Waiting for a program

Nursing Students General Students

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Hi all,

I am finally taking my prereqs. I am really excited, but really nervous that getting into a nursing program will be hard. I have a bachelor's in finance from DePaul University but my GPA was so so 2.9 on a 4.0 scale. I also struggled and didn't do so well when I first started and have a few lower grades on my transcripts (D & F). I think I will do fine in my prereqs (As & Bs), science and health comes easy to me. I guess I am nervous because I keep reading about all these wait lists and application criteria that states how competitve their programs are. I am trying to get into a ADN program, because I do not want another bachelor's (unless an ADN waitlist is too long). I am wondering what your experience was in getting in to your program, I am open to hearing about ADN, Bachelor's or even a direct entry MSN. I am worried because I really want to get in and not wait any longer. Thanks for all your help in advance.

It all depends on what you want. I also have a bachelors in business, and originally did not want another bachelors. However, I found the ADN programs do not look kindly on former GPAs; therefore, someone whom has just started college with one class with an A has a higher standing that someone with a degree! The community colleges are beginning to change their criteria but it wasn't quick enough for me. I began an accelerated BSN program and will graduate in 2005.

For me, getting in and out of school was the most important. A direct-entry MSN would have me in school for another three years. I advise you to look at all the programs in your area and decide which is the best fit. Speak to schools - you'll get a "feel" for the right one. Good luck!

Yeah I think that is my problem, I live right in the heart of downtown Chicago and there about 4 accelerated programs, 2 direct entry Master's programs and and with the surrounding Chicago suburbs 10 different ADN programs (all whom have about the same criteria to get in). I don't know what is best, it all is a little intimidating, all I know is I am not crazy about getting through organic & inorganic chemistry (eekks), it will put me behind another year which bums me out. If I get in to a program, it just seems like no matter what especially with the accelerated program that it will effect my working day and that I will have to work part-time or work at night rather than the day. So it will probably mean a big pay cut in my salary because I am in investment banking etc. and to work at night will mean retail or waiting tables again (nothing wrong with that, but I did that to get my business degree), and it will take some time to figure it all out and take that risk etc. and give up the stability of a full-time career. I haven't found a nursing program that can be completed part-time at night like business school :) Plus what is hardest is because I am finally making decent money off of my business degree (blood money haha), a lot of people close to me haven't been the most supportive about applying to a full-time program etc., they can't believe I would give up my current job (which I hate)..........................it is all way confusing, I am thankful for this message board as an outlet to ask........and for my prereq classes, it is great to look around and there are about 15 other career changers like myself it is encouraging.

Thanks.

Originally posted by kimmathis14

Plus what is hardest is because I am finally making decent money off of my business degree (blood money haha),Thanks.

I hear you :)

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