How hard is it to become an RN?

Question

i didnt get good grades in high school, but i did changed in my senior yr. managed to get a 3.7 GPA. my question is, how tough is it to get into the nursing program? i know it takes a couple of yrs before you get into the program, but how hard is it to get in? will they still look at HS grades? or just the College grades?

Also, how many hrs of studying can i expect?

i start school in 2 weeks, freshman in college.

Answer 1

If that is what you truly want go for it. I dropped out of school in 7th grade, yes 7th. I hated school so repeated 7th gr for 3yrs until I could quit. 8yrs later I went back for my GED, tough, don't forget I "finished" 6th grade. I cried through out the entire 6weekss of my GED, but ws determined to become a nurse, my lifelong dream. I passed my GED and then dared to try to go for nursing. Everyone laughed at me, I was the brunt ofeveryones jokes. It took me 7yrs, to go to school 2-3 eves per eek, I worked 2 jobs and lived alone. Guess what?  I did it. IT wasn't easy, there were days I cried all the way home and wanted to quit but knew if I wanted it it was going to be a hard road.

I have been a Rn for 21yrs. I love my job and earn enough money to own my own homesupportt my two children, both in private school, and vacation regularly. My Husband died in Feb 08, devastating, but would be more so if I couldn't take care of us.

Go for it. Work hard, cry if you must but don't you quit !!!!!!

Answer 2

My daughter started a 4 yr college straight out of high school.  She ws determined to be a nurse and studied hard. She was a nurse 4 yrs after she started college and had a job lined up before she graduated. She also worked at the same time.  There were many nights when she only got 3-4 hrs sleep but she did it.  You need to go to your administrator and make sure your taking the correct courses so it will only take you 4 yrs if this is your plan.  As far as how many hrs in studying --alot.  If you learn easy then not as much but if it takes awhile to sink in than more hrs.  Then too consider all the blood, guts, bones, flesh, trama, complaining, following precise orders, being able to document things as well. My daughter did good in high school as far as grades went but your administrator should have already have discussed this with you about nursing school.  So if she hasnt call or go see he/she and have a list of questions to ask.    Good Luck

Answer 3

Hi.. I'm a RN, novice yet.. Different Nursing schools have different "criterias", so I cannot say exactly. In my school, they didn't look at my HS grades, but I have to pass 2 entrance exams, one as a college entrance exam in general, and another, for the Nursing program itself. I also have to achieve a specific general weighted average and no failing marks in major subjects at that, in order to get through the 3rd and 4th year. It's quite difficult, actually. But it's normal, all other courses are also like that. As for the amount of time in studying, well, when I was a student, I studied about 5 hrs each day, that is, if I'm feeling studious=) But more or less, most of your time will be devoted in studying. Nursing subjects can be difficult. I agree with the above answerer. We are like the jack of all trades in the hospital, so we have to study it all. Hence, we even study the basics of other related courses such as Medical Technology (laboratory findings, interpretations, diagnostics), Physical Therapy (principles of rehabilitation, various exercises), Medicine (Pathophysiology, different diseases), and even Pharmacology (drugs, drug effects, contraindications) etc. While studying Nursing, you have to devote a lot of your time in it. When I was still a student, even before sleeping my mind is filled with thoughts of it, haha. And while you're at it, learn to love the course. Also, be aware of the current health trends, issues which you should know. Try also to maintain high grades. It will benefit you in employment. Value your clinical exposures, from there you will learn more than in the four corners of the classroom. And maintain a positive caring attitude, that's what Nursing is all about. They say the core of Medicine is curing, in Nursing, it's called caring.=)

Answer 4

hi. i am a RN myself. first, you must be ready mentally, emotionally and physically as being a nurse is a very demanding job. you must be flexible and not be afraid of bloods and other stuffs. Second, it is quite tough to enter the nursing program. you must have very high grades to enter the nursing program because when you work as a nurse, you're not just only a nurse, but also a mini-doctor. Nurses are jack of all trades in the hospital. So it's a tough but rewarding job. Third, when you're on your freshman and sophomore years, you must excel so that you will not have a hard time entering the nursing program. You must expect studying around the clock. Good luck on your chosen profession my future colleague. =) Hope that helps.