Pursue nursing school or wait?

nursegirl75 · Apr 9, 2012

good lord, you're only 21. so young and sooo worried about having to wait 2-3 years to get your degree. Believe me and really I speak from experience, by the time you finish your pre-reqs and start applying for nursing school, you won't believe how time just flew by in a blink of an eye.

You are very lucky, since your father is willing to pay for school. So hit the ground running. Most people have to wait over 5 years to save up just to pay for the first semester of school.

Start taking your pre-reqs at community college, it will be a good way to figure how how you do in the science classes such as Biology. At the same time, take classes to get your CNA. I'm thinking you don't have a kid to take care of, correct? So you can handle a full load of classes. No excuses. By then you ill be half way done with your pre-req and having your CNA license.

Go out and get a part-time or full-time job as a CNA. There you will be able to see the role of a nurse and get a feel for the hospital atmosphere. Start doing your research on nursing school, and apply to not just community colleges but universities too. Aim for your BSN as most hospital want their magnet status.

I won't lie, it feels like a looooong process, but with school and working part-time, I couldn't believe how 2 years later I have my nursing degree + license in my hand. I started like you, complaining of how long it would take me but now I can't believe how quickly I went from starting my pre-reqs to graduating nursing school and starting work as an RN. Its really a rewarding achievement. And that will be you too in2-3 years. But only if you want it that bad.

raccoonfriend · Apr 9, 2012

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to my post! I know it seems foolish to be concerned about potentially finishing the nursing program at the age of 25...I guess I just wish I had started at 18 like many other peers did. I just feel like I'm lagging behind and messing up so early in life. I have noticed how fast time tends to go, and I think that makes everything scarier, showing me how short life truly is and reminding me of how little I've accomplished so far.

I've already chosen what college I want to go to, the community college mentioned in my original post. From what I can tell, all they require for prerequisites are a Biology and Psychology courses (C minimum) and both CNA courses (and the TEAS-V, though they do not test on science). They only require a 2.0 GPA and accept everyone who meets those requirements. I guess that's why there is such a wait list. The other college is are too far or cost too much. I'm betting my father could afford them, but I don't see much reason to pay literally 3x more for pretty much the same education.

I decided a bit before your post that I do want to try this as there isn't much to lose. I signed up for the Biology course (as I have already completed the Psych course in the past) and may be signing up for some others that are required to get them out of the way. I'm also taking the CNA classes. I'm going to try and get on the waiting list as soon as possible. Also, to answer your question, I don't have any children. I'm also too much of a wimp for the BSN but...maybe...someday...maybe...

I'm feeling very excited but very nervous. I did not enjoy school in the past, though with some classes I was able to do quite well. I'm horrible at math and very worried about having to take the TEAS-V. That'll be the worst of the requirements for getting put on the waiting list. Time to start re-learning math all over again.

Thank you so much again for your response.

Edit: Oh, one thing I meant to ask. I have a 3.11 GPA with the community college I will be attending. I have one bad grade (an F in a Sociology course, Social Problems) that I can replace by retaking the class. Should I retake it now, wait until later, or possibly never bother with it? As mentioned above, the program only requires a 2.0 GPA and everyone is accepted if they meet the other relatively easy requirements (they even allow people to take the TEAS-V five times). I can see it being important if I were to pursue a BSN later, but can employers see college grades? Will it matter?

nursegirl75 · Apr 10, 2012

I'm gonna be straight with you. If you do decide to just go through the community college route, you will be waiting for a very very long time, and find yourself very disappointed. Most community college are lottery base, and you will be competing with a lot of people.

SO yes it is cheaper, but you will sit waiting at least 2-3 EXTRA years after you finish your pre-req to just get in. As a nurse you make at least 50,000/yr (that is on the low end as a new grad). So those years you sat waiting for a community college seat, you would lose about $100,000.

I would encourage you to open yourself up to include more options. If you would also include in your search a college such as a state college or university, it is more expensive but you would NOT have to wait for so long. And you would not be forced through a lottery base and there would be less competition. You would finish quicker and start working faster and be able to repay your loans in 2 years.

Please do not compare yourself with other people. Everyone has to follow their own path in life. Its what makes us each unique. What matters is that you see how you have grown as a person and how blessed you are to be able to live another day and have the freedom to create your own path. Because essentially in the end, you would be proud of yourself since you were the one who found what made YOU happy.

