Wanting a second chance

[ERainey]

I have always wanted to be a nurse. When I started college, I was determined to graduate with a nursing degree. However, things didn't pan out the way I had hoped they would. I did fine in my first semester and enjoyed school. Then in my second semester, I ended up being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and was put on medications that made me feel very sick. I had a hard time dealing with my health problems, my parents ended up divorcing, and I became very depressed. I completely lost focus and my grades slipped. I totally flunked my second semester and was placed on academic warning. My total GPA was less than 2.0, so I decided to take a break from school to pull myself together.

Its been three years since then. My health is under control (my autoimmune disease is actually in remission now!!), and I have a new determination to finish school and to do well. I recently was accepted back at the same school, and start classes in January. I am also beginning a CNA course in January. However, I still have that pathetic GPA, and only six credits under my belt. I feel so much determination to become a nurse. I know that I am capable of doing well in school, but my transcripts say otherwise. I am desperate for a second chance at doing what I have always felt that I am meant to do- nursing. I just worry that it isn't a realistic hope for me anymore with a low GPA. My plan is to retake courses that I did poorly in, take prerequisites, talk with an academic advisor about my options, and take math and science courses to help boost my GPA. I feel like since I am still pretty young, only attended two semesters previously, and have a small amount of earned credits, I still have time to improve my GPA and show that I am capable of getting into nursing school and becoming a nurse. I feel like I still have a shot at going to nursing school because I want it so badly and I'm willing to put in the work. But, I don't know if I'm just living in some idealistic fantasy. Does anyone have any recommendations, guidance, or even just words of encouragement? Don't be afraid to be realistic with me either. I appreciate constructive criticism and tough love. Do I still have a chance, so long as I work my butt off and prove that I can do it? Or, is it no longer a real option for me, given my below 2.0 GPA?

[jess.mont, ADN, RN]

It sounds like you have a good plan. You might want to focus on taking one or two classes at a time so you can do your absolute best. Thursday you can reevaluate at the end of the spring semester. Good luck!

[Lavender111]

Hey, never give up! I believe in you!

If anything, your personal experience with sickness and how you overcame it to become a nurse will be an amazing story to tell at interviews and it shows the extent of your strength and determination.

I graduated high school with a D in every single math class and in chemistry and I have a 4.0 in college now. Don't ever let your past dictate your future. Get some experience with being a CNA, make connections at your work place, and take your classes slow and steady. You can always retake classes. And, in my personal opinion, grades don't necessarily show what kind of a nurse you will be. You have real world experience and that is not a bad thing at all. Good luck! We will become nurses! Speak it into existence!