u/FarYogurtcloset3365

so i'm a nursing major and i've had my CNA license for about 4 months now but i haven't started working because no one hires new CNAs with no experience in northern cali😭 i've been applying to so many jobs, i even have my BLS but whenever i try applying even at nursing homes, i would always see that they prefer CNAs with at least 1 year experience and ofc i don't have that yet because NO ONE HIRES. please give tips, i wanna get into a hospital mainly if that's possible because i heard the pay is better and more exposure

I’m a 2nd year community college student in California majoring in pre-nursing, and I’m feeling really overwhelmed about my timeline and chances for BSN programs.

So far, I’ve completed most of my prerequisites, but my science grades haven’t been the strongest. I got a C in Chem and a C in A&P I. I’m currently taking A&P II, but I struggled early in the semester and it’s looking like I’ll need to retake it in Fall 2026 alongside Microbiology.

My original plan was:

\- Pass A&P II this Spring 2026 with an A or B
\- Take the TEAS during the summer
\- Apply to BSN programs for Spring/Fall 2027 around Aug–Oct 2026
\- Have only Microbiology in progress during Fall 2026

But now that I’ll be retaking A&P II with Microbio at the same time, my timeline has shifted a lot.
From what I understand, many California BSN programs don’t like applicants having 2 science prereqs in progress during application time, especially with previous Cs in core sciences already on the transcript. Because of that, I’m starting to feel like ADN programs for Fall 2027 may be my only realistic option.

I don’t mind doing ADN at all, but I guess I’m wondering: Is ADN really my only realistic path at this point? Do I still have a shot at California BSN programs for Fall 2027 despite the retake/timeline shift? Has anyone gotten into BSN programs with a similar situation (retakes + Cs in sciences)?

Also, if ADN does end up being my starting point, can someone make me feel a little better about that route? 😭 I know a lot of people eventually do RN-to-BSN programs later anyway, but it honestly feels discouraging seeing so many people around me going straight into BSN programs while I might have to take a different path first.

I do plan on pursuing my BSN later on no matter what, but right now I’m trying to accept that ADN may be the best option for where I’m currently at academically/timeline-wise. I’d really appreciate honest advice or experiences from people who took the ADN route first and how it worked out for them.