Thursday, December 18, 2014

Plan B needed

Throughout this journey so far, I never really thought about what if I were not admitted into the accelerated nursing programs at SUNY Downstate and CUNY Lehman; in fact a part of me was almost fearful that I would be accepted into either (or both) programs because of the drastic change it could potentially have in my life. Now that reality have set in and that I have just completed Anatomy and Physiology II, I realize that there is a strong possibility of me not being accepted into these programs, especially since it seems like the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7 or above. Tried as I may, I was unable to obtain that elusive "A" in my anatomy classes and my GPA in the prerequisites is going to suffer a bit (I estimate my GPA at about 3.6). While I am forever and always an optimist, I am also a realist and I have to put something in place in the event I do not get into either of my choice schools.

Option 1: Traditional Bachelor of Science program

I am already probably going to apply to Lehman's traditional BSN program when I apply to the accelerated program but I am also looking at the traditional or generic nursing program at CUNY York College as well. This is the closest school to me distance wise and more than likely clinicals would be in the area which would be great especially since they start early. This program seems a bit longer than other traditional programs (about 2 1/2 years instead of two) so that is definitely something to consider since time is a major factor for me. 

Option 2: private college/university

I am not too sure about this option but if I were considering a private school, my top choices would be schools in Nassau County, Long Island, including Adelphi University, Molloy College, and New York Institute of Technology- Westbury. Proximity wise these schools are a reasonable distance away from home and all of the schools have good reps to my knowledge. The problem is that the tuition is pricey and I don't know if I am comfortable with potentially owing so much money (I average $60,000) for only a second bachelor's degree. I wasn't willing to owe that much for a Masters of Social Work degree so why should I do it for a Bachelors in Nursing? Nonetheless, I should at least consider at least one of the schools since the public schools are super competitive and my GPA is not all that at this point. I hope if I do apply there is a nice financial aid package included.

Option 3: Associate programs in nursing

I had considered this  before and discussed it in my post but not only are these programs just as competitive as the BSN programs, I would have to go to night school which may not work for me, although it would allow me to probably maintain my job. Daytime is an option as well but I would not be able to keep my current job and it would take much longer to obtain the BSN. The only way this would work is if I get a healthcare related job while in the program, obtain my license after two years, and go for RN-BSN while working as a nurse (this is assuming I am able to get an RN position).

Option 4: Don't quit my day job

If I don't get into my choice programs I simple stay put. I may not have a desire to stay in my current job for the next decade or two but I am blessed to at least have one and I won't have to worry about the unknown.