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Sat 15 Sep, 2007 11:12 am
I finally decided what I want to do.
Hello all. I'm sorry to be redundant with the "i want to be a nurse" ordeal, but I have to share.
I'm 23 years old and just graduated from UC Riverside with a Biology degree under my belt. Took me five excruciating years but now it's over and done.
The day right after graduation, however, I woke up and cried because I didn't know what to do with my life. In highschool I had aspirations to become a pediatrician because of my love for children. But because of my so-so effort and family crisis during the first half of my college years, I screwed myself over. I graduated with a 2.87 GPA and to this day still feel pretty crappy about it. Medical school out of the question. And to this day, I'm feeling pretty depressed, a failure if you will.
I looked into getting lab tech jobs that were related to the coursework I undertook, however, the thought of being stuck in a lab with no human interaction is not appealing to me.
I'm looking at colleges that offer the BSN program (specifically at Cal State San Bernadino- I qualify for a fee waiver that allows me to attend any California Community College, California State University, or a University of California school at no cost)
I have completed most of the pre-requisites at UCR, I'm lacking a speech and critical thinking course. But I KNOW can handle the future coursework. It took me a while, but i have developed the study skills necessary to do well in a class and got my priorities straight. Is there a way I can convince them to accept me? Can they be just a little lax on the criteria for acceptance?
I need advice, and quick. I grow more anxious with each passing day
Are there other ways to qualify oneself to take the NCLEX-RN?
What am I qualified for?
Should I look into becoming an LPN first?
Any input would be greatly appreciated. I want this so bad and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
Thankyou and good day.
Becoming a Nurse
Hi Shelly,
My name is Heather, and I am a registered nurse. Becoming an LPN is a great way to get started on a nursing career. Once you have obtained your LPN license, you can start working and then take courses towards your BSN. I know you are anxious to get started. Just take it one step at a time. Let me know how things go.
Shelly, If you already have a BS degree in biology, you are already so close to becoming an RN. Look into accelerated programs for individuals with BS degrees. In my area there are programs where you can become an RN in as little as 12-18 mos depending on whether you go to school fulltime or not. You already have so many of your pre-requisites, you could probably work and go to school part time. There are many options, even some online options but then you'd have to have the clinicals arranged for you. Go for the RN program, if you like biology you can always combine the two and go into research. Dont be hard on yourself about your GPA, you have the degree and you worked hard for it. Keep exploring your options. An ADN program may be easier to get into and you'll still get an RN with great clinical experience. I say go for the RN program, it would be a waste of time and money to do the LPN if its an RN you want. Look into hospital based programs and community colleges. Get all the information you can before you decide.
Best of Luck!!
Hey Shelly, go for the RN. I was in the same boat. Graduated from a 4 year university with a dual bachelors degree in kinesiology and psychology. All I got was a horrendous mound of student loans and the "opportunity" to further my education by going for a Master's degree. I ended up working as a psych tech in a psychiatric hospital. Very limited in pay scale, advancement opportunities, and satisfaction. I worked very close with nurses and their stories just fascinated me. I went through a local hospital who agreed to pay for my education as long as I agreed to work for them after I graduated. So what did I have to lose? Free education and a guaranteed job after graduation?! I went for it and have never regretted it. Most of my pre-reqs were already done, nursing school wasn't that bad, and the job satisfaction I get now is nothing short of amazing. My background really helps me in this field, as will yours. Go for the RN, I think the LPN will not be enough for you considering your background. And there is so so so much you can do with an RN, opportunities truly are limitless. Good luck to you.
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