Seems like I'll never get into Nursing School

Cilantrophobe · Mar 4, 2009

I am sorry that you are so discouraged. Have you tried applying to any LPN programs or are you only applying to ADN programs?

Keep your head up.

LuckYNurSe28 · Mar 4, 2009

I have applied to a local community college but mostly applying to BSN programs. Needless to say, not getting anywhere.

Junebugfairy · Mar 4, 2009

community colleges only offer rn, which is an associates in nursing, not a a bsn, which is univesity level.

have you taken anatomy and physiology1&2, microbiology, all of your psychology, etc..?

in order to look competitive you should take every non nur gen ed class that you need. ex: although a&p1&2 can be taken with your actual nursing classes, it looks way more competitive to take these before you enter nur school, that way you only need to take actual nur classes.

greeniebean · Mar 4, 2009

in order to look competitive you should take every non nur gen ed class that you need. ex: although a&p1&2 can be taken with your actual nursing classes, it looks way more competitive to take these before you enter nur school, that way you only need to take actual nur classes.

i agree. some colleges actually move people who've already finished their gen-eds to the top of the list.

if your school also looks at expirience maybe you could geta job as a cna or volunteer at a hospital.

if i was you, i would try to look at everything they were looking for(good grades, high test scores, expirience)

and try to make myself the whole package rather than just excelling at one area, like grades.

LuckYNurSe28 · Mar 4, 2009

I have taken all the prereqs for nursing school because I am applying to several universities as well. I have taken A&PI & II and Micro, Nutrition, and everything else. I guess I should start volunteering at my local hospital again. I did that for quite sometime, but guess I will start again.

MHaffer · Mar 4, 2009

You should contact the admissions department at schools that have wait-listed you or turned you down, and ask them what you could improve. They may tell you that it isn't your GPA at all that is holding you back, it may be something else. If you don't ask, you will never know, and the worst case scenario if you call and ask is they just won't tell you. Hopefully they will give you some useful feedback that can help you make the changes you need to get in! Good luck to you!

greeniebean · Mar 4, 2009

well then just hang in there! I hope you get in this time!

Irene joy · Mar 5, 2009

I never did like the idea of randomised lotteries admitting people. My CC admits on basis of gpa only and I knew that if I had a 4.0 I would have a good chance. I got in first try, try looking at all CC in your area, it seems they are better about telling you up front what you need to do to be competative.:wink2:

HM2VikingRN, RN · Mar 5, 2009

you are only 21...don't give up. Instead of retaking classes I would also look at ADN schools and/or accelerated BSN programs. Don't give up if you are put on a waiting list. That letter is worth something.

At least 4 of the people in my accelerated program started out on the waiting list. (including me ;>>). What I did when I was waitlisted was to contact several other nursing programs in my area and asked to apply for placement on their waiting list.

2. schedule a meeting with the nursing adviser.

3. Emphasize that you would be available to start class in the event of a noshow/cancellation. My nother the retired nurse educator always tells me the story of a student who interviewed on a thu and accepted on the following Mon.

4. Get your financial aid in order for all of the schools.

5. Is relocation an option for you? Expand your universe of schools.

Best of luck..

LuckYNurSe28 · Mar 5, 2009

Thanks for all the great advice. It really helps since I am so discouraged right now. I am thinking about taking a CNA course and seeing if that might be a stepping stone for me. I am not too crazy about doing this, but if I do not get in anywhere this time around, I will take this route so I can have something which is better than nothing. I think I will go ahead and call the schools which don't accept me to see what is wrong. I am just so so disheartened by all of this.

Gem34 · Mar 5, 2009

Sorry to hear you are so frustrated! If you are passionate about being a nurse, stick with it and you will get there!

Perhaps instead of retaking classes you got a B in, take as many gen. ed nursing classes you can, like micro,nutrition,lifespan psych etc. You will appear motivated and have an competitive edge over other applicants. Also, look for schools that don't focus on being a perfect 4.0 student. In this I mean schools that want to know more about you than just your transcript. My BSN program application included job experience, personal/volunteer experience as well as a personal essay about why I wanted to become a nurse. Perfect A's don't always make good nursing students. Getting a job in the healthcare field like a certified nursing assistant would be a great asset for you. This will add to your resume for nursing schools as well give you lots of helpful experience once you are in a program. Also being involved in your community through volunteering is great too. I hope this helps! And good luck to you!