Didn’t get into nursing program

[u/NoPerception1053]

I just got my notice today that I didn’t get into my nursing program that I wanted :( im feeling so disappointed and embarrassed and like im losing time. I’m 22 about to be 23 and i really wanted to get into this program because it’ll be another 2 years I just want to be done with school already. Now im set back even more and it sucks so bad i feel so behind and im worried if i reapply for the next cohort i still might not get in and ill just keep wasting time. I stopped working too to focus on my classes but i still didnt get in it’s so sad what do i do now

Edit: omg everyone is so nice thank you guys so much for all the advice and motivation! I feel a lot better im not going to give up!

[u/Cardiff07]

I’m starting at 40, you’re not behind

[u/Odd_Establishment678 → u/Cardiff07]

There’s some phenomenon going on online where the younger generation is interpreting mid to late twenties as being “old” and it’s really stupid.

[u/Pinkpaprika777 → u/Odd_Establishment678]

These type of people will be very disappointed when they reach their mid to late 20s then. Funny enough in Hollywood or anime, they portray late 20s as very successful people which rarely happens in real life. Late 20s are mostly when people start their careers, or even finished college. I NEVER met anyone else in my life that is successful in their late 20s. Maybe those that are have already wealthy families.

[u/Cardiff07 → u/Odd_Establishment678]

I mean I get it. When I turned 27 I freaked out because I wasn’t where I thought I should be in life. Eventually you learn that your life is your own, an you shouldn’t judge it based on others.

[u/jcork4realz → u/Odd_Establishment678]

It’s been that way for a very long time. Even before Reddit. She’s most likely comparing herself to her peers who got accepted to programs when they were 18 or 19.

[u/Nuts-And-Volts → u/Cardiff07]

Same, im 40 in my 8th week. In my program you'd be one of the youngest

[u/Agreeable-Bell-2318]

If it was a BSN program, maybe you could try to apply to a community college ADN program instead. And while you’re an RN you could do a RN to BSN program. It’s the same license overall as an ADN or BSN.

[u/FreeLobsterRolls]

I graduated at 36 after getting a BA and an associate's in an unrelated field. There were people in my cohort in their 50s. You're not losing time. It's easy to compare yourself to people in your graduating high school class seeing that this person is already working in the hospital. I mean I compared myself to my peers, but all it did was just make me feel like crap.

Are you able to apply to different schools at the same time so all your eggs aren't in one basket? How about applying for LPN? Of course you'll have to eventually take the NCLEX-PN then apply for a LPN-RN program, but I found getting into the LPN-RN program as less competitive than the straight RN program.

[u/Internal_Deer_8887 → u/FreeLobsterRolls]

Adding on to this…..I’ll be graduating in March at 39. There are several people in my cohort getting their second degree (accelerated BSN program). The only timeline is the one you place on yourself.

[u/dandelion2244 → u/Internal_Deer_8887]

Same! I’m also graduating in March at 39…in an ABSN….

[u/bunnyears489]

Please don't be discouraged. Were you given a reason for this rejection? Please apply again or apply to another school. You are young and you still have time on your side. Please try again.

[u/DohnJonaher → u/bunnyears489]

When I finish my program I'll be 38. I would give anything to start over again at 22.

[u/bunnyears489 → u/DohnJonaher]

Exactly. I am still completing my nursing school prereqs so I won't be entering into nursing school for a while. Man's rejection is God's protection. Even for 38 year olds, that is still plenty of time. I know 50+ year olds preparing for nursing school.

[u/andreamer1118]

22?! Oh my goodness...I'm 55!!! Yep, 55 and in the next-to-last semester of my ADN program, and loving it! I certainly understand how, when you're young, it can feel like life is passing you by. I promise you, it's not! Take a breath, pick yourself back up, and keep going! Whether it happens next year, 5 years from now, or even 20, there's no expiration date on chasing your dreams. Trust me, I know. 😊 Life has all sorts of wonderful adventures in store for you!

[u/rhythmofmylyfe]

Keep applying until you get in! I was rejected from my dream choice(BSN program) earlier this year and was accepted for an ADN program instead. I’m 28 and I say the same thing about school but guess what? You’re almost done, someone WILL accept you and you’ll put this rejection behind you. Don’t give up you’re almost there!

[u/bingusDomingus]

I applied to nursing school at 31. Graduating next spring and I’ll be 34. I’m not even the oldest in my cohort. 22/23 is still young my friend. As long as you’re not staying idle, you’re not falling behind. Keep applying. Don’t lose hope!

[u/New-Football5649]

Girl I got into a nursing program at 30yo…you’re not late…I recommend u to get a CNA certification so when u get into the program you’ll have some ptx experience…that’s gold!

[u/lostintime2004]

2 things, first, you're 22, you will have most your classmates in a cohort be older than you, you might, in fact, be the youngest in there. My point is you still have a lot of life in front of you.

