Where do I begin?

[afternoonwind]

I posted a similar post on another board but I'm curious to know what other beginners in nursing have to say about this.

I'm a college junior and my current major is in nutrition. I recently decided that I for sure want to do nursing. I have no real nursing background although I have taken chem and bio and some other classes. My gpa isnt high enough to transfer in some other colleges for the BSN , I dont think and I also havent taken some of their prerequisite courses. I want to start with nursing asap so I want to leave here right away and waste no more time. Is it a good choice to start with a LPN program and work my way up(you know to RN and then masters? I figured this is the best option now but I would like to hear other opinions. Anyone been in this situation?

[Race Mom, ASN, RN]

Of course, everything deends on your personal situations. I would find out which colleges in you area offer rn programs, call them and ask for their degree sheet to find out what you need to take. Also ask them about acceptance timeframes (how long, when you can apply, how they choose students). I personally am going for the RN through a CC. No need for me to go the LPN route 1st, since it is not a requirement. After that, I will go on to get my Bachelors, and then...who knows. If you have the time and resources, I would go straight for the RN either at the CC level, or go for the BSN. Weigh all the info out and find out the best route, that will get you to your goal. Sometimes the ADN route can take longer (waiting lists to get accepted), but it's cheaper. You may have to retake some courses to increase your GPA.

It sounds like you've made up your mind, so the only thing left to do is jump on the bandwagon! Get 'er done!

Woogy

[Fun2, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't start at the LPN level, unless you need the money sooner. LPNs are very much a part of the nursing team at the hospitals that hire them. So, if you feel that would be a good way to go, check out different schools around you that offer the LPN program.

As far as your GPA, if the program you decide to go with goes by GPA, you may have to retake some classes.

It all depends on the school...some have waiting lists, some go strictly by GPA.

The school where I applied to (for RN) had 115 students with a 4.0, and only 100 students were accepted between the two campuses. The last two semesters the lowest GPA that was accepted was 3.77. This is for an ADN at a community college.

If you really want to be a nurse, look around at various schools. Find out what courses you would need to take, find out if you would need to retake anything, etc.

Good luck! :)