What NOW???????????

lainith · Apr 1, 2008

If there is such a shortage why do they take on so few students?

As for this part of your post... I don't know about where you are but the reason my school can only take a few students (28 will be in my class and that includes me) because we only have a certain number of instructors. And the instructors who teach at my campus also teach at another campus an hour from here. They are stretched beyond their limits like everyone else and with no trained nurses wanted to come back to teach, the shortage continues.

You're doing the best you can do by applying to alternate schools, though the truth is it may be too late in the game. Many schools have already selected their students for the next term. However, being an alternate may not be as bad as it seems. MANY students drop out quickly and you may still get in. Otherwise, continue your pre-reqs and know that you have a better chance of getting in next year. I had a wait an extra year to get into my school's NP because I was at the bottom of the list due to the fact that I still had pre-reqs to get out of the way. I am pretty glad now that it turned out how it did because I really appreciated the extra time to focus on my classes. My alternate plan if I did not get in this year was to go through CNA training but obviously you don't need to do that.

Wish I could be more help... good luck.

coolpeach · Apr 1, 2008

As the above poster said there is a major teacher shortage in nursing schools. Everyone wants to nurse, and no one wants to teach. Some programs have a point system based on a variety of factors, and let in the top whatever number of students. Other programs literally put everyone in a hat and draw the amount of available spots and thats it. I have even heard of programs where when you apply you go on the back of a waiting list, and get in (in the order your were received). I have heard some lists are up to 3 years long.

A fear I have is the 5 year limit on science classes. Most programs have a 5 year limit, and if your completion date for a science class reaches a 5 year limit before you are accepted you have to retake the class, or classes. That was a lot of science classes, and I don't want to retake them.

You have the procedure pretty much correct. If your not at a school who has a waiting list then you retake the entrance exam if you can during the next admission period to see if you can improve. Even if you had a 95, a 96 is one point more. You also do whatever else you can to get more points (look at the schools website to see what they base points on), and then reapply. Most schools offer extra points if you reapply so that helps. You pray, cross your fingers, jump up and down, and come here and vent and wait to get accepted. Welcome to family.

ssnva1 · Apr 1, 2008

You can work on BSN, pre reqs, unless that what you have been doing. Thats my plan if I dont get in, allthough I only need a couple atleast they will be out ofthe way. I can do it now why I am in the mode! I am also considering Respiratory Therapy if I dont get in for fall 09. Second choice, but I find it to be very interesting.

modelmama07 · Apr 1, 2008

I am so discouraged right now. I have an associate degree in medical assisting and been working for two yrs as a CMA. I went back to school and am now finishing my CNAI.

I'm not really sure what you are going to school for exactly. CNA, ADN? I'm somewhat confused.:uhoh21: I would like to give some advice.

OLIVIALEN · Apr 4, 2008

I'm not really sure what you are going to school for exactly. CNA, ADN? I'm somewhat confused.:uhoh21: I would like to give some advice.

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Sorry I am a CMA and finishing my CNAI. I was hoping to get in to the RN program but ended up as an alternate after taking the NET. They only had 50 spots available and I was numbered 63rd as an alternate.I did speak to an instructor and applied for the LPN program that starts in Jan 09. I will know in Aug if I was one of the 20 who gets in that program, and I am still on the alternate list for RN program too. I am not sure if i should retake the NET I need to find out my score but can't until next week. I guess I sounded very ugly and I didn't mean too. I know that there are many others trying to start the same path as I am. I am just limited to the time that I can be out of work to focus solely on school and limited to how long my other classes are good for until I have to retake them. I want this very badly but I at least have a shot with the LPN program and then i can take the bridge to RN. I didn't think I would have the chance to get into that class either until I talked with the instructor who encouraged me to sign up for it. Please all keep your fingers crossed for me there are less spots available for it than the RN so I am going to try not to be too disappointed if i have to wait another year. Thank you all for the words of wisdom and encouragement:nuke:.

9livesRN, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2008

I always say Aim on the net for 80+ because that is passing in almost all the schools and a competitive score!

coolpeach · Apr 4, 2008

I am crossing my fingers, and my toes too!!!

Marie-SC · Apr 5, 2008

Hang in there! If your school is anything like mine, people put their name on the waiting list and when the time comes, they have moved on or don't send in their deposit to secure their spot. At my school they begin sending out letters for the Fall in Feb. and are sometimes calling people on the list as late as the second day of class. Because the programs have limited opening, the schools are pushed to fill every spot. I am number 30 on my schools waitlist and they only take 12 each Fall so they told me I can start Fall 2010 (12-2008, 12-2009, 12-2010), but I am betting/planning on 6 people not starting and being able to start in the Fall 2009.

Hang in there!:)

Marie

Rhone · Apr 5, 2008

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I did speak to an instructor and applied for the LPN program that starts in Jan 09. I will know in Aug if I was one of the 20 who gets in that program, and I am still on the alternate list for RN program too.

Looks like you're already doing what I was going to suggest. Are there any other LPN programs in the area you could apply to as well, since there are only 20 spots in that one?

dd718 · Apr 6, 2008

can some one tell me after you have taken the net exam (lpn ) and then you get the letter that they have to inter view you and then review your file what are they really looking for during the interview and in your file

Rhone · Apr 6, 2008

I suspect, above all else, that they are attempting to assess whether you would successfully complete the program and go on to pass the NCLEX exam. They have to pay their instructors to teach the classes regardless of the class size, so every student that drops out of the program is a financial loss for the college. Likewise, students completing the program but failing the NCLEX jeopardizes the program's accreditation.

They get an idea of how well you might handle the academic challenges of the program by your performance in previous classes and your pre-admissions test score. I suspect that, in the interview, they want to get a feel for how dedicated you really are to getting into and completing the program, and whether you'll be capable of doing so. By "capable" I mean not only intellectually, but also that your financial situation and your family life will allow you to devote enough time to the program.

I haven't interviewed yet myself, so I'm not speaking from actual knowledge; I'm just making an educated guess.