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Tips for Getting into Nursing School
Cindy Mehallow | Monster Contributing Writer
Given the nursing shortage, it’s unfortunate that nursing schools reject many eager prospective nurses each year. In 2007, nearly 31,000 qualified applicants were turned away due to a shortage of faculty and resources, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
In Maryland, nursing schools are “bursting at the seams,” says Tracy Jamison, director of admissions at the University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore. At her school, the BSN program typically receives eight to nine applications for every one it can accept.
Even with this stiff competition, applicants can learn how to stand out with these tips from nursing school admissions officers:
Would You Pass the Math Section of the NCLEX?
High Schoolers: Performance and Passion
High school applicants need to demonstrate strong academic performance. Grade point average (GPA) is more important than class rank, the significance of which varies depending on a school’s class size. Holding a leadership position in a student organization, such as student government or band, makes a positive impression.
Some nursing schools also scrutinize attendance records. Too many tardies and absences raise a red flag. “We want students dedicated to coming here prepared to study,” says Ann Schiele, PhD, RN, president and dean of Mount Carmel College of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio. “Nursing is a difficult curriculum built on the sciences.”
Mount Carmel admissions officers also look for prospective students to show altruism. “It’s part of our mission statement that every graduate must complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service,” Schiele says. “We believe that every educated person should give back to the community they live in.”
Community-service experience, such as candy striping or volunteering at a nursing home, also demonstrates that you have some knowledge of healthcare and a passion for nursing. You can also convey that passion (and showcase your writing ability) when answering the application essay on why you’re interested in nursing.
Tip: Making positive, strong connections with your supervisor during volunteer work, especially in a healthcare setting, can yield a recommendation that carries more weight than one from a teacher.
CLASSYKAREN
over 4 years ago
40 comments
I am thinking of going to community college for a LPN and I am almost 60 I hope it is not too late
AmbitiousFutureRN
over 4 years ago
52 comments
Encouraging posts ladies! Thanks for posting! Im 23 and Iam almost done with my prereqs so I can apply to nursing schools this Fall.
JoRN
over 4 years ago
24 comments
All I can say is if you are going into this profession thinking you don't have to be a bedside nurse or even touch the patient, this is NOT for you.
Seen so many young people who do not get that.
Don't waste the time of those who train you (including me) if you get grossed out.
Sorry guys, but this is NOT--I repeat NOT for you.
From: a 17 year RN
ada
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I considered Maryland Nursing School, a high rated Academy where I can be well TRAINED and ORIENTED.
mrsbeck826
over 4 years ago
34 comments
To aguerin40: God bless you too. I think it is a wonderful thing to be able to continue on doing what you started so long ago. I'm sure you'll fly through those classes and be an Anesthesiologist before you know it. I've seen that this is one of the top paying jobs in nursing.
May the Lord open up the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that you don't have room enough to receive.
Take care and continue to be blessed! :)
mrsbeck826
over 4 years ago
34 comments
This article really helps me, because I know that I am capable of getting all A's once I start school next year, but I know that education alone will net get you into the nursing program. The tips help because they I don't have any medical experience. I'll figure this thing out, but I know that I want to be a nurse.
aguerin40
over 4 years ago
4 comments
I am 40 returning to pursue my nursing degree that I started 20 years ago. Worked in Corporate America for 20 years, my oldest child is 20, jr in college my middle is 16 and my youngest is turning 2. I am working full-time going to school at night, hubby just retired from the Air Force. I am determined this time to finish. God has truly blessed me, but my prayer is to finally accomplish this so that I can give back all the blessings he has given me. I am pursuing to become an Anestheseoligist Nurse (??spelling):) May God Bless each of you and Good Luck!!
keky
over 4 years ago
4 comments
Do anybody know a good school for the BSN?
runnergirl01
over 4 years ago
2 comments
What school do you recommend for an accelerated BSN program?
kstiltner1
over 4 years ago
7172 comments
I went back to school 18 years ago. I was 24 y.o.
30something
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I went back to nursing school in Jan 2005 after almost 10 years of not attending. It's been a slow, steady pace but I'm getting there. I had a baby in 2006 in addition to the two children I already had and I work full time. It is not the easiest thing to do, but anything worth having is never easy. To any one thinking about a career change or beefing up your skills to have a better career, Nursing is WELL worth the drama you may go through between now and graduation. There were only a few credits I was able to use toward my current degree since I earned those credits back in the 90's. However, I didn't worry about it, if i passed that hard class in 1996 I knew I could pass it again in 2008. BE ENCOURAGED!!!!
gospellove772003
over 4 years ago
1246 comments
i hope an pray i am good enough to get in with my skills and acedemic i pray i excel far beyound my wildest dreams.
ladyemt96
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I am 46 yrs old I began persuing my RN in 2002 when my grandmother became ill she made me promise to finish my degree. In the spring semester of 2009 I will be in class. along with my youngest daughter. I have been an emt for 20 yrs raising 4 girls there was no time to go to school there is no time like the present. I have determination and persistence I will finish this time.
Account Removed
over 4 years ago
I can't express how happy I am that all of you posted comments about not giving up. 5 years ago I knew the medical field was where I belong but it's only been the last few months I've decided it's time. I'm working 2 jobs just to pay for schooling in jan. I thought I was crazy for trying at 27yrs old but now I see determination is a lot more important than age.
TCTalbot
over 4 years ago
296 comments
"Yay!"... to all of us for stepping up and knowing what we want to do when we grow up!! :-)
With a lot of hard work and determination we can have it all!