What did YOU do to get ready for applying to nursing school?

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Hello everyone,

I'm new to the site, but I've been reading posts since I made the decision to apply to nursing school. I won't be applying until late fall, but I'm trying to be as prepared as I can. I"m also in Canada, so sorry if I refer to things that are different here as opposed to in the states.

My school makes a decision about whether or not to interview based on GPA and "extras" (volunteer work, community service, leadership experience, membership in organizations, etc). Then, after they've interviewed, they offer admission to the best applicants.

I want to be as prepared as I can be, becaues I really, really want to be a nurse.:nurse: I'm volunteering at a nearby hospital, I have lots of work and volunteer hours working with special needs clients in a therapeutic setting, and I'm hoping to work or volunteer as a tutor for underprivileged elementary school kids. I'm also reading lots of books about nursing (The Ultimate Guide to Getting Into Nursing School, Nursing Fundaments, etc). I'm also doing my first aid and CPR certifications.

I was just wondering what you did to get ready to apply for nursing school. What did you do in the way of volunteer work, etc? Basically, what did you to do be prepared AND to make sure you had a great application? Did you volunteer? What did you read? Did you join an organization?

I am SO excited about my decision to apply to this accelerated BSN program (I'm just finishing up an undergraduate degree in another area). I feel like this is definitely the right career for me, and everyone has remarked about how happy I've been since I made this decision. I would really appreicate any comments or advice. Thank you!

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Hey CarinaBallerina--

I just got accepted into the University of Arizona's RN-BSN program for Fall 2008. Consider yourself lucky to have the interview opportunity--I know it's nerve-wracking, but it's the best chance you get to sell yourself. At the UofA, all we got was a 250 word personal statement. It was quite a bit of pressure to sound amazing on a (small) piece of paper.

One thing that helped me out a lot was going in to bug the nursing advisors. I went in there and asked about EVERYTHING, no matter how stupid my questions sounded (and trust me...there were some good ones). Basically I did this for the purpose of exposure...by the time I applied, the members on the admission board all knew me by name and face. This is GOOD. I might not have gotten to interview, but in the end, it didn't matter.

Basically, every admission board member will tell you the same thing. Stand out. If they don't remember you, they won't pick you. Make your personal statement a piece of creative writing (while still being professional and answering the question, of course). Don't write the boring way we all think admissions boards want to read (they don't--would you?) Make it INTERESTING. Assert yourself. Don't say "if" I get in, say "when" I get in. If you believe you, they will too.

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Specializes in Emergency.
Hey CarinaBallerina--

One thing that helped me out a lot was going in to bug the nursing advisors. I went in there and asked about EVERYTHING, no matter how stupid my questions sounded (and trust me...there were some good ones). Basically I did this for the purpose of exposure...by the time I applied, the members on the admission board all knew me by name and face. This is GOOD. I might not have gotten to interview, but in the end, it didn't matter.

Basically, every admission board member will tell you the same thing. Stand out. If they don't remember you, they won't pick you. Make your personal statement a piece of creative writing (while still being professional and answering the question, of course). Don't write the boring way we all think admissions boards want to read (they don't--would you?) Make it INTERESTING. Assert yourself. Don't say "if" I get in, say "when" I get in. If you believe you, they will too.

This is some GREAT advice. I totally agree. I'm not sure if it helped me get in at my school (I'm starting an Accelerated BSN program in about a month)....but when I had just applied and was waiting on getting "the letter", I made an appointment at the college of nursing at the university I applied to with one of the advisors...during this meeting, I made sure to tell them just how much I truly want this, and asked about all sorts of questions. They love knowing that you really care and want this. They also reallllly love when you ask a bunch of questions about their school! Now, I say that I'm not sure if it helped, because they only look at your overall GPA, 2 letters of recommendation, and a very short essay....but I think it is great to have them be able to put a face with a name...it always helps I think! :) GOOD LUCK

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Everyone has had some great advice. To prep myself for my ABSN program, I went and through a Patient Care Tech class while I was finishing some of my other pre-req's. I made sure that my essay stood out (you have already gotten that advice).

I also just got life in order. Made sure that my life was ready for the next hectic 15 months. That way life didn't get in the way of nursing school - which is easier said then done and life did get in the way :)

I will tell you that the ABSN program I was in, did not interview - so even more nerve wracking. It went on paper and our essays. (Still not sure how I made it in - but so grateful).

I graduate on August 1st (only 111 days - not that I am counting :) ) And it has been the best decision I have ever made.

