What do do while waiting

[jescalynn, ASN, RN]

I have applied 6 times now for nursing school at the following three schools;

1. National (BSN)- not selected (waiting for results that should be here this week also)

2. COS (ADN)- denied me due to a W on my transcript from 11 years ago :-/

3. FCC (ADN)- just found out didn't make the lottery, in again for a third time

I am wondering what should I do while I am waiting? This semester I am taking the CMA program at my local community college Fresno City in hopes that maybe I can get a job in the medical field while I wait. I have considered the following options:

1. Go to a LVN program (the only one I could get into here (that doesn't require you to be a CNA first) costs a lot of money $30,000 at Gurnick, but I have looked and haven't seen any jobs for LVN's so would that just be a waste of time?

2. Try to get a BS in something healthcare while I wait (administration or something along those lines), but again would this just be a waist of time and money?

3. Try to get into allied health field for a while in hopes the applicant pool gets smaller in a few years when I could try again (surg. tech./rad. tech./respiratory tech.)

I am looking for any ideas, I want to be a nurse, I cant sit by and wait for it to happen, I need to know that I am doing all that I can, any ideas would be appreciated! Thank you!

[CDEWannaBe]

The CNA idea is good. You will get a lot of patient care experience and may even have an employer who will offer scholarships for you to continue your education.

If there are any other non-prereq classes that will help you in your degree, consider taking them too.

[ironicitis]

CNA or CMA is definitely a great idea! You will still be in the nursing field. By the time you get to nursing school you'll get a better idea of what things are like and be more knowledgable. Volunteer in a hospital on a floor that interests you. If you work as a CNA or CMA at a hospital for a while then attend nursing school, after you graduate you will know people and be a great candidate to be hired! Don't let this discourage you!

[grownuprosie]

I think the CNA idea is great too. not only are you getting into the nursing field, but you get those employee benefits another poster mentioned. I would also suggest saving $ like there is no tomorrow. I actually ended up in better shape after being rejected for 2 years in a row because i was able to save enough money to put me through school during that time. silver lining!

[prettymica, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN, APRN, NP]

Have you thought about moving to another area or state or taking some classes over? I was having the same issues with Ws and C's I stopped listening to the advisor abs went and spoke directly to the person that selects students for entry into the nursing program. I did exactly what she said and I got in :)!