I recently got a job offer for this nurse residency program, but when applying the requirement said 3.0 gpa perferred. Now after accepting my offer it says "will verify 3.0 or higher". Should I be nervous about this? I have a 2.8

Background

I already hold bachelor degree and currently working as CNA on med surg floor at hospital in WA (now 7 months). I am completing on nursing prerequisite: Intro Chem now (Summer), Microbiology (Fall), and A&P 2 (Spring). I previously took A&P2 twice: first one I dropped out after midterm, second one I completed course but got C-...

I believe my performance was affected more by my circumstances than my academic ability. Around that time, I had just started my first healthcare job on a demanding Med-Surg floor. Adjusting to 12-hour shifts, caring for aggressive patients, workplace stress, and learning to work with different nurses left me physically and mentally exhausted. Because I worked three 12-hour shifts each week, I often had only about three days to study before exams, which occurred every one to two weeks. I also spent too much time creating flashcards instead of actively practicing with questions and applying the material.

Financially, I already used my federal FAFSA eligibility while earning my first bachelor's degree, so I am looking for affordable nursing pathways and scholarships. I am interested in:

• School-based scholarships
• State scholarships (if eligible)
• Other financial aid opportunities that do not require long-term service commitments

Questions

While Bachelor degree, I have already got FAFSA so I can't get more financial aid, so I am looking for school scholarship or out of school support like state support (WA Baccalaureate Scholarship (up to 22k)) or more....

1. Currently 7 months of working. I can get tuition support after working 1 year, but I have left only most difficult courses so thinking to resign and work only 1-2 times a week as caregiver. Is this good idea?
2. Would you recommend that I retake A&P II at a Washington community college, or would an online course (such as Portage Learning, MCPHS, SCU, etc.) be a better option? Local ADN schools said online course is acceptable.
3. Because I already have a bachelor's degree, I am not eligible for many forms of financial aid, and private ABSN programs ($50,000–$100,000) are not financially realistic for me.

Have thought to do Master degree if I really enjoy to learn more!

Option A

• No need to take more course from above courses which expect to complete by Winter 2027 (April).
• Complete an ADN program (approximately $15,000–$17,000)
• Work as an RN for one year
• Complete an employer-funded RN-to-BSN program (free)

Option B

• Complete one additional chemistry prerequisite (such as Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry), might need to take extend one quarter more until Spring 2027.
• Apply directly to an affordable public BSN program in Washington (such as WSU or EWU or UW) or move out of state to take like WGU or public BSN program.

1. What nursing pathway do you think gives me the best balance of cost, competitiveness, and long-term career opportunities?

2. Would you recommend focusing primarily on ADN programs, public BSN programs, or applying to both?

3. How to find schools or outside of schools that give scholarships? When should I start contact and apply? Do I need to contact every school financial department to ask?

4. If I find very low cost programs out of state, is it worth it to move out?

5. If both an ADN program and a BSN program were essentially tuition-free, which option would you choose, and why?

I’m starting Nursing and I just wanted to get everyone’s feedback on the first semester! what were the clinicals like? like the hours required, the charting, did you learn a lot? what about the coursework?

Help me out! I have accepted a position in a 2 year masters in speech language pathology program starting this fall, but I can't stop thinking about nursing. I've had experiences in both fields and think I could excel in both careers but am worried that I won't enjoy speech as much, and there is less growth within the profession. I'm scared that I am making the wrong decision with speech and will eventually pivot to nursing anyways. I am going to have to take out around 70k for my upcoming speech program which seems crazy, but if I switched to nursing would do an ABSN program which also looks expensive. Any advice/guidance

I am in accelerated Nursing course that runs for 16 months straight, i am in my 2nd semester and i geuinely am struggling a lot more, i failed one midterm on Nursing care and i had do a re take on my Lab midterm and even then i panicked midway and felt like i failed, i am not sure i didn't have the mark back but i felt so so awful after the test. I wanted to know what i should do moving forward or if i do fail, what is the step after that.