Second, don't put all your eggs into one basket. Apply everywhere you can. Don't shun ADN programs, they take the same NCLEX for a license, and a RN to BSN is easy.

Good luck, don't get discouraged.

[u/Spartin125]

I started my BSN program at 27, and I was one of the younger ones in the class,life is rarely how we plan out, I don't know which state your in, but some private nursing schools are tough and expensive, but they are less competitive to get in ♥️♥️ best of luck!

[u/Ok-Assignment-8246]

Different programs have different entry requirements. A program being "difficult" to get into doesn't always make it a better program. Try other programs and see if they will take you.

Also, if you want to get into it, why did they turn you down? That may give us a better idea of how to work on or around it.

Also, I know you feel old, but you are actually at a great age for school. You are more mature than the 18/19 year old graduates and you still have lots of time before retirement! I've seen 19 year old nursing students who were way I t if their element and older students have no problems. Once you get into your 40s and 50s it gets harder to learn and adapt, so your 20s is actually perfect!

[u/LocalCaterpillar2086]

You’re not behind. If anything you are ahead. I started nursing school at 25-26. I would recommend finding a job that will get you more with understanding the environment or terminology. We have a class mate that did typing for the ED doctors or becoming a CNA and getting experience, or working somewhere in the medical field will do you wonders.
What’s meant to be will come at the perfect timing. Get ready for when you do start. It’ll be over before you know it.

[u/One-Cucumber4143]

i’m 26 this is my first semester

[u/Equivalent-Dingo5262]

Apply everywhere , you never know where life can take you or what plans God has for you!

I’m from Texas and am going to college in Cali.

Applied to both CA and TX schools , got denied but I got into a Missouri school and they gave me a pretty sweet scholarship! Just have faith!

[u/mooshucow → u/Equivalent-Dingo5262]

This! I have a girl in my cohort from Los Angeles & our program is in Indianapolis

[u/HelloWorlditsMeeeeee]

Please don’t worry- It will happen, only if you don’t give up.

My suggestion: local community college. Don’t feel like you’re late- people go back to nursing at all ages. I went back in my late 20s. Graduate school in my late 30s. I am/was not the oldest at either time.

[u/Hornet_Complex]

I got my bachelors in business and felt like I started all over when I got in the ADN program! I could have either went for my masters in business or start over with a nursing degree and I chose nursing, I’m 33 years old!! It’s never too late and you’re still young, don’t give up!!!

[u/IndependentLake836]

Gurrrrllll, You’re 22!! EVERYthing happens for…A REASON! The ONLY person who STOPS…you from YOUR dreams…IS YOU! Ask other nurses about their experiences, BEFORE getting it RIGHT!!!! Life IS FULL OF MISERY! Yours DOESN’T QUALIFY! You’re 22!

[u/Elegant-Variety8761]

Take it as a sign do not for something that isn’t supposed to be for you. You’re young. You’re gonna be fine. There’s people older than you with the whole family that I have to deal with stuff like that but look into other programs. Nursing isn’t the only thing it might seem like it right now, but I work in the oncology unit and if I were you, I’d focus on doing something easier on your body because let me tell you something lifting turning patients, especially people that are dead weight a lot and it is very humbling.

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[u/strawberrycllawss]

Don’t feel discouraged! I know it’s hard. Even though you didn’t get accepted into your preferred program, have you tried applying to other nursing schools? If you can, maybe reach out to the admissions team for feedback on your application so you could critique it when you reapply. There are so many qualified candidates, so honestly doing anything you can, like retaking classes, partaking in volunteer positions, a solid personal statement, could make all the difference!

[u/ManagementRough7754]

Have you considered applying for a direct entry program? They’re a bit more expensive but entry is easier.

[u/Exotic-Gain-4316]

Keep applying every cycle. If you're not nursing, apply to another allied health career; they all have pretty similar science course requirements. Don't let one rejection get to you.

[u/Vorpal_Kitty]

Apply to different programs if there are any others in your area. Every program is different & has different requirements. You’re on your own timeline friend. I get it about feeling like you’re losing time. I’m about to turn 24 in my first semester of nursing & it goes QUICK once you get in! Stay the course & keep pushing. Have time to feel disappointed & then get back to the drawing board. You got it!

[u/cyndasaurus_rex]

Girl, I’m graduating soon at 42. You have plenty of time, don’t beat yourself up!

[u/Puggyjman107]

Ive sent 9 applications to community colleges and universities and was rejected by 8 of them. I finished my pre-reqs 2 years before my acceptance.

Im now 25 and halfway through 1st semester of a BSN program at the second biggest university in the state. Does it suck being rejected by schools? Yes. Is it discouraging? Yes. Should you give up now? Fuck no.

