Prospective Nursing Student

iPink, BSN, RN · May 14, 2011

Welcome to the site, you'll come to love it in know time.

I'm a career changer who is in an Accelerated BSN program. I received my B.A. five years ago, so I too wasn't sure how I was going to handle the rigorous demands an accelerated program entails. But, I've completed my first semester without any problems. Having a strong science background does have it's advantages, but as long as you have a great work ethic, you can excel.

All ABSN programs are different, so I can't speak for all. My ABSN program was interested in your previous degree GPA, which had to be a 3.0 or higher. They also looked at your prerequisite classes. They weren't interested in your overall prerequisite GPA, they just wanted to see that the grades were at least a C+ and were taken within 5 years or less for the sciences and within 10 years for psych, sociology, and stats.

Even though I'm glad I'm in my ABSN program, if I were to do it all over again (meaning from the time I graduated high school over 10 years ago) I would have loved to have gone to a traditional BSN program. I like a slower pace that allows me to absorb the material more. I don't believe us ABSN students are getting a "half-assed" education, because the real-world nursing experience will really be a learning experience as I was told what we learn in school will be different when we are actually working on the floor.

As far as the contract with hospitals that will pay for your school in exchange for service after graduation. Yes, these programs do exist, one being the 2011-2012 HRSA. I didn't qualify for the HRSA because your ECF had to be 0. I found a similar one in my area, but I happen to miss their deadline for the upcoming Fall semester. If I were you, I would start searching online for such programs in your area.

As far as savings, being laid off taught me how to really save. I live on my own and able to pay rent, groceries, and other bills without borrowing. Since I already have a degree I didn't qualify for Fed Aid grants when I completed my FAFSA. I qualified for Stratford Loans of $12,500 per year. If you know how to manage your money wisely, you can live without borrowing money excessively. My program is 15-months long and I don't borrow for rent or books. This boggles the mind of some of my classmates who had to borrow for their rent, but I learned to save and buy what is needed and not what is wanted. I'll buy what I want after landing my first RN job.

Good luck to you.

LGD2011 · May 14, 2011

I'm also a career changer who will be starting an accelerated program next year. Since you haven't been out of college long, I'd recommend taking a CNA course or doing some volunteering to make sure you understand what nursing actually entails. I worked for years and saved money before going back to school for pre-reqs. You're ahead of the game having most of them completed already! I don't think your journalism degree will be a problem. Most schools are looking for diversity in the types of students they accept. Your grades sound good, pre-reqs grade are much more important than overall undergrad GPA. I took all my pre-reqs at a community college, so don't worry about taking micro there. So my advice is to make sure this is really what you want and start saving your money!

lkolod · May 15, 2011

I think it is great that you are interested in a career in nursing and incorporating it with broadcast journalism. I also have a passion for nursing. I am a nursing student in a Bachelors Program and love being a student nurse. Classes are very challenging but it will be worth it in the end. Most programs look at grades in pre reqs and also the GPAs since most nursing programs are very competitive. Most colleges allow you take courses at local community colleges and transfer the credits however, I would check with the nursing program that you are looking to enroll in. Most schools have scholarships just for those interested in nursing which will help you out financially and not have to pay back. Working would help to have some income coming in, however it will cut into the time you need for care plans, studying, and such. Every individual person is different. I do know nursing students who worked, had children, and completed their Associates degree. It is possible to do. Most nursing faculty will recommend that you do not work or only work minimal hours because of the demanding courses. With good people around to support you anything is possible!

The best advice I can give you is to look at colleges that you are interested in applying to their nursing programs and meet with an advisor or faculty member to receive the best information. Check out with your financial aid office for advice about what is available.

Best of luck to you!!!:)

pitaya · May 15, 2011

I'm an ABSN student. GPA requirements depend on the college. My university had us list certain pre-reqs and calculated only the pre-req GPA. We were then ranked by pre-req GPAs and that was the only deciding factor on who got into the program. It matters not what your bachelor's degree is in, only that you have one.

I do not feel that I've missed out on a good education, in fact, I feel like I'm getting a better one because I go to school in the summers and will be done sooner and able to start working as an RN where the learning really begins. The less breaks I have, the less time my mind has to slack off. The traditional program at some schools takes 5 semesters! I cannot imagine taking 2.5 years to do what the accelerated program does in 15 months because, really, the main difference in my program is just summer school and I will gladly take summer school over an extra year and 3 months!

There are several options to finance your education, but I'd recommend looking into what's available in your area and I can't speak for that.

MaleCNA87 · May 15, 2011

Hey Audrey,

I am new here and am in a similar situation as you! Where are you planning to apply? Great replies to your post so far. Thanks all!