What is your back up plan, what should I do?

SushiJoe · Mar 24, 2012

Good topic. I've been wondering about this as well. I'm 32 and have never gone to college. I am leaving behind a fairly good career in software development because I really want to be a nurse. I'm starting my prerequisites in the fall. My local school requires four classes before acceptance into the clinical portion of the two year RN program. I worry that there might be a long wait inbetween the first semester prerequisites and the second semester clinical program. I'm considering getting a CNA before I start so that I can work in a hospital until I eventually get my RN

UVA Grad Nursing · Mar 24, 2012

If you did not get in, contact people at the schools and seek their recommendations for ways to improve your application for next year. Also ask the admissions profile of the entering class (GPA, TEAS score, prereq grades, experience, age, etc). Also ask them to honestly tell you if you should bother reapplying. A school official with integrity will be honest with you. Then follow the advice and reapply if your gut tells you they are being honest with you.

Becoming a RN is not a race. They do not pass our toasters to the first ones done.

While I cannot speak for all schools, I do note who contacts me as well as who reapplies. It is harder to turn someone away a second time who has followed your advice. In our Second Degree class (Direct Entry MSN), 10-20% of the entering group are re-applications each year.

whattodo4 · Mar 24, 2012

If i don't get in, I will definitely contact the school to find out why.

caliotter3 · Mar 24, 2012

I would not consider giving up unless a second round of applications (to the same programs that encourage second apps) are negative. Even a second rejection does not mean that you won't get accepted on the third application. You need to speak to someone at each program who can clue you in on where you might stand after your first attempt. The LPN license might be your key, but inquire first. Unless you intend to work as an LPN if you can't get into RN school, there is little sense in going down that path unless there really are LPN to RN transition programs available to you. Yet another option, is to cast your net further. Maybe you can find a program to attend that is not nearby. Then you need to decide whether you can make that adjustment. I just don't see giving up easily, unless you feel compelled due to your present circumstances. Good luck.

sunbaby0811 · Mar 25, 2012

This is one of my biggest fears, honestly. And I don't know the answer. For me, I'm hellbent and determined to get into a BSN program, but my backup plan is the ASN program at a local CC.

whattodo4 · Mar 25, 2012

heh I do think the "not getting in" is every pre-nursing students biggest fear. We like to think that it won't ever happen and hopefully it won't, but if it does, what do you do.

Its sort of like practicing fire drills at school, you hope there is never actually a fire (and all throughout primary and high school there never was) but you still know what to do just incase there is a fire.

nguyency77, CNA · Mar 25, 2012

heh I do think the "not getting in" is every pre-nursing students biggest fear. We like to think that it won't ever happen and hopefully it won't, but if it does, what do you do.
Its sort of like practicing fire drills at school, you hope there is never actually a fire (and all throughout primary and high school there never was) but you still know what to do just incase there is a fire.

My fiance wholeheartedly believes I will get in, but I'm one of those perfectionists and I sometimes have irrational fears. Not getting into nursing school is definitely on the top of that list. At my university, they tell us we should reapply every semester because each semester the ability of applicants varies. Then again, they charge us $50 every time we reapply...

whattodo4 · Mar 25, 2012

aye i must have spent almost 100-150$ on dam application fees, then do it all over again if you reapply. One also has to wonder as to the effects on the pysche if all the schools say no, the self doubt etc...

I should be finding out in June, I am assuming that is when the acceptance/rejection letters go out-twill be a very interesting month

NeoNatMom · Mar 25, 2012

I wouldn't change your career path altogether. However, I would either wait the extra year, not take a chem yet though cus you dont know which one will say yes or no unless you can manage to get financial aid to cover it, or go the lpn route and bridge. You may have to work in facilities that aren't really a hospital at first but the fact that when you apply to nursing school, it gives them that much more of a reason to say yes, makes lpn that much more valuable. Going back to the beginning, you said you have applied, but what does your gpa look like if you don't mind me asking? Most schools require between a 2.8 and a 3.0 minimum and the average is usually in the 3.6 as far as acceptance is concerned. Let us know more if possible so we can give more advice.

whattodo4 · Mar 25, 2012

If i do end up going LPN first, I will def. be bridging. As for gpa, my first degree, my gpa was a 3.3 . As for the gpa I have in the classes now (microbiology and Anatomy and Physiology) I do not know exactly since the college doesn't post gpa until the classes are done however I suspect my gpa is hovering around the 3.0

NeoNatMom · Mar 25, 2012

then you should be okay as long as you test well and do well if they do student interviews.