It is scary. But how would you move one unless you try.

raccoonfriend · Apr 10, 2012

hmm...i admit, i don't want to wait, i'd love to get started now, but it's money and location issues. i need to continue staying here with my parents for the monetary support and because i have many pets that rental properties won't accept. as for the money, i would not feel right about asking my father to pay so much for my education when there is another school (which i am already registered with and have taken classes with) offering the same thing for 1/3 of the cost.

when you say the community colleges are lottery based, do you mean they randomly accept those who have applied rather than going by first-come, first-serve basis? the community college's site seems to make it sound like it is first-come, first-serve with the waiting list and all. it says people should expect to wait one to two years. i don't wait to wait that long at all, and what you say about the $100k loss certainly makes sense, it's just that i need the $7k a term (for the one other school that is close enough to attend) now instead of later. i'm also scared of being rejected, as my gpa is only 3.11.

do state colleges/universities only offer bsns? i don't really want to commit to a four year degree at this point, but i may be interested later.

please do not compare yourself with other people. everyone has to follow their own path in life. its what makes us each unique. what matters is that you see how you have grown as a person and how blessed you are to be able to live another day and have the freedom to create your own path. because essentially in the end, you would be proud of yourself since you were the one who found what made you happy.

that is very beautiful and inspiring to me. it can be hard to tune out the voice of society (and my father) pushing me onto a certain path, even if it is one i do not want to go on. i need to remind myself of what you've said as it is true.

thank you again for taking the time to read and respond to my post.

edit: upon searching for information on the more expensive nearby college i mentioned above, i found a thread (here, if you're interested, but i don't expect anyone to read it, or even this post : https://allnurses.com/ia-nursing-programs/mercy-college-health-486193.html ) comparing both of the schools i'm considering. the expensive one doesn't have much good said about it...and some very bad as well, but i'll take it all with a grain of salt. i'm not sure how well i will do in college so i don't really want to go there and fail, losing $7,000+. i guess i could try for another degree while i'm on the community college wait list. i was thinking of getting some wildlife related associates degree anyway.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 10, 2012

It bothers me a bit to hear anyone say they dislike "school" but want to be a nurse. Nursing requires a lifelong commitment to learning that does not end with completion of a pre-licensure program. The livespan of Health care knowledge & technology is only about 2-3 years... so it's obvious that continuous learning is a must just to stay current.

I come from a family that is absolutely infested with educators (multiple generations). But believe me, high school is more "process" than education in any real sense these days so it shouldn't sour your entire outlook on college. I know that (in my family) it is heresy - but there are many more paths to a successful life than a college degree. Technical and vocational education can pay off very well in the long run. The US has an extreme shortage of 'skilled trades' such as carpenters, electricians, HVAC, welders, equipment operators, etc. . . I have a friend that makes > $100k per year as a tower crane operator & he has never spend a single day in a college class.

Nursing is not the end-all and be-all. It's not the end of the rainbow. BUT - if you decide that a health care career is the way you want to go, the only way to get there is through rigorous academic preparation.

Best of luck on your decision. Say "hi" to your dad - you're lucky to have such a great one.

raccoonfriend · Apr 11, 2012

HouTx - I actually enjoy learning, it's more the educational/school system that I do not like. I did not enjoy high school, and originally did not want to go to college, but many assured me that college is different, even better. I found that to be true. I can't say that I have absolutely loved it thus far, but there were classes that I really enjoyed.

I really do not like how many colleges care more about money than providing an education to their students. I've heard of students getting degrees, being told that they will be able to find jobs so easily, then graduate with a bunch of debt and find out that their degree isn't so useful after all. I view colleges as businesses selling degrees, not awarding them. I think college can be overrated and many are pushed into it when they're not really cut out for it.

As for my dad, I am very incredibly fortunate to have him as there are many people who would like to go to college but cannot afford to. He is wonderful...when it comes to providing material things. As for emotional support, virtually non-existent. We actually have a very poor relationship unfortunately. However, I acknowledge that I am lucky to have him and I truly appreciate him for all that he does for me.

nursegirl75 · Apr 11, 2012

You still have awhile to go before you start applying to nursing school. And it that time, you will begin to realize the many MORE options that you have available to you. Please talk to the counselors who have so much knowledge about resources and financial aid. Right now everything seems overwhelming, but in time, you will determine what school/career is right for you.

Yes, community college are mostly lottery base but there are also many that have waiting list. But what I'm trying to get at is please don't sell yourself short by not looking into university or even a state college. You have to believe that you have the determination to succeed at that level.

Remember once you have a degree, and when the economy picks up, that degree will be your lifesaver. Good luck into whatever path you choose.