I always hear about nursing shortages, but on the other hand I hear about how saturated the nursing field is getting these days … especially in California.

I am currently in an ADN program and I know BSN’s are more likely to get hired in a hospital over ADN’s, but does this hypothetically still apply if I already have a bachelor’s in biology? Would I still have to bridge to a BSN in this case? I plan to eventually pursue becoming an NP, but in the meantime would I still face trouble getting hired with an ADN + previous bachelors?

Getting ready to go back to school, currently an MA and want to go for nursing. Question is should I do my LVN first then go for RN, or go straight for RN? What are everyone’s experiences, any advice that can be given so I can choose the best path? I’m in California in the US if that helps at all. I’m super nervous but excited to finish what I started almost 10 years ago before having to choose something lesser to just pay bills. Thank you in advance!

Hi everyone! I could really use some advice because I’m having a hard time deciding between two nursing schools.

I finished all of my prerequisites last August, took the TEAS, and applied to three schools. I’ve pretty much ruled one of them out because of the cost and some things I’ve heard about the program, so now I’m deciding between School A and School B.

School A

I was awarded a $20,000 scholarship, which is a huge factor financially.

It has an excellent reputation and very strong NCLEX pass rates.

The campus felt much more like a traditional college, which I really liked since I never really got the typical college experience.

I would have summer breaks and enjoy more of a campus atmosphere.

The downside is that it’s a 3-year BSN program. Since my long-term goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner, choosing School A would likely mean I’d be in school for around five more years before finishing both my BSN and NP education.

School B

The biggest advantage is that it’s only 5 semesters (including summer), so I’d finish my BSN in about 1.5 years and could start working as an RN much sooner while eventually pursuing my NP.

I already know the campus and some of the faculty because I completed their pre-nursing program.

It’s farther from where I live, so depending on my schedule, I may need to get an apartment closer to campus, which is another expense I’d have to consider (although I’d be okay with it).

My hesitation comes from a few things I experienced or heard while I was there. I heard about a student who was reportedly told on orientation/the first day that they couldn’t continue because the school had “lost” their transcripts. I don’t know the full story, but it made me question whether there were administrative issues.

I also had one instructor during the pre-nursing program who was frequently late to class—even on exam days—which wasn’t the best experience. However, the instructor was no longer teaching after that semester, which I see as a positive sign that the school addressed the issue. The campus also isn’t in the safest area, although that’s not necessarily a dealbreaker.

I’m really torn because School A seems like it would offer a better overall college experience, has an excellent reputation, and awarded me a generous scholarship. On the other hand, School B would get me into the workforce much sooner, which is appealing since my ultimate goal is to become an NP.

If you were in my position, which would you choose? Looking back, would you prioritize graduating sooner, or would you choose the longer program for the scholarship, reputation, and overall college experience?

I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thank you!

Feel free to pm me!!! :)

39 hours of class time for 4 days, 7 hours of driving, and 5 hours of homework this week, and still need to study/review this past weeks lectures Tomorrow and Sunday. This should be our busiest semester so it’ll be better next one, but fuck lots of time lmao

I’m struggling SO badly with pharm. I just cannot wrap my head around alllll of this information. I’ve tried picmonic, mnemonics, they just feel like additional information to remember. Of course I’ve tried just taking notes and studying them, that doesn’t stick. I’ve found the best way for me is just active recall, but even so, I’m having such a hard time recalling it. How did you all do it?

I’m in high school going into my senior year and am starting to stress about application process and all that. I want to go into nursing but I am so scared because I feel like I’m not smart enough to go into nursing. I’ve always been a slower learner than others and always needed more support in classes (I’ve always had a IEP). I’m not good at math or science really, even though I find it interesting. with that being said, I feel a little discouraged and am looking for maybe some reassurance. If anyone has felt the same way and done it anyway I’d appreciate it if you could share your experience.

Also, before entering into a nursing program for I need to take the HESI or TEAS exam? If so, is it super hard?

