Too many people trying to get an ABSN?

esunada · Sep 16, 2009

Hi espo,

I'm in the same position as you - you can see that as good or bad, since I'm just another person to compete with in the pool But I think we have the same heart, because I'm not going into nursing for money and security as my #1 motive. I had a very secure, good paying job at a large and prosperous company that liked having me there.

I really believe though, that no matter how competitive it is, that we need to at least try. If we don't try we will regret it! I have 9 prerequisites to do and I quit my full-time job to become a part-time waitress so I could fit the classes in ( most were in the daytime and I wanted to attend the U of Mn for them). Waitressing has a few similarities with nursing in the way we work with a variety people, making sure they are getting what they need and want to come back, multi-tasking, so I like it.

We must be realistic with ourselves and understand that most of these schools only accept 20-25% of their applicants. If it does not work out for us, it wasn't meant to be and we will have to figure things out at that point in time. In the meantime, we try not to worry about the uncertain, and if we do worry, to commiserate with those who are in our shoes.

I wrote a similar question in the general discussion area if you want to read the posts to that, too.

MySimplePlan · Sep 17, 2009

If you don't try to continue with your nursing goal, the world will keep spinning and those other 3 people in your group will have continued on and have secured a place in a nursing program, encountering a little less competition because you dropped out. They might thank you in advance.

Alternatively, who's to say they're the ones who won't place because you've nailed a spot, smart girl?

Espo44, if you really want to become a nurse, and it sounds as though you do, don't look right or left - just go for it. To heck with the others are doing. Nursing schools are developing new strategies to accept more nsg students all the time, so perhaps by the time you get there, more spots will be available. That's not my point, however. This is: don't let anything or anyone get in the way of your goal. Nothing.

mariasmomma · Sep 17, 2009

I just started my ABSN program and I think the number of people going into this area has definitely increased since I was taking my prereq's. However, I do agree with the pp in that, if you really want this, BE FOCUSED. Do your best in these prereq's because all of the programs look at your GPA the most. Don't worry about others taking your spot, if you get top grades it is one less thing to worry about when it comes time for admission. Good luck and stay the course.

RNpatterson · Sep 17, 2009

Espo,

My dad always used to tell me "those who want it most will get it." And it's very true. Those of us who want into that program more than anything in life will get in because we won't stop. We'll get the grades needed, get the experience needed, get the help needed for whatever.... essays, advice... we'll go to multiple information sessions even though we're tired and don't have time. We'll have passion in our essays and a lot of extra "stuff" on our application and resume because we know there's more to it than just the essays and the prereqs.

There are hundreds of people applying for 50-80 spots. Even the best of us may not get in the first try... if we want it bad enough we'll go on and try for a second and third time if necessary. I don't know of anyone who hasn't gotten in by their third attempt. Most of my friends got in after their first or second application. Just keep a positive attitude all the way and you'll do just fine.

jkb1999 · Sep 17, 2009

Musician's Wife,

We are very much alike --very passionate about a change in our careers and a drive that will carry us through. I have always loved helping people, being kind and compassionate which is something the business world lacked. I believe that I will get in to the school where I am meant to be and I pray it will be the first try, but I know that this is out of my hands. I have very passionate essays, near 4.0 GPA in undergrad and 4.0's in the Sciences so far and both an undergrad and Master's degree. I too am concerned with the competition. Before I set forth on this path I truly believed that I was the creme of the crop, but I realize now that there are so many out there just like me! I am applying to U of M (as you saw in the U of M posting that you so kindly helped me with the Pharma course), U of D Mercy, WSU, and Eastern. I will also look into OU if I don't get in to any of these but they required more/different pre-req's so I would have to take some more courses. I am applying for 2010 cohorts at these 4 schools and OU would be 2011.

JKB1999

John20 · Sep 21, 2009

Don't worry about why other people are going into nursing. It's a competition and the best will get in regardless of their motives. Focus on being the best.

I'm one of the ones who went into nursing for the job security and ability to make solid $$$ with overtime and 2nd jobs. In this economic environment the number of nurses like me are growing every day. Ride the wave and fight like hell to get in.

Anne36, LPN · Sep 21, 2009

I can certainly relate. I was in micro the other day and the woman in front of me said the same thing. She said that from the other students she talks to it seems like 90% are trying for the nursing program. It is the same way at all levels, from lpn to bsn. The community colleges are saturated with students trying to get in. They got rid of the waiting list and someone told me the new standard was a 3.75 which is an A- average to get accepted.

If this is what you really want keep trying. One of the ladies in my micro class is taking 2 classes over again she got a B before she applys for the nursing program.

Lisa621 · Sep 21, 2009

Hi-

I am in the ABSN program and yes it is competetive, however if you do well in your pre-reqs you will get into a school. There are a ton out there and each look at different things. There is also the ADN programs that once you finish can work and the employer pays for you to go and get the bsn. You have to be focused and you will get in.

Lisa

espo44 · Sep 21, 2009

Lisa,

Congrats on getting into a program! Can I ask which one you're in? Did you get in on your first try?

I think my problem is that I am taking the first 2 of 7 prereqs that I need and I'm putting so much pressure on myself that it's making me a little crazy. I know that I have to get A's in pretty much all of them to have a chance at getting into a program. (My undergrad GPA was bad. But it was 10 years ago, so hopefully that makes a difference.) And the other thing is, I'm not sure how to pace these prereqs. I know I have to ace them. And I have to work full time while taking them. and I have 2 kids. HA! So... Do I take the hard ones one at a time and not even think about getting into a program until Fall of 2012? Or do I take them 2 at a time and shoot for Fall of 2011? I've got it easy this semester because I've just got Nutrition and Developmental Psych. But next semester I need basic Chemistry and basic Bio. Do I dare take them at once? Is that a recipe for disaster?

Sorry for rambling. Thank you EVERYONE for the words of encouragement. I am going to focus and work my ass off. I KNOW I can do this! (i think...?)

Lisa621 · Sep 21, 2009

Hi-

I also had a bad undergrad grade! It was from 18 years ago! Where are you taking the pre reqs? That makes a huge difference if you take one or two classes.

I also have two kids--young! 2 yrs old and 1 yr old.

I am at OU's accl program (started in May) and taking a semester off due to some family issues, however will start again in January's program.

You need to do well in those classes, however you do not need all A's but you DO NOT want any C's. That drops the gpa bigtime.

Yes I did get in the first try, however I am very lucky I did because they changed things since then. Not so sure I would have the first try if applying now because I did get 1 C in the pre reqs from 18 years ago.

I also have my MBA and did great, however that is not what they look at except that I did much better when I learned how to study:-)

espo44 · Sep 21, 2009

hey, I have a 2.5 year old and a 1 year old. how cool to know that you have young kids and you're still doing it. AWESOME!!

i'm taking my prereqs at Wayne State because i read that they give more of priority to people who take prereqs there than those who don't. i don't have a preference, i think i'll be applying at Wayne State, UofM, Eastern and OU. did you take more than one prereq at a time? i'm so torn because i want to get them DONE so i can apply! but i don't want to take on too much. (plus i'm kind of scared of bio and chem because it's been YEARS since i took either.)

thanks for the reply!! glad to know that there's another frazzled mom out there trying to make the dream come true!!