Trying Again to Get Into ABSN Program

[WA123]

I tried a few years ago (2014 & 2015 start dates) to get into an Accelerated Nursing Program. Unfortunately, I was wait-listed both times, but near the top of the list (3rd place or so I believe). I have been unhappy with my "career" since graduating in 2010 with a Business Degree; I have always felt that I have essentially been going through the paces of trying to do what I "should" be doing instead of going for what I really want. I have flipped and flopped through various kinds of businesses, and none have left me feeling very excited for my future or even current day to day activities, and it's the kind of thing that starts to "stain" all the other aspects of one's life. A lot of it felt like the square peg in a round hole situation.

I was planning on trying to do something within the medical field with my business degree, but is hard to break into something meaningful with that alone. Moreover, no matter how much I tried to just get on with my job or internships, I always felt like my real want was to be a part of the team that is on the front-lines of direct care. Of course, administrative stuff is an important part of any organization, but it just felt like something was missing.

I became an EMT and got some experience doing that; I loved the hands-on nature of it (as I suspected I would) and although hard work, it felt much different (in a good way) from doing administrative-office work.

I took my remaining prereqs and applied, with the aforementioned results. Looking back, I think I was just too mentally jumbled to have the concentration needed to really excel. My application was good, but not respective of my capabilities; I have found that aspect of ABSN programs the most difficult, trying to outrun stuff I did in my past that is not fully representative of my ability. I have around a 3.2 Cumulative GPA, mainly due to my Freshman year. Unfortunately, none of the programs I have looked at seem to weigh the last 60 credits, as that would be around a 3.5 or so. My prereq GPA was probably around a 3.4 when I applied as well, some of the classes being taken while still in my undergrad.

Recently, my life circumstances have allowed me to focus again on my drive to get my BSN. I thought, after being waitlisted the few times over the past couple of years that I should just give up and make the best of my circumstances and try to find a way to be happy with what I have, but for whatever reason, that little voice in the back of my head could not be silenced, regardless of how much I tried to move on from going for what I felt like I needed to do and just forgetting about it. I felt like I could never be truly settled with my life if I didn't try again, so here I am, trying again.

I just got done retaking A&P 2 and kicked my grade up from a B to an A, so that feels like a good first step. Next is retaking my stats class and going for an A, as that would put my prereq GPA at a 3.7 or so, which I feel would show some definite forward momentum.

I'm not really sure what I am trying to gain by posting all this, but I know there must be others in the same situation, and I know how much it can help to know you aren't alone in your situation. Being 28, it feels like everyone else has figured out their own situations while I am essentially trying to rebuild myself from the ground up, so it can be a little disheartening to feel like life keeps kicking you when you are down. Now though, when I take a step back from it all, maybe the kicks were because I was unhappy and unfulfilled, and deep down I knew I wasn't living the life I wanted. Regardless, I finally feel like I have some control over where I really want to go, and I hope others can relate.

[rock hopper]

I am in the exact same situation, and around the same age too (i'm 26). Got a degree in Psychology then worked a couple years doing construction. Really never had any desire to do construction though I could have taken over a highly successful family construction business, I never had any passion for it and would've felt terrible falling into that position.

Your gpa is better than mine (mine's an overall 2.7, last 60 3.0). I am making a list of every school that will accept a 3.0 on the last 60 hours but fully knowing I may end up going to the local CC for 2 years and getting my ADN just to get my foot in the door. The good thing about that option is that my CC program is only around 10k total vs. 50k+ for accelerated programs, and only a year longer.

I know the feeling of "everyone is making money and has things figured out". I'm in the same boat. But I think with your gpa you have a good shot at getting in an aBSN program. Or at least better than I do! Haha. Keep your head up..nose to the grindstone..you'll get there

[dorineidan]

I am 28 and I am finally back in school full time. I was forced into the the school of life before I could get through my first year of college. I never gave up though I am now in a position where I could go back to school full time and I am now finishing up my nursing pre req's. It really depends on what area you live in if you can't get into the BSN program then take the Asn route. You will be a transitioning student as you are an EMT so that's going for you. I'm still working on getting my gpa to wear it needs to be. apply at different schools also as they all require something different.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

OP: (collegescorecard.ed.gov)