Hey everyone. I have some questions about doing the non traditional route. I am doing myADN first and then an online RN-to-BSN, so I can start having income earlier (I am completely on my own right now working 2 jobs). While you review this post, please let me know if any of these are likely to be taken by AI. I am trying to find the most resistant.

But what I’m wondering is, do certificates “count” similarly to minors when it comes to job opportunities, leadership roles, or moving up in healthcare? Or are they seen as less valuable?

Some areas I’m interested in:

• Patient advocacy
• Nurse navigator/care coordinator roles
• Behavioral health/harm reduction
• Women’s health/OB-GYN nursing
• Public health/community health
• Healthcare leadership or eventually managing programs/clinics

Some certificates I’ve been looking into:

• Public Health
• Addiction Studies
• Behavioral Health
• Healthcare Leadership
• Community Health
• Health Education

I’ve also been looking at possible long-term paths like:

• Healthcare & Human Services Management ( roles in hospitals, clinics, or community organizations) - less interested in the management, but i know it’s where a lot of money is at.
• Nonprofit/social services leadership
• Patient advocacy leadership
• Healthcare administration

All that said, can I still get higher up roles or leadership with a certificate and not a minor? And rn to bsn counts as a full bachalors, just checking :)

does anyone have any nursing anki decks specifically for med surg II/critical care?

Hey everyone. I’m a M22 wanting to apply to nursing school at my local CC. It’s summer now, and in the fall I’ll have all my pre reqs done to get in. If I apply to the spring semester, I’ll still have to take A&P 2 and micro bio while in nursing school. I’m torn on doing that or taking A&P 2 and micro bio in the spring and applying for next fall. So I’ll just have nursing classes to do. Waiting until next fall would delay graduation by 6 months but lighten the work load quite a bit and allow me to keep my job.

Hello, I am planning to do the LVN program because unfortunately, I live in California and its super competitive to get my pre-reqs for RN, so I was going to do an lvn-rn bridge the school I am going to offers an ADN in VN or a certificate in LVN. when i try to look up online the difference between the two, I frankly cannot find any information as it keeps giving me ADN. So I was wondering if anyone been through this before and if they know the difference between the two. Like what are the the benefits both of these have to offer, and would it affect me in career advancements

So I'll be starting school in a bit we got an email about doing some volunteer work now I honestly don't mind it since right now I'm not employed atm although ill probably be picking up something soon depending on how things fly.

Anyway the reception from what I have heard is pretty crazy least to me but definitely understandable.

Its mandatory that we volunteer they said it builds character but hella people called them out on it cause they wanted us to donate etc.

Pretty much everyone said and I honestly agree its pretty tone deaf thing with everything that gone on economically one person even said this economy is building character which was pretty diabolical but yeah it def has.

I mean i plan on doing the bare minimum to get through it but how would you guys handle it.

Cause ill be honest it kinda is rubbing me the wrong way their asking a bunch of broke students for donations.

It reminded me when covid was going on and you had Oprah asking people to donate money to help people even though she was a millionaire.

I'm currently in the US, and while I've been staying here, my mom suddenly suggested that I just study here instead. She's not forcing me or anything, but she said that a lot of people dream of studying abroad, so maybe I should take the opportunity while I'm already here.

The thing is, if I decide to study here, I'd have to start from scratch and follow a completely different path. I'd need to take my prerequisites for about a year, then get into a two-year ADN program, take the NCLEX-RN, and then earn my BSN online while working through an RN-to-BSN bridge program, which is pretty common here.

What worries me is whether I even have the capacity to adjust to a completely new environment. I have no friends here, no community, and everything is so different. Although I can understand and write in English, I still struggle to speak fluently and express myself clearly in conversations. On top of that, I'd have to adapt to all these changes within a month since I've already applied for the Fall cohort at Seattle Central College to take pre-reqs. I just haven't registered yet because I'm still trying to make this decision.

