What would you do?

[Mary Mettille Brist]

What would you do?

Background: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a minor in American Sign Language. Life happened senior year of college and I didn’t get the best grades; I graduated with a GPA of 3.2. I got a C in Chemistry, a C in Anatomy and Physiology I, and mostly A’s and B+‘s in my other (non science) classes.

I have two children under 2 and work a full-time 10-6 job. I am the sole breadwinner of my family - my husband is a stay-at-home dad. I would love to go back to school to pursue nursing - ultimately, the goal is to get my master’s and work as a CNM.

I’m currently enrolled in Nutrition and Lifespan Psychology and anticipate getting A’s in both. I’ll also be taking Mircobiology, retaking A&P I, and taking A&P II this fall/Winter. A’s are, of course, what I’m striving for.

I’m trying to figure out how to get to the end goal. Due to my poor accumulative GPA the first time round, I’m concerned about the quite real possibility of not being accepted into any of the accelerated BSN programs or direct entry MSN programs that I’ll be applying for this Spring.

I plan on applying to multiple accelerated BSN programs this Winter, as well as a few direct entry master’s programs. I live in Minnesota, but am open to relocating to another state for school if I have to (staying in MN would be the ideal, however!).

If I don’t get accepted to any of the programs, Rasmussen (a for-profit school here in the cities) does have a ADN program. I could go that route, find a job, and do an RN-BSN bridge program, then do a master’s with a focus on CNM. I could also skip the RN-BSN and go straight into my master’s, since I already have a degree.

What would you do? Where would you start? Anyone been in my shoes?

Also, if I do end up starting with my ADN, does anyone have any experience with Rasmussen’s ADN program in MN? How difficult is it to be hired with only an ADN here in Minneapolis/St. Paul? I know there is a huge shift in wanting nurses with a BSN...Will having a bachelor’s degree in another field help at all?

Any advice/wisdom/insight would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[marquisdelafayette]

Hello!! I got my Bachelors in Biology with a 2.95 GPA. Years later, I took my nursing school pre-reqs with the hopes of getting into an ABSN program. With almost all A's on the pre-reqs, despite my low Undergrad GPA, I got into every ABSN program I applied to. So I wouldn't let your 3.2 deter you. Work hard to get good grades on your pre-reqs, try to get some experience, get some good letters of rec, and you'll be a competitive ABSN applicant! Though, these programs are pretty intense so as the sole breadwinner, it may not be the best option. I know my program recommends not holding a job at all throughout the program.