Published Apr 12, 2007
salsaking
118 Posts
I have a huge dilemma...I've completed almost all my prerequisite classwork to be eligible for BSN programs however my counselor is encouraging me to apply for ADN programs because of the wait lists. Now it feels like a I giant waste of time just sitting around for a year or two waiting to get accepted into an Associates program. Does anyone else feel like this? What should I be doing while I wait? Should I get a BAchelors in something just because I have nothing else to do? Should I just pursue PA? MD? Can't believe it will take 6 years to earn an Associates Degree (2 years prereqs, 2 years waiting, 2 years nursing program). I have been working full time and attending school full time while doing my coursework so my GPA is about 3.0, not competitive enough to be able to skip the wait lists.
aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN
585 Posts
I'm confused. You're almost done with your BSN prereqs but they want you to apply for an ADN program where there is a two year wait? It just doesn't make sense to me at all. So there is a wait list for your BSN then? It just sounds odd to me because where I live there is a 2 1/2 year wait for the ADN but no wait for the BSN (you typically get in the first try if you have a good GPA). Hmmm..........
In the meantime, why don't you take a CNA class and go work in a hospital as a nurse tech? That is what I'm doing. I was originally just going to go for my ADN until I got accepted and found out how long the wait list is so I decided to get my CNA and then start working on my BSN prereq's and I will finish my BSN before I would have finished my ADN.
Well I have practically all my prereqs to apply for a BSN program completed but since my GPA is not "competitive enough" Only 3.0, My counselor told me I'd be on a wait list for BSN programs for atleast 2 years. I live in southern california by the way. I though about doing the CNA thing but that means I would have to cut my current income by about $5 an hour and it will be hard to afford to live in Orange County on my own with that amount of income.
BouBou
113 Posts
I would suggest starting a minor in something that interests you and would also be useful in nursing.
G-townLPN
30 Posts
At my school we don't have wait lists, but it is so competitive that it can take that long to get in. I have in the meanwhile been working on Associates degree in Business Administration with concentration in Health Care Management. A lot my classes we accepted for pre req's. I thought that if I did that and got my RN more doors would open up. And also if your on financial aid or hae loans, it is good to stay in school (Here in Indiana anyway). Good Luck!
catzy5
1,112 Posts
I live in southern ca there are many more schools that do BSN and not weight so heavly on grades then do the ADN programs. I would look into other schools that maybe do testing, interviews or points for outside work experience etc...There are a lot of options here.
Stubbleuffagus
15 Posts
Take more classes. A little more education never hurt anyone.
I know what it's like, our waitlists here in Colorado are horrible (3 years) and I have thought the same thing as you. However, I realized that I have always wanted to learn spanish and being on the waitlist is the perfect opportunity for me to take on those spanish classes. Not to mention it will help me out as a nurse as well.
Mexarican
431 Posts
if you're not tied down...apply to other schools in the region...Oregon, washington, etc...
To me "Time" is much much more valuable than the cost. Two years is an awfully long time to be "waiting" to get in...time IS money.
Mex;)