HELP! thinking of going back for nursing in the fall...

[scooter44]

Hello, I'm currently a senior at a university graduating with two degrees unrelated to Nursing. I'm unhappy with the path I've chosen in school and I've always toyed with the idea of becoming a nurse. I've been doing tons of research online about accelerated nursing programs, however from what I understand they are highly competitive to get into. I do not have any of the pre-requisites done to apply, and my overall GPA from college is rather low (due to personal reasons struggling with school). If I do decide to go the nursing route, do you have any advice on how to do so? Would my only option be to take next year to complete the pre-requisites as a non-matriculated student? I know I have what it takes to get good grades, my current GPA is in all honestly due to personal reasons and I have managed to bring my class grades up since then. I would also like to know, if I was to go back to school as a non-matriculated student and do well in all the courses needed, would they only look at my grades for the pre-requisites taken then? I'm assuming it would outweigh my crappy GPA as an undergrad, no? Any advice is appreciated, thank you!

[msabha]

Healthcare is a huge industry and there continues to be great demand for skilled, educated, professional health care providers. Our country’s aging population is rising dramatically, as the Baby Boomers begin to enter retirement, which has created a need for a wide range of health care services. Physicians, registered nurses, nursing support staff, therapists, and ancillary staff are all an important part of healthcare, and without them, our system would fail to exist. Presently there is a nursing shortage that has been largely created by an astounding number of registered nurses reaching retirement age. Academic institutions are not able to meet the need quickly enough. Even with all the new graduate nurses entering the workforce, it isn’t enough to match the number of nurses leaving. That’s why there’s an abundance of nursing employment opportunities available offering very competitive wages, benefits, and employment incentives, such as relocation bonus.

[kinkyhair]

If the courses you have taken were non-nursing courses, then you would not receive credit and would essentially be starting over...unless you already met your pre-requisites. However, this is my assumption. I suggest you speak with a nursing recruiter at one or two universities before you make any changes as nursing school is very rigorous and requires committment. It's good that you have done some research, but you need to ask yourself if you are wiling go back to school and give up that much of your time. Also, have you decided what track you want to pursue, Associate's or Bachelor's? Each program has different requirements. Again, speaking with recruiters from both programs will give you good insite. Good luck.

[FamiliesProsper]

There is such reward in helping others. Although I have an advanced degree in nursing, ANYONE who cares about helping others can do what I do. The company I work for is WONDERFUL about rewarding ANYONE that helps others. Keep your options open!

[kmatos9687]

You should take the pre-required courses to bring up your gpa. Also those course will help you decided if this is the career for you. Many people have decided that they can't deal with the science course so they switch majors. I decided to get an associates in Medical Assisting to gain experience in a clinical setting and to put myself through nursing school. Good luck with everything. Also think about going to speak to your counselor for help.

[NurseEducator]

Yes, work on the GPA. If you want to be sure you would like healthcare some good starting places are Pharmacy Tech, Telemetry Tech, Medication Aide, Certified Nurses Aide, Home Health Aide, etc. Good luck to you.

[kupcraft]

I agree with NurseEducator. I previously worked in a lab doing medical research then went back to school for an accelerated nursing degree. Take the pre-reqs while working in the field to get experience. That would be the best route for you to take so that you can show your interest while also earning good grades in the relevant coursework. I would also just suggest perhaps doing some sort of CPR training and looking into volunteer things that you can do with that (maybe working at 5k races, or university events like football games or concerts).