Is it realistic for me to become a nurse?

Question

I have a Bachelor in Business Admin and need a career change BADLY b/c I am very unhappy working in the financial industry (have been unhappily working in this industry for over 5 years). I am seriously considering becoming a nurse but am reading many discouraging things in my research. Here are some questions/concerns:

1. Is it that difficult to get into a nursing program? I read 1000's of applicants try to get into program with maybe 60 seats.

2. Do you need to have a high GPA to get into these programs? I have an undergrad GPA of 3.0

3. Is the courseload to become an RN ridiculously hard? I am OK at science but know I will be able to get through it if I work very hard and put 110% effort into it

4. If you are a nurse, do you enjoy what you do?

I'd love to hear from nursing students or current nurses.

Answer 1

I'm not a nurse but have taught nurses and have worked with them extensively. If you feel a call to career in nursing then go ahead.

Nurses are in high demand. Across the nation, the competition for seats in nursing schools is not nearly so strong as you imagine. Still, it would be good if you had some prior health care experience and if your application showed signs of dedication to the field.

There are three courses of study leading to the R.N. license. You can get a B.S. in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or complete an accredited hospital program. Of course, you will have to pass a government test to obtain a license as an R.N.

Your G.P.A. is fine. You will work hard and do well. Apply to several schools and you will likely get into one or another. Nurses that I know generally like their work, but many seem to change careers at some point. Many say they suffer with "burn-out."

The great thing about nursing is that nurses are in high demand in many areas. There are many types of jobs that require nurses. There's almost certainly something in the field that will suit you.

It's quite a switch from business, generally. You'll feel good moving to a profession that is bent on helping people rather than extracting money from them. May it go well with you.

Answer 2

Thousands of applicants for 60 openings?
Very hard to believe. Try somewhere else.
In the next ten years, there will be an estimated need for more than 600,000 new nurses.


An undergrad GPA of 3.0 is more than adequate!

The course load will not be difficult at all if you had a GPA of 3.0

You have probably already finished the basic requirements such as basic English, creative writing, math. You can expect to carry a somewhat lighter course load for the first year or two.

But, by all means, go ahead and finish the Bachelor's program in nursing. If you settle for an Associate degree, your future options will be VERY limited.


Contact the Indian Health Service branch of the US Public Health Service. They may even pay you to become a nurse, and then give you a commission in the PHS.

I have worked as a nurse for more than twenty years, and would never do anything else if i could live my life over again.
The work is often difficult, hospitals are often understaffed.
It can be the most rewarding job on earth. but often frustrating. There will be boring times (but not many) and times of absolute panic. There will be happy times and some very sad ones.
Expect lots of ups and downs.

I did not enjoy working in long-term care facilities. It takes a very special kind of person to work with the aged or those who are terminal. I absolutely loved working in the fast-paced places like ICU and especially Emergency Rooms. (Especially when I was called on to make an ambulance run!!!!!!)

You did not say, or I didn't notice, if you are male or female.
If you are male, you can expect some discrimination and will be expected to help with all of the heavy lifting. So set some boundaries wherever you go.


If you are male, email me and I will give you some details about a few other things, which I do not wish to state here.

Answer 3

1. Competition is good for the soul. Keep in mind that this competition to get into a nursing program is designed to keep the idiots out of nursing. You sound like an intellegent person.
2. 3.0 is a high GPA
3. Not sure about the course load, but I am sure that you have the intellegence to do the work so all you need to do is put in the effort.
4. No, I'm not a nurse, but I used to work with nurses.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

I work at a community college that offers a nursing program. The problem isn't the applications, what is limiting the space in many nursing programs is finding the faculty to teach the classes. Nurses make a lot more in private industry than as teachers so it is hard to find qualified instructors.

If you think you'd like it, go for it. Life is too short to be in a job that makes you miserable.

Answer 5

My brother in law is a nurse. He went to nursing school when he was 50 and did well. There are lots of programs you can get into, but you might have to travel. Sometimes you can just sign up. Gpa is less important than it was just after you graduated. I was accepted to law school with a 2.14 and 20 years in construction management. Of course my bad grades reflected only one bad year of my life, and other than that I was a fair student, and the law school was not the best one in the world, but they all teach the same curriculum. Same for any natioinally controlled curriculum.

Good luck.

Answer 6

nursing is a good field to pursue if you have a desire to help people and have good people skills. the waiting lists vary with each educational facility; because there is a great need and demand for nurses. your current gpa is more that sufficient for nursing. clinicals are where some people have problems, (actually hands on), not the lectures. i was in nursing for 10 years, and then became a paramedic. go for it!!

Answer 7

No, it is not too hard. A 3.0 should be fine. If you want it enough, you can do it. Most nurses I know say it's hard work but good pay and rewarding.

Answer 8

I think that everything is possible. Just pray, and study hard.

GOOD LUCK!!!!