Nursing Students/Nurses ? Re: Admissions

[Longsx3]

I plan on applying in May to the Community College RN ADN program, today I took the TEAS placement test for the first time, did I mention I have not been in school for over 9 yrs and I am approaching my 40th BDay. I definitely felt challenged by the test, but am pleased with my scores...on the sly the test proctor said mine is one of the highest test scores she has seen. My overall was 83.7 but I ranked in the 87th percentile....the min for applying to the program 67.5

The admittance to the program is 45% GPA (mine is a 3.75 there are only 4 classes I have 3 A's and one B), 50% Teas and 5% residency (which I have).

Initially I planned on retaking the TEAS test ($50 each), now I am not sure. Would you retake the test or be satisfied with the score?

Also if admitted A&P II and Microbiology are part of the Curriculum for the program but I could take them next summer if I chose, what would you do?

[minkydog]

If you're happy with the TEAS and you don't believe that you could do significantly better, then I wouldn' retake the test. You're GPA is good. I think at this point all you can do is roll the dice. If you want to go ahead and take A&P and Micro, I think that would be a good idea. Anything you can do to make them notice that you're ready and willing.

Good luck. I hope you get into the program. Don't worry too much about your age. Plenty of people 40 & up go back to school, many of them looking for a second career in nursing. My own mother did it at age 43 while raising two teens AND working full-time as an LPN in L&D. I have a lot of respect for older classmates. They are juggling so much more than I ever did, fresh out of HS. The advantage you have over younger nurses is your life experience and your willingness to succeed. At 40yo you know what you want. You have experience, most likely, with difficult situations and you probably know how to manage your time better than young college students. You're not as likely to be partying, nor are you likely to blow off studying and then try to cram the night before a test. To be successful in nursing school you have to keep your eyes on the prize. Slow and steady, making sure that you learn each area *thoroughly*. There's no faking it in nursing, no getting by, no letting up until you graduate. If you're ready to give it everything for the next several years, go for it. Nursing is the toughest job you'll ever love.

Cathy--retired, pediatrics, 32+ years