Would you travel?

Published

Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.

If, for some reason, you were not able to get into your locals nursing program(s): Would you travel?

I've thought about this lately, as my grades really are not that competitive. I didn't get straight A's in everything(even though I tried very hard), and haven't done anything too miraculous. I know that my grades aren't bad, but they aren't PERFECT. I feel that's what is required of me where I live. You need to get straight A's or your not in.

So I've begun to look elsewhere. See what they required. I've even contemplated a career school, or LPN program(although I'm sure those are just as bad).

I used to be so convinced of how intelligent I was. When I went into a medical assistant course at a career college, I had scored high enough on the entrance test to go into ANY of their programs. However, this was almost 2 years ago.

Sometimes, I just wonder if I AM indeed good enough. If I can actually be accepted, or if I'm wasting my time.

Sorry for the long post, I just know you all are probably the only one's who would understand. I've tried talking to my husband about it, and all he tells me is "You'll get in." Not knowing the TRUE competitive aspect of getting into a nursing program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

Sure, I definitely considered moving for nursing school - I applied to several schools in all different areas of my state (CA) and looked into nursing programs in Oregon and Washington as well. I ended up staying close to home but if I hadn't made it into the program I'm currently in the plan was always to move wherever I was accepted - but I don't have a husband or kids so for me a significant move wouldn't have been a big deal. If you really think your odds of being accepted to your local program are only 50/50 it would be smart to look elsewhere and formulate a backup plan. (Or two. Or several.) Have you talked to your husband about the possibility of moving so that you could go to school?

But whatever happens please don't think that nursing school admissions are in any way a reflection of your worth as a human being. Yes, it's really competitive out there right now but there is so much more to being a nurse than getting perfect grades in your prereqs - believe me, I'm in my first semester and finding that out the hard way. I've read other posts of yours and it seems like you have a good head on your shoulders; just keep plugging away at whatever classes you have left, try to get some healthcare volunteer hours in if you can to put on your application, study hard for the TEAS if you haven't taken it already, and go ahead and keep looking around for other programs. Keep your chin up and keep us posted! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.
Sure, I definitely considered moving for nursing school - I applied to several schools in all different areas of my state (CA) and looked into nursing programs in Oregon and Washington as well. I ended up staying close to home but if I hadn't made it into the program I'm currently in the plan was always to move wherever I was accepted - but I don't have a husband or kids so for me a significant move wouldn't have been a big deal. If you really think your odds of being accepted to your local program are only 50/50 it would be smart to look elsewhere and formulate a backup plan. (Or two. Or several.) Have you talked to your husband about the possibility of moving so that you could go to school?

But whatever happens please don't think that nursing school admissions are in any way a reflection of your worth as a human being. Yes, it's really competitive out there right now but there is so much more to being a nurse than getting perfect grades in your prereqs - believe me, I'm in my first semester and finding that out the hard way. I've read other posts of yours and it seems like you have a good head on your shoulders; just keep plugging away at whatever classes you have left, try to get some healthcare volunteer hours in if you can to put on your application, study hard for the TEAS if you haven't taken it already, and go ahead and keep looking around for other programs. Keep your chin up and keep us posted! :)

You about made me cry with this. I've seriously been trying so hard and feel like I'm nothing in comparison to those straight a people. But you're right. Even though its competitive, the grades aren't what makes you a good nurse. Obviously you need to have a strong core foundation of what you're doing, but it's not just about the grades. It's hard to accept sometimes!

He's definitely willing to move wherever I want to. He actually encourages it, thankfully. We would just have to acquire enough money to relocate if needed.

Honestly, this semester I've kind of overwhelmed myself. I'm taking 15 credits, when 12 is full time. I'm taking Micro, AP1, English(retaking my b-), med term 1, and med term 2. So I'm a little overwhelmed. On top of that I'm looking into getting a part time job.

Thank you though. I really needed to hear that! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Read it 100 times if you have to, because it's true!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion