UNF Nursing Advice; Fixing a bad start?

wayemika · Nov 10, 2015

hey. I know how you feel. If nursing is your dream then dont give up. Apply to the nursing programs in the area. if not UNF then JU,SFSC, FSCJ. heck if your GI bill will cover it even Chamberlain

brittercritter · Nov 10, 2015

What's the minimum requirement GPA to get into the nursing program at your school? At my school it is only a 3.0 gpa. If you can get a 3.3 with B+, I think you might even be able to afford getting a C. You don't have to shoot for straight A's. Anatomy and Physiology is a very hard class and a B in that course is a huge accomplishment. Dont overwhelm and stress yourself out too much if you dont have too. Best of luck!

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2015

I did not go to UNF but Lifespan development should be an easy A, but don't take it for granted. Microbiology is VERY involved, and if you had not have a lot of exposure in highschool, I would not take microbiology and anatomy in the same semester if you really want A's. A&P has tonnes of reading to catch up on, Microbiology is like learning a different language. Plus you are working which makes it even more difficult. I also worked full time while taking prereqs. I got A's in A&P 1 and 2, with a B in micro. I'd push it back 1 semester, its will be worth it to have solid grades rather than scrape up B's and have a lower chance of getting in. You cannot undo a low GPA. Worse that can happen is a 1 year delay. Took me 4 yrs to do prereqs, but hey now I'm an RN. Time is relative...Just my opinion.

kmahnke93 · Nov 10, 2015

Thanks all for the replies!

To britter: the minimumm GPA is a 2.9, but the average accepted was a 3.77.

Arrow thanks for the in-depth response. UNF admits for the fall and the summer, and my original goal was MCB, DEP, A&P I, and possibly a physchology/sociology retake to buff the GPA in the spring, apply for the fall deadline, then A&P II in the summer.

I would at least get feedback as to whether I could make it at that point and if I was denied I could then retake classes accordingly during the fall semester. During the spring I would just work, possibly take another attempt at a class, then apply for the summer (and fall if it comes to it).

The first option seems like a lot of redundancy and a little rushed, but it gives me time to improve and 3 shots. Option B would be just taking the minimum course load and being able to apply for next summer, which seems like alot of time to be taking 1 or 2 courses a semester. The way I look at it is I could risk bad grades but sooner application, or good grades and delay graduation another year or so.

The only reason option B would be concerning is I might be getting a job as a patient care tech or private ambulance tech (depending on how well the hiring process goes after my EMT course) and those aren't quite the best paying jobs, and I would have to afford living expenses and school at the same time.

Which option sounds best?

Thanks again guys.

kmahnke93 · Nov 16, 2015

And I've decided just to go for it and accept whichever school I get into. Now I just have to practice my interview skills so I can land one of the scarce ER tech jobs after EMT school.

wayemika · Nov 18, 2015

to be honest either option would be good. the good part about having a job already at a hospital is its easier to get hired as a new grad when your done. Just do what feels best for you. Once you think about it some you will get a feeling of whats the right path for you. keep on trucking. we need more good nurses :)

SherBear808 · Mar 16, 2016

I'm currently a UNF nursing student in the APL program. Definitely don't give up hope! GPA counts for 15% of the overall score. The TEAS counts for 35% and the remainder 50%, is the interview. You don't need to have a 3.7 GPA or higher to apply. Just be sure to at least have the minimum GPA, score well on the TEAS and rock the interview.