be worth nothing. Sorry for the long note. I would appreciate ANY input anyone is willing to give.

EVERYONE: I am so touched by the outpouring of support! You have no idea how your suggestions and advice have made such a difference! Bless you all for your kindness! There was a part of me that was expecting the negative comments and there may be some coming, however the ones who've already contributed something positive has already made that difference. Ideally, Outpatient Oncology would be something I can enjoy. I LOVED the patients and I LOVED helping them and felt privileged they allowed me to be a part of a very private moment of their life. Maybe I'll get lucky and land a job in Oncology once we go home. We have 1 1/2 year left to go. :-) I plan on going back to school eventually so I can increase my marketability once I go home. I'm trying to be positive and live life day by day. I also have small children so I have to make sure their needs are met before mine. It's a constant battle, but I'm not the first going through this and I certainly won't be the last. :-) Now about landing a federal job, saying how difficult it is to get your resume looked at is an understatement. I'm also a "veteran" with a "spouse preference", but these days it's not about what you can offer, it's about who you know in the inside. I try not to be bitter and always think, it wasn't meant for me, however it can be a bit frustrating when it seems like you send in your application into a black hole. LOL. I tried to go back to the ICU where I currently work, however my new boss already has her favorites running the positions they want... And yes, that includes allowing someone with no experience in the ICU and who's failed the dysrhythmia test twice land a slot in there. Again.... I guess it just isn't my time. Thank you all again for your thoughts and advice! I am back in the jungle tonight. You've all lifted my spirits and I feel I can hang there tonight! :-)

Subsippi: 3- 12's is considered part time here. I was only doing 2-12's but my new boss decided to make everyone 36hrs/week to ensure we are fully staffed. Her thoughts are, "take it or leave it".

"been there,done that": Sure don't! The facility where I work out is hopeless.

Thank you all by the way for validating how I feel. I know I'm not alone out there. I have a small glimmer of hope things will turn around once we get out of here. Hawaii (for me at least) has not been the paradise everyone seems to think it is. It took me over a year to land this job and I've been there going on 9 months now. I'm trying to hold on for another 3 months so I can at least have one full year of experience in one facility. My husband is in the military, so it can be difficult to explain periods of unemployment and why I quit only after 8 months, etc. But that is the situation I'm in. :-( Again, thank you for your suggestions and giving me support! You're all wonderful!

I'm open to anything at this point. I'm not picky as long as it's a way out of bedside nursing. But like I said, around where I live getting a nursing job is a tough market... in ANY specialty. It's like a catch 22. I'm going to have to just wait it out until we can return to the Mainland. We currently live in Hawaii. This place is the WORST state to be a nurse with less than 2 years experience! I can't emphasize that enough!

I HATE my job... I HATE nursing... I've been a nurse going on 2 years and I can honestly say I wish I can go back and do something else. I cringe at the thought of going to work. I honestly feel sick and anxiety kicks in. My first job was in the ICU and while everyone I know was jealous and in awe of how I landed the job, there I was... a new grad in the ICU. I survived my 3 month preceptorship and I was on my own up until I had to move 'cause my spouse was transferred. But even then I was starting to HATE nursing. I can't stand bedside nursing. I landed a job at our new place in an outpatient oncology clinic and I enjoyed it there up until my coworkers decided it was time to bully me out of the job 'cause I wasn't a local. So I ended up quiting 'cause I kept getting set up to fail. I didn't want to lose my license so I left my wonderful patients after three months. So here I am in my third job as a tele (more like med surg) nurse at a third rate, barely hanging there hospital. Where do I even begin... Aside from being treated like a third world maid, I am constantly being hounded by drug seeking homeless patients who keep returning to us because the hospital is too hungry for ANY patients they can get their hands on. They will admit ANYONE... even those who have normal labs just to have patients and they bill the state at OUR expense! Back to my rant... time and time again nurses are disrespected, devalued, and under appreciated by self-entitled patients/families. I can't stand having to wipe butt because they're too lazy to do it themselves, or they get off having someone do it for them when they are fully capable of doing it themselves. I'm tired of managers and coordinators ******** and whining about patient satisfaction when all they do is max you out with patients and give you 12 hrs to be a nanny, maid, servant, miracle worker on top of ensuring documentation is squared away so the hospital can get their reimbursement. I'm tired of nurses who swear they know everything and try to take advantage of you just 'cause they've a nurse longer than you. I wish switching to another area of nursing was easy. Being where I am, everyone wants at least 2 years of specialty experience. I'm trying to be positive and talk myself into liking what I'm doing. I AM JUST TIRED OF NURSING!!!! I am so depressed and frustrated. I pray every time I go to work that I don't blow up... Of course I will NEVER hurt a patient, it's not in me to do so. However I want out... I REGRET wasting money on a degree I don't plan on using as soon I can find a way out. :-'(