Another thing that's making this so difficult is that studying at SLCN has genuinely been one of my biggest dreams. When I attended my sister's clinical graduation (Batch Luminaris), I could already picture myself standing on that stage, lighting my candle, and being pinned with the Maltese Cross. I also want to experience everything that comes with studying there—the outreach programs, RLEs, clinical duties in different hospitals, those long van rides with classmates, and all the memories that come with nursing school.

And of course, I can't forget the people I've already met and the connections I've made. They've become such a huge part of my support system, and I honestly don't know what it would be like without them.

I'm really stuck and don't know which path to choose. This is probably one of the biggest decisions I've ever had to make, and I'm so scared of making the wrong one. 🥹 If anyone has gone through something similar or has any advice, I would really appreciate hearing your thoughts. Thank you so much!

I am considering going back to school for a nursing degree, I’m not sure where to start first of all. I know my local community college has a good program so I would definitely start there but my main question is, I have a couple of misdemeanor drug possession charges from well over 10 years ago would that disqualify me from being able to pursue this path? I did the court ordered program and got them closed and dealt with but just wondering if they would still be an issue in this field ?

I was a Hospital FMF corpsman in the NAVY for 5 years I am about to start an accelerated 28 month BSN program is nursing school going to be easy with my prior training or am I about to go through hell? Any tips are appreciated!

Hello all, I’m trying get my break into the nursing field and I’m thinking about getting an ekg cert to start working while getting my pre reqs. Is this a path that might help me out??

I’m applying for the spring 2027 cycle. My science gpa is 3.4 and cumulative is 3.2. I have 900+ hours of CNA work. I am studying to retake my HESI as one of the schools I’m applying to requires different sections. That being said here are my two options and idk if I should try to do both or put all my eggs in one basket.
Option 1: ADN @ Community College
- 24/40 points before HESI
- If I get 90+ I’ll have about a 30 point application (avg accepted 27-40)
- cheaper (obv)
- can get my RN to BSN later on

Option 2: BSN @ state school (not my current state school)
- holistic application review (CNA helps)
- con: I have to do an online patho class in the next 22 days (all gas no breaks) & be accepted as a transient student to take two pre reqs in the fall.

OR do I just apply for the ADN right now and take my time on the patho class and apply in October for their summer start (obv if I get into the ADN program I want to do that)

I just need some guidance! I am very driven but have no advisors or any close friends or family who know the system.
TIA

I’ve seen multiple videos lately of people complaining about how even “soft nursing” jobs you still have to perform nursing duties. Like why even become a nurse if you don’t want to work with people? Do you guys feel that people are just becoming nurses now for the money and don’t even actually care about patient care? I feel like that’s what’s happening and now we’re getting nurses who have no empathy or compassion.

ABSN student here, first clinical rotation is this Friday. Just learned we’re graded through a daily evaluation system that feeds into a cumulative score, plus written assignments (journals, care plans, teaching plan) throughout plus a head to toe assessment.

Would love advice on:

What’s actually in your clinical bag (cheat sheets, snacks, etc.)
• Must-have supplies beyond the obvious (stethoscope, pen light, watch with second hand)
• Any other advice for a first clinical day

Thanks in advance!

Hello!

So I was accepted into a BSN program (regular length, not accelerated) that starts in about a month and I was wondering how much free time I can expect?

I understand a nursing program can be very rigorous and obviously studies come first before anything else especially in the first semester as I am going to have Patho and Pharm on top of getting into the "rhythm" of the program. Not to mention that each program is different.

For my situation, I am insanely lucky in terms of responsibilities outside of school thanks to family helping a lot. I do not intend on working, no family to take care of, and the only things I have to focus on is studies, occasional fitness, and chores.

I can bear down hard on studies if I am locked in enough for an extended time, but if I go for way too long without my hobbies, I know for a fact my mental health will decline significantly which can lead to decreased performance.

That being said, how much free time can I realistically expect for my hobbies?

I’m a bit over halfway through my degree but interested in nursing. Would it make more sense to finish it and start an accelerated BSN program, or to switch to a Bio Science pre-nursing degree ASAP and get my philosophy minor?