Seeking ADN advice

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hey guys!

So I recently graduated with a Bachelors in human biology and am interested in going the nursing route. Unfortunately while I was in college, I didn't do so well in some of the science courses such as getting C's. Where I have even retaken them and gotten C's again. Originally, I was going to apply to ABSN programs but am realizing that the requirements are really competitive. I've been thinking about applying to ADN programs in NYC instead even though they are still competitive. Based on your knowledge and experience, do programs usually take the higher grade or average?

Should I retake the classes such as Chemistry and A&PII (since they are common pre-reqs) a third time since I had gotten C's? And would you recommend that I take them online this time around?

I know that every program is different but I would like to hear different opinions on this subject as well. Thank you, it means a lot!

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Specializes in Oncology.

I wouldn't do anything that isn't required by the program you're looking to apply to. If they don't require chemistry, don't take it (unless you have the time, money, and desire to do so). Whatever chemistry you need to know for nursing will be incorporated into classes like A&P and microbiology.

Admissions criteria are quite different from program to program, so look into that carefully. Ask an adviser what the average pre-req grades and GPA were of the past few cohorts--this will give you an idea of what to shoot for. For example, my program only looks at grades in A&P I and II, micro, and the HESI. They don't consider any GPA. In the cohort before mine, the average student had two A's and one B in those pre-reqs and at least a 90 on the HESI. This gave me a point of reference from which to gauge my chances of acceptance.

Many schools won't accept online sciences, so I would avoid those. However, I would recommend retaking A&P; not only to raise the grade, but because that information is invaluable and you need to know it well. My program only allows two attempts at the pre-reqs, so find out if your desired program has any sort of limit like that.

If you could provide some more information about the schools you're looking into, someone might have some more specific advice ?. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I would retake required sciences. But understand, if you wish to work in a hospital in NYC, you will need a BSN--many threads on here about this. NYC, like many areas, flooded with new grads. You may want to take CHEM, as you will most likely need it for the BSN. Good luck!

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On another thread, another member mentioned starting off as a LVN/LPN. From there, you can do the bridge programs to get your RN (BSN).

Side note: There are SNF, nursing homes, and the like that are hiring LVNs and LPNs specially, so you can be working as a nurse while pursuing your RN (BSN). Win-win.

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Most nursing programs don't accept repeats on multiple science courses. Additionally, stay away from online courses as many of these aren't accepted as well.

I would really try and score great >/=(90%) on the TEAS or HESI. Additionally, start getting some healthcare work/volunteer experience if you don't have any already. Apply to your local ADN programs, and if no luck then apply to an LVN program and bridge to RN.

Some work ahead of you. Just stay positive and stay driven.

-Sam

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I went the route of ADN and therefore recommend it. My school had prerequisites in the sciences so I took them. B or above were required in all the sciences. As others suggested, the requirements may be different in other school/program. Pick a school first and then find out their requirements.

For my school, it was favorable if I did prerequisites there and continued the RN route. Being local was also in my favor. My grades were like 3.0 so not sure that was a factor. Others may disagree. I think I met the minimum grade requirements so I was in from the grades angle.

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Just a quick thing about the science courses-many programs have a limit as to how old they are. I had As but they were over 5 years old so was told I would have to retake them. I looked long and hard for another program that didn’t have that rule. Found an accredited one, used them from 15 years earlier, and graduated. The micro I had taken online at a community college and it was accepted. Even the program that I went to NOW has the five year rule. The rule is crap too, because I got straight As in nursing classes even with the gap in time.

So, if you are going to use it retake classes, definitely check into the time frames required.

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Thank you guys so much for the responses! I definitely appreciate you all taking the time to help me out. I was becoming really discouraged as I know this field does not come easy. I have emailed most of the programs I am interested in to get a better perspective on retakes and the competitive grades. Just waiting for responses now as it is a busy time due to the holidays.

Happy Holidays btw! ?

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