I woke up this morning feeling inspired. My first thought was that it had to do with the fact that as of yesterday afternoon I found myself deciding between admission offers from two Accelerated BSN programs I really want to attend. But I don’t think that’s it. I think it’s more due to the fact that despite my excitement with the news, I sympathize greatly with others who did not get in to the same nursing programs that have offered me seats. It’s heartbreaking to read the dejected posts of allnurses.com members complete with crying emoticons. Likewise, I sympathize as well with those who have been waitlisted – extending an already onerous wait for a final nod. It’s easy for me to sympathize because I too was there once before. Within the past year, I experienced both a waitlist and a rejection – from the same school. So I would have to conclude that my inspiration this morning is directed to those of you that are in the same situation. I feel today it’s my job to come here and try to bring you out of your rut … at least a tad. If that much, I then will feel that I accomplished something good today.
There’s no doubt in my mind that ALL of us have worked hard to get where we are today. Preparing to go to nursing school is not for the lazy or the faint-hearted. If the stars were aligned perfectly, there would be room for everyone to attend. Reality bites in 2011, and as it goes we must compete with one another to show our chosen nursing schools that we have what it takes to succeed in their program. Some schools only look at GPAs and test scores, while others look beyond the raw data with essays, recommendation letters or interviews. No matter what criteria a school uses, it behooves the candidate to place their best foot forward in everything they do. Nursing schools don’t have time to individually meet the hundreds of candidates that submit applications in droves every year. So paper and digital files must ultimately be our formal face to the admission committees.
I am also from the school of thought that believes that what’s meant to be for each of us will happen, and at the right time. Yes, I get nervous waiting for schools to let me know and I may have momentary freak-outs when I open that mailbox only to find store circulars and credit card bills. But quick composure dictates that my sanity remain intact. There is no point in stressing out over things that we no longer have control over. Think about it – isn’t this what we will have to help a patient realize once we become nurses? Our job will be to care for patients, and reducing stress – making them feel better – will be one of them. At some point we have to realize that we have done all that we could for our cause and now things are in the hands of others … and ultimately, the hands of a higher power. We don’t decide the right time for things, it happens in due course.
So, my friends – what is my message here (assuming of course I did not bore you so far and you actually got to this paragraph in one piece )? If you have been waitlisted, embrace it for all its worth – hang in there, they did not say “no!” The message is that you ARE worthy of succeeding in their nursing program, but for some reason they need to make room for you as opposed to taking you in right away. If the waitlist is exhausted and you did not get in, read on. If you have been rejected from a nursing program that you so really wanted to attend, make an effort to sit down and find out what in your application could make you a more competitive candidate. Will it be refining your GPA (through my prereqs, it was for me)? Retaking an entrance exam? A better recommendation (which in my case was monumental)? A better essay (yes in my case too)? Health care experience through volunteering or being a CNA? Don’t be ashamed of personally visiting the school of your choice and speaking to an advisor to let them know that you want in, and find out what will make you a better candidate the next time around.
Last night, I suddenly remembered something that happened almost 2 years ago that I had almost forgotten – understandably so because I think it was a bit traumatizing. I met with an advisor of an accelerated nursing program one day, who looked at my bachelor’s degree transcript and on the basis of that alone, told me flat out that I had a very slim chance of getting into their program because the average GPA of their entering classes was around 3.75 and my 3.2 was barely meeting the mark. Granted, I had yet to take A&P, microbiology and nutrition which were the last remaining prereqs for this program. So that year, I basically dismissed the idea of ever applying there. Yesterday, that same program offered me a seat in this summer’s class. Oh … that other ABSN program: the one that waitlisted and then rejected me last year? I reapplied and they accepted me 2 weeks ago.
People talk about programs being “impossible” to get in. I never believe that, and neither should you. People ARE getting in, why can’t you be one of them too? The two ABSN programs that accepted me within the past two weeks have these notorious reputations as well, but I got in! You will never know unless you try ... giving it your all!
If you want to be a nurse, don’t ever give up! Your desire is the path, but it’s your job to pave the bricks along the way!
This was so encouraging!!!!! I have quite a ways to go as I am just taking my pre-requisite classes now. If I am ever placed on a waiting list or rejected I will remember your post! Very well written. Thanks again!!!!
Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to create such an optimistic post! You have such a great spirit in you that will make you a wonderful nurse one day. I have been on a waitlist for what seems like an eternity for the school of my dreams. I should be receiving the final word in the coming weeks and I've become a nervous wreck. Your post was just what I needed to make it through the final countdown. God bless you, congrats, and good luck in nursing school :)
Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to create such an optimistic post! You have such a great spirit in you that will make you a wonderful nurse one day. I have been on a waitlist for what seems like an eternity for the school of my dreams. I should be receiving the final word in the coming weeks and I've become a nervous wreck. Your post was just what I needed to make it through the final countdown. God bless you, congrats, and good luck in nursing school :)
I appreciate your words more than I can say. I was denied a week ago and it just about killed me. I wasn't sure how to go on. I have work SO hard and can't believe that it isn't paying off. My heart was heavy for a bit but now I am working to figure out what I can do for future applications. I am waiting on a meeting date with the nursing director. I will not give up!! My strength has been challenged and NOW it is time to rise to the occasion as I always do. THANKS for your encouragement...I actually cried ; )
Last time i read this post and I connected with it and also posted my experience. I got rejection letters six times. one from my current school and the other from different schools. i will tell you people, Never give up. If this is what you turly want to do never give up. keep your faith and keep trying. sometimes if things is not going on right, it just means that it is not yet your time. your time will surly come. After six rejections, My time came. I got a call just last month that brought me great joy. I got accepted into my current school's Nursing program. i will be starting this fall.
so Friends Please do not give up. Have Faith in GOD. Your time will come. :redbeathe
I'm 17 and I applied to study Child Nursing at university and I got 3 rejections. When I got all my 3 rejections, I thought to myself "that's it. No more uni place for me" but then I got 1 place at a good uni and 1 place at one of the best nursing school's in the UK (: this has been a blessing in disguise and taught me a very important lesson. Never to give up and never to loose faith.
Thank you so much for writing this! I've been looking for someone who has experienced what I'm going through right now. I am currently on a waiting list and really stumped on what my next move I should make. I have a Bachelor's Degree already and I'm feeling my education is more of a deterrent then help. I'm being penalized at community colleges for having too many units so I'm unable to register for the prerequisite sciences I need.
Has anyone ever taken classes through "Integrated Science Programs"? Are they transferable to a RN program or just LVN? I'm also applying at private colleges for LVN and RN, RN is harder to find as ADN. I don't care to get another Bachelors degree but it's looking like I may have to to get my RN.
Has anyone else had these issues? Any suggestions?
Go for the Accelerated BSN, no question. Don't beat yourself up over getting another bachelor's degree. The BSN will open more doors for you in nursing, not to mention that it is increasingly the preferred entry point into the profession. With a prior bachelors degree, you will have the BSN in a year with the accelerated option. That is better than spending 2 years on an ADN and having a disadvantage right out of the gate (not to mention having to go back for BSN later).
As for having too many credits already to enroll at a community college for prereqs, that is new to me. Try taking courses at a 4 year college instead or online. Might be more money but at least you know it may work. Good luck!
Thanks Paco! That definitely did help. I am guilty of stressing myself out over things that I have no control over and have learned more about myself by going back to the community college in order to go through an Accelerated BSN program. It's been tough because of all the budget cuts and it's near impossible to get in to classes without several years and credits under your belt. Then, I worry about how competitive nursing schools are with admissions and how tough it's going to be. Hopefully everything will work out for the best! Your own situation truly inspires me. Good luck with the program and keep us updated!
You are absolutely right. No one should ever give up on their childhood dreams. I am still trying to get accepted into a nursing program. Sometimes I feel like giving up but I can't see myself working in another field. I realized that I need to make myself stand out from other applicants. So, in 2 weeks i'm starting a CNA program so that I can get more experience in the health-care field!! No one should ever give up! Keep applying, a school will accept you eventually. Stay focused and keep your eye on the prize!
)? If you have been waitlisted, embrace it for all its worth – hang in there, they did not say “no!” The message is that you ARE worthy of succeeding in their nursing program, but for some reason they need to make room for you as opposed to taking you in right away. If the waitlist is exhausted and you did not get in, read on. If you have been rejected from a nursing program that you so really wanted to attend, make an effort to sit down and find out what in your application could make you a more competitive candidate. Will it be refining your GPA (through my prereqs, it was for me)? Retaking an entrance exam? A better recommendation (which in my case was monumental)? A better essay (yes in my case too)? Health care experience through volunteering or being a CNA? Don’t be ashamed of personally visiting the school of your choice and speaking to an advisor to let them know that you want in, and find out what will make you a better candidate the next time around.
Caregive41
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I am so glad that I read your post. Your words of inspiration made me feel so much more at ease. Good luck to you.