Best of luck to you! Sounds like you are ready and you are truly prepared.

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Specializes in Emergency.
Everyone has had some great advice. To prep myself for my ABSN program, I went and through a Patient Care Tech class while I was finishing some of my other pre-req's. I made sure that my essay stood out (you have already gotten that advice).

I also just got life in order. Made sure that my life was ready for the next hectic 15 months. That way life didn't get in the way of nursing school - which is easier said then done and life did get in the way :)

I will tell you that the ABSN program I was in, did not interview - so even more nerve wracking. It went on paper and our essays. (Still not sure how I made it in - but so grateful).

I graduate on August 1st (only 111 days - not that I am counting :) ) And it has been the best decision I have ever made.

Best of luck to you! Sounds like you are ready and you are truly prepared.

Hey you gave some great advice! Congrats on ALMOST being done!! So, since you're in the thick of it now, tell me how it is for you? What are some words of advice for once the program starts up?? My program starts May 12th, and it goes 15 months also...we graduate in August of 2009! So, I'd love some insight! I'm not going to have a job during the program...so I feel confident that I will have enough time to focus! But other than that, I am so unsure! Thanks!

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Thank you so much everyone! I really appreciate the advice. I really, really want to do this!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Hospice.

To be honest, the way I prepared for nursing school was to get my house in order, freeze some meals, complete the home repair to-do list, spend time with my family and friends, and read for fun!

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Thank you I am so excited. Well, the best thing that you can do is make a friend in the class before you. Perhaps your school has a buddy system. Having a buddy was great. I got copies of notes, study guides, careplans, and a few other little "jewels". It was great. Just to have something to look at to understand expectations. I can't wait for my buddy so I can reclaim my dining room!

Missnina - I did the same thing. I have a husband who was working nights when I started nursing school and 2 little ones that required dinner! So, I had a freezer full of food for them with directions written right on the ziploc!

And take time to read now - I can't wait to read a book that isn't a nursing school book.

In my program, the summer was accelerated and the fall/spring were just regular course loads with more community hours squished in. December intersession was not bad either - I still had time to work a full-time externship (36 hours a week). I found that in my program, the courses are front-loaded, so we are crazy busy at the beginning of the semester but if you can get to the halfway point - home free for the semester.

The key is time management. I lived at school for the first two semesters, now I can spend more time at home - which is great.

It sounds like you are organized and ready - best of luck, I am sure that you will do great! Just remember where there is a will there is a way.

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Specializes in Emergency.
Thank you I am so excited. Well, the best thing that you can do is make a friend in the class before you. Perhaps your school has a buddy system. Having a buddy was great. I got copies of notes, study guides, careplans, and a few other little "jewels". It was great. Just to have something to look at to understand expectations. I can't wait for my buddy so I can reclaim my dining room!

Missnina - I did the same thing. I have a husband who was working nights when I started nursing school and 2 little ones that required dinner! So, I had a freezer full of food for them with directions written right on the ziploc!

And take time to read now - I can't wait to read a book that isn't a nursing school book.

In my program, the summer was accelerated and the fall/spring were just regular course loads with more community hours squished in. December intersession was not bad either - I still had time to work a full-time externship (36 hours a week). I found that in my program, the courses are front-loaded, so we are crazy busy at the beginning of the semester but if you can get to the halfway point - home free for the semester.

The key is time management. I lived at school for the first two semesters, now I can spend more time at home - which is great.

It sounds like you are organized and ready - best of luck, I am sure that you will do great! Just remember where there is a will there is a way.

Again, you have given wonderful advice! I appreciate it! Our accelerated program sounds identical to yours...we are only truly "accelerated" during the two summer semesters...which both are only three weeks shorter than a normal semester. I think that's kind of cool. Anyways, thanks again and good luck with the rest of your schooling :)

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If you have the time and have not already taken them, a course in medical terminology, medical math and nutrition would help. Anything to make you more familiar with the material before they start throwing it at you so fast that you cannot take it all in. We did 18 chapters the first 2 weeks of NS. I wish I had had a better grasp of the termonogy if nothing else. It would have decreased the reading load because I had to look up so many of the words in Taber's as I was reading.

My school's admission to the nursing program is based on meeting the criteria and going on a waiting list. Currently the wait is 18 months from the completion of your pre-reqs. Everyone has their core classes completed and they are beginning to work on the pre-reqs for the ASN to BSN program. We all asked that they advise future students to take the additional classes listed above while they waited.

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