Question for nurse educators

[rob371]

Hello,

I am interested in entering a nursing program, but I don't know if it will be possible. Here are the problems I am facing:

1. I am 35 years old and have not used much of the math, science and english composition in my job, so I am virtually guaranteed to fail (badly) a "Compass" or equivalent entrance test.

2. I did not have a good GPA in high school.

3. I would have to pull double duty even if I was accepted into a pre-nursing program ( doing the prerequisites) -

I would also have to study physics, chemistry, algebra, english comp., assorted sciences, etc. to pass the

TEAS V test just to get into nursing school.

Basically, I am wondering this:

1. If I fail the Compass or equivalent test, will that end my nursing school hopes, or is there a way to fail the

Compass test badly and still "catch up" to nusing program level before enrolling in the nursing program?

2. Will it be possible to do the pre-requisites AND study physics, chemistry, algebra and other math, english

comp., assorted sciences, etc. or is this too much of a load to pull off - how much time will I have between

the Compass test and taking the TEAS V test?

I would appreciate any opinions from nurse educators about my situation - whether good news or bad.

Thank you very much.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think your best bet would be to find a school (such as a local Community College) that have an academic counseling department that could help you assess your needs. I have never heard of anyone who needed to take all those courses before they even started taking the pre-req's. So, I am doubtful that you need to take all of them, if any.

A good vocational counselor, career counselor, or academic counselor can give you some preliminary tests (that won't cost you much) to assess your exact needs. Don't assume the worst about your abilities. You might not need as much remedial work as you think. Meet with a professional and get a good assessment of your needs before jumping to any conclusions. A professional counselor could also steer you towards local resources that might help you.

[rob371]

Thank you for your advice, I'll do that.