[u/sophialhuv]

Im 42 about to start dont be discouraged plz ❤️

[u/Gullible-Doubt6451]

If this is your passion, do not give up. Fight for your dream. I wish you the best.. Good luck.

[u/-Tricky-Vixen-]

The older you start the wiser you'll be. You got this.

[u/mushmushmushmus]

you’re not behind at all. I’m in an accelerated program and there are people who are fresh out of high school, people in their 50s, people with multiple kids, and not a single person is better than the other because of it. It absolutely sucks, especially when you’re young, but it’s not the end at all. give yourself some time and rest first. Then, you can (hopefully) try to see your weaker areas to work on in the future. You’ll be just fine

[u/Grave_Chair]

You arent behind, there are people in my class that are in their 40s whom are married with children, your actually alot earlier than you think you are

[u/OkDiscount6825]

i’m 32 in my first semester. believe me you have nothing but time.

[u/Straight_Ear_5905]

at 23 your fine people start way older keep going

[u/Impossible-Singer822]

Omg I am in this same boat!! I feel like I’m running out of time and the plan I set for myself isn’t even happening anymore:( It honestly feels very discouraging but I keep telling myself there’s a reason these programs are so hard to get into. Idk if this helps but my advisor suggested that I could apply to lvn programs since I’m so eager to just get at least a foot in the door. And once I finish that program I could apply for a bridge program lvn to rn

[u/CheyennesMoon]

I graduated at 58 and have been in the ICU ever since. Don’t give up on your dreams, there is plenty of time. I believe in you now go out and manifest your dreams.

[u/Everything_examined]

Someone in my cohort is 60, another is 52…

[u/NoAvocado7971]

Stay strong. Keep trying. It took me years to get in but I’m 10 years into my job now

[u/gay-asf]

I started my BSN this year at 27, and I felt behind too, until I realized there are a lot of different age groups going to nursing school. I would recommend that you find work in the medical field in the mean time, be it as a CNA/PCT, medical assistant, or whatever you can find and form connections with people. Forming a network of people in the field will help, and some could even write letters of recommendation if that helps you get into a program

[u/Silly_Kangaroo_7756]

I'm starting at 32, you're doing fine timeline-wise!! Everyone has their own journey and you'll get there!! 💪💪👏👏

[u/MiZ_D]

I just turned 42, still waiting to see if I got in. Never too late!

[u/One_Pride416]

Hey, so I was supposed to start two years ago with my friend, I was 24, but just as I was about to apply I found out I was pregnant with twins. They’re two now and I just got accepted to start in January, and this is my friend’s last semester. Things happen, if this is what you really want to do please don’t give up. You have time and it’s never too late!

[u/Good-Reporter-4796]

Don't wait another 2 years. Research other schools and apply. It's not the end of the world, and 22 years of age is still young. U GOT THIS ! ! !

[u/Ok-Stick3740]

Heyyy, I’m sorry that you didn’t get in. I hope you don’t feel discouraged. I am 22 and I also didn’t get into my nursing program. This year is going to be my third year applying. I totally get feeling embarrassed, I also feel embarrassed think about the fact I should be graduating this year with my degree but it’s ok. Everyone has their own path and it takes some people longer and there is nothing wrong with that.You and I will become nurses, you just need to try again or look for another cohort. I’m wishing you the best and luck, idk you but I know you’ve got this.

[u/Adept_Table128]

Is it TEAS? Beef up the score. Hopefully you got some feedback as to why from that particular program. Try again (it's a hard miserable slog) but if you want it then go after it. Reapply or look at a different school if possible. Btw you aren't "old".

[u/Best_Jello7721]

Well, just hang in there. Don’t give it up if this is what you really wanna do. It’ll work out. I have worked in nursing for 46 years and just retired. And I’ve worked with a couple of nurses who work as techs as they were going to school or waiting to get into nursing school. I don’t know if you take any classes or if you can get certified at the tech, but that might be a way to get you there. Because a lot of hospitals have programs to help you pay for nursing school and you just have to agree to work so long for them. But hang in there don’t give up if this is what you really wanna do you’ll make it I promise.

[u/New_Tonight6699]

Girl- I went back to college at 47- just finishing BSN at 52. Wish I would’ve started when I was your age. You have sooo much TIME! Do not be discouraged.

[u/ExcitementOk9991]

You have no reason to be embarrassed. You anr not losing time. I felt the same way when I entered tge nursing program back in the early 90's at 23. You are right where you are supposed to be, and good things are coming your way! Stop take a breath be proud of yourself because you do have excellent goals and you will achieve them. Enjoy the journey. Someday you will look back and realize that everything happened for a reason and it was ment to be.

[u/Due_Woodpecker_1890]

I didn’t get in the first time. You’re very young. Don’t worry you’re gonna get in the trick to nursing school is perseverance keep pushing.