Should I just wait until i graduate and then go into direct entry nursing program

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Dec 28, 2015

Are you talking about Accelerated BSN for people with a non-nursing Bachelor degree? They are just as competitive as the traditional route. Most have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply, but the GPAs of those selected are in the 3.5 range. Those programs are definitely not for someone that " has literally struggled through college.It has taken me five years and two academic probations at a community college just to make it this far".

ixchel · Dec 28, 2015

What is your goal? Are you trying to be an RN? Or are you working on a BSN now?

elkpark · Dec 28, 2015

The direct entry MSN and accelerated BSN programs are typically more competitive and significantly more difficult and rigorous than "regular" BSN programs. If you've had trouble, for whatever reason, successfully completing community college level coursework, you are not going to be an competitive candidate for direct entry nursing programs. (Sorry, don't mean that to sound like a criticism, but it is the truth.) What baccalaureate degree are you working on now, and how are you doing currently in your academic work?

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2015

I am not sure I understand your question. I am in an accelerated BSN program and I don't recommend it for people who struggle academically. What I recommend for people who want/need an edge is to become a CNA and work in a hospital before going to nursing school. The students in my program who have done this have a distinct edge in clinicals, although academically the challenges are the same. In addition, being a CNA in a hospital will give you more insight as to what a nurse does and whether or not you want to do that job.

From reading your post, it seems like you are not ready at the moment. You need to have a lot of confidence and drive to get this done. It is better to get yourself ready and do it well the first time, rather than go in unprepared for the challenge and wind up failing.

Purple_roses · Dec 28, 2015

Having looked at your page to see your other threads, I think you need to take a step back and dedicate time to research. You have no idea how any of this works. One of your questions asked whether you should be an LPN or PCT while working through school, indicating that you really have no idea what nursing entails. The nursing programs that are at all decent will prepare you to pass NCLEX, and they are very hard to get through. As others have said, accelerated are even more difficult.

By "direct entry programs," could you possibly be talking about schools that let you in regardless of GPA? What is the name of the school you have in mind?

direw0lf, BSN · Dec 28, 2015

You need a fresh start, you need to know where you went wrong academically in the past and how you won't repeat it. You're jumping from one "solution" to the next, without a solid plan or any confidence. You build confidence by researching and identifying ways to get around your weaknesses. No math might not ever come easy but then you know you've thought of a plan for what you can do when you struggle. My advice is sit down and make a list of your choices, look them up, and write how you might have success in them. I think your grades will hurt you. That's why if you think of how you can succeed in school LPN - BSN might be better since you can get in an LPN program easier (around me anyway)

MSBREELEE · Dec 28, 2015

Yes to everyone who is currently commenting on my posts. I have gone through a lot i lost two aunts in two years and im still grieving. i just don't think im gonna be able to complete out a nursing program. I am just really thinking this thing through i might choose an auxillary medical career. its all i have left.

direw0lf, BSN · Dec 28, 2015

I'm sorry for your losses, and taking time off is sometimes needed. I disagree with "all I have left" I want you or anyone to make a choice for what they want not think they can't. Read the threads about people age 30, 40, 50...going back to school for nursing. Mothers, fathers, widows, people who never worked, people who work 2 ft jobs, etc. It inspires me. You can do what you put your mind to. Take some time to think about everything.

MSBREELEE · Dec 28, 2015

thanks guys i have just been struggling with life i can't stand to see sick people thats why i just kinda wanna work in a happy place.

CountryMomma, ASN, RN · Dec 28, 2015

Hospitals and LTCs are NOT "happy places". You are sorely mistaken I'd you think working as a nurse will mean happy days floating from patient to patient curing them all back to better.

People die. People stay injured/hurt/horrible. You will have to hurt people to heal them, you will be hurt being forced to care for people who are being forced into a hellish limbo between life and death.

You need to get counseling. A job will not fix what's wrong with your heart.

Nurse Leigh · Dec 28, 2015

thanks guys i have just been struggling with life i can't stand to see sick people thats why i just kinda wanna work in a happy place.

I'm sorry but this confuses me. Have you decided against nursing because nurses often deal with sad and unhappy situations or are you still thinking of nursing as a career because you (wrongly, unfortunately)believe that you will be surrounded by happiness. Could you please clarify? Thanks