What else is there to do??

Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN · Feb 11, 2009

taking an arrthymia class and watching heart monitors is another option. I did that untill I could get into school and after. I went to LPN school days and watched monitors 3-11. worked out marvelously. Then when I graduated I worked in the CCU.

ritarunningfeet · Feb 11, 2009

you could take a phlebotomy course, or like you said OR tech classes, you could take EMT classes, or MA classes. My sister in law is taking MA courses until she can get into the program she wants, and is learning a ton in a pretty short period of time. 9 months I think.

travel50 · Feb 12, 2009

EMT classes are good, esp if you thrive on adrenaline. I knew someone who couldn't get into nsg school for same reason, and he became a respiratory therapist instead. You could also check into being a physical or occupational therapy assistant.

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · Feb 12, 2009

All of the above are good ideas, I'd just be wary of spending too much money for schooling if you still want to pursue nursing later, so you don't have tons of student loan debt. For example, all the MA programs around my hometown were very expensive, I'm talking 15-20k for the program and these jobs only pay like $10-$15 an hour. You'd be better off just getting phlebo certified, costs around $900 and you make about the same an hour, you just are more limited in what you do. Also, if you can do something like that (phlebo, OR tech, even CNA) some nursing schools partner with certain hospitals and will pay your way through school if you are an employee before, during and after you finish (most places are 1-2 year committment post licensure).

See what other schools have to offer, be willing to travel for school if that's what you really want. A lot of my classmates were from cities 100+ miles away from our school, but relocated for the program. One guy was even from a neighboring state. Do what you gotta do, where there's a will there's a way! Good luck to you!

lamazeteacher · Feb 12, 2009

You've gotten great input from the above people about what you could do in the year between........ but none are about raising your GPA. Is that possible?

If you did fabulously in just one subject, there would be enough points to do that, wouldn't there?

Why do you think you might lose your learning capacity? If you're older than 50 it might be a concern....... but you're not, are you?

Riseupandnurse · Feb 12, 2009

Could you retake a class you got a low grade in, preferably a science course, give it your all and get an A to replace your previous grade and so raise your GPA?

Itshamrtym · Feb 12, 2009

YOu have gotten some really great advice... I hope that others come along and share what they have done also... What about PCT (patient care tech)

A lot of hospitals use them. YOu would get more training that you could use down the road. I did the LPN to RN route. That is a great way to go also. But, it seems that you have tried that too. I am a OR nurse. Our OR techs have to go to school for at least 2 years. There is a lot to learn and it is very

stressful. Perhaps where you live they might have shorter programs, not sure.

What about if you got your GNA and did home health care. This is a booming field??? Good luck to you and keep us posted!!!!!!!!! TAke CARE

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Feb 13, 2009

I would request a personal interview with the Dean of the nursing school and ask what would be the best route to take. Do NOT try to defend you grades (family issues, etc). Just say this is very important to you, you respect this person's opinion, and you want to do the right thing. Then thank them. The interview will show your level of interest and your maturity and your ability to go to the best person for answers. If the Dean's office recommends someone else, thank them and contact that person immediately. Be sure to dress nice for the interview as they WILL BE looking at you. Good Luck.

DaretoDreamRN · Feb 14, 2009

3.3 gpa is not bad at all.. Try applying at other schools if you havent.

Equinox_93 · Feb 14, 2009

I was a CNA while doing my prereqs for nursing school. I finished up with a 3.3 GPA and i didnt even get in . I was like oh my God!!!! but the school was competitive. i also tried lpn but the gpa preference was 3.5.
now i have to wait until next year to apply again. i was wondering what else could i do until i apply or wait until the next year. I LOVE being a CNA but im ready to do something new. im tired of the nursing home gig. i was thinking about OR tech. i was wondering what would be good b/c i can't be out of school for a long time. ill start to lose knowledge. anyway can anyone give me some advice.

Apply to hospitals for CNA positions... Gives you a change of scenery from the nursing home. While doing that you can take other classes or bump up your GPA for the next admitted class.