RT VS RN

taylorxteddy · Oct 17, 2011

Hi Gillty,

I thought that you were applying to UTHSC-H and PV for the spring? Anyway, it is never a bad idea to have a backup, but how do you feel about your chances of getting in to nursing school? If you're confident, I don't see the point in applying to a different type of program, especially if you would prefer to do nursing. Also, you're considered an associate degree vs. a bachelors degree, so it also depends on which is more important. Have you considered an ADN as a backup? Why or why not? You have to weigh the pros and cons of what is important to you and don't rely on anyone else to determine your future. I usually make a table in Excel in these sort of predicaments.

Hope this helped a little. :)

GILLTY · Oct 17, 2011

Hi Taylorxteddy

I am applying for the Fall 2012 start because I still have 4 classes left, plus i'm really scared of this Hesi Test. I have not taken it but I didn't want to rush the second time around taking the test if I did bad the first time. I was going to take a semester off to study some more for it just in case I didn't do to good. I haven't considered the ADN program because in a sense I felt like I would be going backwards instead of forward, because I would still need one more year after the ADN program to get my Bachelors. I'm not sure of my chances because I haven't taken the Hesi test yet. So far, my gpa is 3.636 but that is lacking 6 classes. My heart is set on Nursing but I'm starting to have doubts, plus I can't stand my job where I am to. I guess I was trying to have something in place just in case I didn't succeed the first round, does that sound crazy?

saraiish · Oct 17, 2011

backup is always a good idea, when is the deadline

GILLTY · Oct 17, 2011

The deadline is November 1st and letters go out by November 11th.

taylorxteddy · Oct 17, 2011

No, that doesn't sound crazy at all, because I can understand your fears and concerns. I think you just need to take a deep breath, though. I was pretty worried about the HESI when I started applying, too, and I spent a ton of time on AN reading horror stories about the TEAS. I ended up with an A first and only allowed try on the TEAS without studying, and an 88 on the HESI first try (failed the A&P section by 3 points) and 92 the second time. It honestly isn't a hard enough test to let yourself get so worked up. I honestly think I did so poorly the first time because I was so nervous. I didn't eat breakfast, and I was shaking the whole time.

I also understand your concerns about feeling like you're going backwards by doing ADN, however, the way I like to look at it is: if you truly want to be a nurse, then don't settle on a RT degree because you're scared of getting in. Katybusymom over on the UT forum mentioned applying to ADN and BSN programs. The good thing about that is that of course, ideally you want to get into the BSN program so it only takes two years to become a nurse, but if you don't, and you're admitted to the ADN, it may take another year or so, but at least you become a nurse like you originally wanted.

I have seen people get in with lower GPAs than a 3.6, so keep up the good work in the next pre-reqs you have and you will be fine. Who knows, it may even go up if you do really well in your remaining classes. If you're that nervous, boost your gpa by retaking a few classes in your off-semester (it shouldn't be that hard if you're retaking them and managed to pass the first time around). They don't look negatively on re-takes as long as it's not a ton and it's not multiple times. I retook my A&P II class to bring it from a B to an A so that my science GPA would be a 4.0. No shame in that, plus it worked as a great refresher for the HESI.

Anyway, back to that thing... What are your biggest fears about it? What section(s) do you think that you will do poorly on?

Don't let the fear of all this application stuff be the reason you change your mind! It was pretty scary for me, too, (especially because no one in my family had ever been to college, so I didn't have anyone to talk to about this or that) but I managed to get it all done. You will be fine. :)

GILLTY · Oct 19, 2011

hi taylorxteddy, i think why i am beating myself up is because i haven't taken the test yet, you know, you fear the unknown, and even though i keep hearing people say it's not that hard the teas is harder, 1) i'm not a big test taking person 2) ut-h only allows you two attempts ever in your life time to take the test,that's scary! i understand weeding out the people who don't cut it, so it's really nothing to play with. i think getting over the hurdle of taking the test and applying to the program is the biggest fear i have. it's like i have everything planned out or mapped out to the t. that me not making a high enough score on the test would throw a rock in my path. i truly want to be a nurse, it's so funny how things are in your reach but it feels like your going in slow motion to reach it. i really want to thank you for your insight taylorxteddy. thank you again.

taylorxteddy · Oct 20, 2011

You're welcome! :)) I totally relate to you on the points you made about how it's so scary. Knowing that the test could change the course of your future is insane! When you get ready to study for it and take it, drop me a line. I remember a huge chunk of what was on it and I might be able to give you some helpful points. Honestly, if you're okay at basic math, reading, grammar, and vocab, then focus on the A&P, because for me, that section was pretty hard. The rest was a breeze. The critical thinking is nothing to worry about either. It's easy to pass if you just think logically and don't psych yourself out.

If you wanna send me an e-mail to [email protected] so I have yours, I will make you a little study guide with some bullet points on what to look for, if you'd like.