Hi all you lovely future nurses! So long story short:
I'm 27; Got a BA a few years ago in International Studies, couldn't find a decent job (go figure) - ended up in customer service/sales in a cubicle and was absolutely miserable being stuck in a chair for hours. So I decided to take a look into nursing as a career.
I've been taking pre-reqs for the past 2 years, just 1 class per semester while working. I am NOT an amazing test taker, never have been. I made a C in A&P I and I withdrew from Chemistry and Microbiology because I tried to put too much on my plate. I'm currently taking A&P II as an 8 week Summer course and if all goes well, I'll have a B.
I just feel like I'm really burned out, almost discouraged...I've been trying to study but can't keep focus. I definitely need to re-evaluate my study habits and lifestyle and figure it how I'm going to do better before I continue to waste time and money.
I'm signed up for Micro and Statistics in the Fall and I'm thinking about taking a semester off to clear my head. I'm worried about getting into Nursing school already because my overall GPA is not that great due to some carelessness in my early 20's (it's right around a 3.0). I DEFINITELY don't want to screw up Micro because most schools only allow one retake on sciences and the W's look bad already...
I'm just curious.....has anyone felt this way? Did you take a break to reflect or did you keep going? Based on my grades below..which classes should I definitely re-take prior to applying to an ABSN program? A&P I of course, but is it worth re-taking Comp I, Nutrition, etc? (I plan on speaking with an advisor but wanted to get some input)
I appreciate you guys, and good luck with your nursing endeavors
Fin aid status:
Not eligible for fin. aid at community college during pre-reqs; they denied my appeal since I already have a degree; so not working isn't an option. Once I get into a program that should change
First, do not take two classes this fall. Microbiology is extremely difficult, so do not take another class with it. Second, to be brutally honest, your grades are not great. However, nursing schools do take other things into account besides just GPA, so go ahead and apply. Third, it is ok to retake a couple of classes in order to get a better grade - in your case you need to get through Micro and Chem as your top priority. The C in A&P could be troubling, as well. An ABSN program is brutal and you will really have to be a good student and I'm sorry, based on your grades, even if you got into a program, it would probably be very difficult for you. I suggest you apply to a community college program and then do a RN to BSN bridge program.
I would seriously reconsider nursing as an option. You got a C in A&P I? This is a basic foundational course to get into nursing. I don't believe you will get into any decent nursing program with a grade like this. Not being mean, just really honest.
At my school in Texas you can retake a course once (so long as it's at the same school you originally took it at) and it will replace your grade completely. It will just show on the transcript as a repeat.
shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP
3 Articles; 583 Posts
First, do not take two classes this fall. Microbiology is extremely difficult, so do not take another class with it. Second, to be brutally honest, your grades are not great. However, nursing schools do take other things into account besides just GPA, so go ahead and apply. Third, it is ok to retake a couple of classes in order to get a better grade - in your case you need to get through Micro and Chem as your top priority. The C in A&P could be troubling, as well. An ABSN program is brutal and you will really have to be a good student and I'm sorry, based on your grades, even if you got into a program, it would probably be very difficult for you. I suggest you apply to a community college program and then do a RN to BSN bridge program.