Stressed !

[naturallynicole]

I need some advice! I am a pre nursing student, attenting Pierce College, with hopes to transfer to a University. I am 20, had a kid young, and started school when my daughter was only 3 months old. My first semester was rough, but I have continually improved my grades every quarter. I didn't do very well in high school, which is why I am stressed about going to a University! My grades now are pretty okay, 3.5 I guess is my mid range. I do, however have experience as a CNA, with the last year of my experience working in hospital med surg department. I know I should do some job shadowing as well.

I just feel like I am stuck. I already have to retake a course, and I want to start applying to Nursing programs this Winter.

Help?

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

Maybe you are putting the cart before the horse, worrying about shadowing and all that. None of that is a requirement for nursing school, so you should be concentrating on what you need to do to get your application package in tip top shape for now. (Good grades, volunteerism, reference letters from respected professors in whose classes you are doing well.) Good luck!

[ScientistSalarian]

With your work experience and GPA you actually seem to be in pretty good shape. I agree with Lori above, don't worry about job shadowing for now - just get the rest of your prerequisites squared away and do what you can to make your GPA even better. If you're still not sure about your chances when you're ready to apply, consider sending applications to a few different universities of varying degrees of competitiveness and maybe apply to a community college ADN program or two, as (depending on what state you're in) it can be extremely difficult to snag a spot in a public university BSN program. (You can always do an RN-BSN bridge program at a university when you're finished.)

[naturallynicole]

With your work experience and GPA you actually seem to be in pretty good shape. I agree with Lori above, don't worry about job shadowing for now - just get the rest of your prerequisites squared away and do what you can to make your GPA even better. If you're still not sure about your chances when you're ready to apply, consider sending applications to a few different universities of varying degrees of competitiveness and maybe apply to a community college ADN program or two, as (depending on what state you're in) it can be extremely difficult to snag a spot in a public university BSN program. (You can always do an RN-BSN bridge program at a university when you're finished.)

Thank you for your reply. Actually, it's a little less competitive for Universities where I live because everyone is wanting an RN degree. I plan on applying everywhere honestly. Again, thank you! I'm just trying to stay competitive.

[naturallynicole]

Maybe you are putting the cart before the horse, worrying about shadowing and all that. None of that is a requirement for nursing school, so you should be concentrating on what you need to do to get your application package in tip top shape for now. (Good grades, volunteerism, reference letters from respected professors in whose classes you are doing well.) Good luck!

Thanks a ton! I will look into volunteering over this summer.