The "I will never get there" feeling

[WNTfanM9]

I'm new but I've decided to jump in with both feet...

I have this nagging feeling that "I will never get into nursing school". How does one go about staying positive whilst every thing else is not going the way you want it to?

Back story: I am married with 2 lovely boys, ages 2 and 4. I have a bachelors in communications and was in a dead end job going no where. My husband and I made a mutual decision that I would quit my job and go back to school to become and RN.

Now I am done with my prereqs for the local ADN programs but unfortunately am facing the dreaded lottery system. I have been waiting 3 quarters on 2 different schools and recently heard back from my first choice that I was not picked. I am still waiting to hear back about the other school ( should receive word next week), but I am not very positive as the odds are 1:17.

I feel like I am rotting away, not doing anything with my life, and am a complete failure. Odds are that I won't get into a fall program and will have to wait until November to try again.

How does a person take so much rejection and Not feel the same way that I do now??

[Kendel.G]

Have you looked into 2nd degree BSN programs or entry-level masters?

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

I was an alternate my first try and didn't get in, rejected my second try, and accepted my third try. I am the poster child for not giving up. I just continued taking classes (co reqs) thereby reducing my course load once I was accepted. Now I only have the core NUR courses to take and feel like that was probably a blessing in disguise. The program should be easier for me than some others who have co reqs like a humanities elective, Health, English or whatever else they need to take while in the program.

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

Now I am done with my prereqs for the local ADN programs but unfortunately am facing the dreaded lottery system. I have been waiting 3 quarters on 2 different schools and recently heard back from my first choice that I was not picked.

If you don't have the money to hit up a BSN program or a private university, you need patience. My school previously (just this year they changed from lottery to point system) did the lottery system. I waited about 2 years to get in. Most of my classmates waited about the same time. Apply to more than 2 ADN programs, even if it's a little further if you can.

Now that you're in the waiting progress, I suggest you do something in the mean time. Find a job, preferably hospital related, work on BSN transferable classes, or maybe work on getting certificates like a CNA or something.

Tbh, if you sit around dwelling upon the fact that you didn't get in yet, you're going to lose the will to be a nurse. Keep yourself busy with some of those things I mentioned earlier. I DID start to think about this "I will never get in" and it did bum me out. I started to think about alternatives and whatnot, next thing I know, I got in.

Patience is the key :), 3 quarters is not nearly as long as my 2 year wait

[whattodo4]

Good that all the prereqs are done-that is one less thing to worry about. I would recommend that if you do not get in and if you can afford the time and money- look into being a CNA, PCT or some sort of hospital work. Not only will you be making money but it will boost your application to nursing when you try again in the future. Most schools admit only once a year, if you don't get in you want to stay as busy as possible.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree with the above posters:

Most of all ... do something productive with your time and don't just waste the next few months/years waiting for something to happen. Make use of that time.

1. Make sure you have explored ALL of your options. If you are sitting around not earning money -- it might be cheaper in the long run to explore more expensive educational options (such as a 2nd degree BSN or entry-level MSN program). It will cost more up front, but you will start earning a professional salary sooner. You will also get your education done "in one sitting" so to speak and not have to return to school later (costing more time and more money) at a later date. Make sure you have considered the long term benefits of such options fully before rejecting them and taking the longer (and sometimes more expensive) ADN route.

2. Get a job in health care while you wait. It will earn you some money and also help you get a better job after graduation. The job market for new grad RN's is tough in most places -- and it is even tougher for new grads without BSNs. It will also help you find out if nursing is really right for you before you invest in college-level education.

3. Start taking any remaining supporting courses you will need for your BSN even if you are going to stick with your ADN plan. You'll need those courses when you start on your BSN anyway ... may as well get them done while you have the time. And at some point, you may realize that you have taken enough classes that it makes sense to finish the BSN instead and skip the ADN.

Good luck to you.