In College, failed Clinical 2x, should I go for PSW?

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I am in my 2nd semester of college currently for RPN. In my first semester, I did not pass the Clinical & Practicum. I did well in all my other courses. This semester, I once again did not pass because I was late coming to Clinical, and and was not prepared for my Practicum as I researched my drug cards the night before but did not research my patient's disease. The college policy is that once you fail Practicum twice in the program you must wait a year before being able to do it over, and you must show that you have the necessary skills (for me these are time management and organization). I currently work weekends in home care as a PSW which I really enjoy. My program coordinator gave me the option of going to PSW course, which I feel will be a lot more manageable right now. If I would like, I can finish my other 2nd semester courses, and start the PSW course in January. The question is, is this really necessary? Can I just use the skills I have from nursing school, work as PSW and wait a year, and continue on as RPN if I want to? Are they trying to grab my money? Or are there advantages to taking this program after finishing first semester and part of the second semester of nursing, and getting a certificate?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I don't really see the benefit if you are already working as a PSW. Most places want you to have the certificate but if you are already working I wouldn't bother. Sounds like they just want your money. Keep working, regroup and try again.Work on the areas you know you need to improve in to pass clinicals. Good luck. The PSW experience is invaluable and if you were doing OK academically you still have a good shot.

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Thanks a lot! This is what I'm going to do. You learn a lot more by experience than going to school anyway, I find..

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Depending on the college after the completion of 2 semesters of the practical nursing program students can pay and write some sort of exam to receive the PSW certificate so I don't think there are any advantages of doing the PSW program.

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Wait where do you go to school Helena? In our school it is nearly impossible to fail clinical and the CIs really make sure you pass.

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I'm in the BScN program and we can do PSW work after a year of school. Maybe I would work has a PSW to see why did I failed the RPN program and if I am back in the program, what would I do different? In your case, I would go do the PSW certificate since you did not complete the knowledge has a PSW according your RPN program. Good luck

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