16 year old in the ADN nursing program, now they're asking me to withdraw? :

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Okay so here's my story. I graduated HS at 16 years old. I applied for the nursing program and I got in, which I was very happy about. I went through a lot just to get in. Unfortunately, this morning, the dean and two other professors informed me that there is a high possibility that I will be asked to withdraw from the program because of the fact that I'm still a minor. They said that according to the law, I can't go to clinicals as a minor. I'm not sure but I think it's the clinical agency's policy. They suggested me to take the CNA program and my general studies instead while waiting until I'm old enough to be in the program. They said they overlooked my age because of my grades. I mean, it's not my fault that they overlooked it. They said it never happened before. They did the background check, but they still let me in the program. Half of my tuition was paid through financial aid, if I drop the nursing class that I'm taking right now, I would be down from 16 to 7 credits so that will affect my financial aid. I also bought all the books that was required for the classes. But those are just minor things. I expected that I will graduate in two years, but they are asking me to wait for another two years to be allowed in the program. They're not kicking me out, they're just putting me on hold until I turn 18. I need some advice and opinion about this matter. I'm very frustrated..

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First of all congratulations for being accepted even if they are now "forcing you out." I'm VERY, VERY impressed that you've come so far at such a young age! Truly inspiring!

Do you need clinical hours to graduate in your state? If you do, then you may have no choice but to wait until you are 18. It's definitely the schools fault for not paying attention to your age but if the law bit is true then there is very little they can do to get you in to clinical. :(

I would get all their promises in writing (about you starting as soon as your 18) and maybe see about getting reimbursed for your books. (never hurts to ask!)

As far as the financial aid goes, is it too late to sign up for other classes?

Good luck to you!! You have a bright future ahead of you...I can just tell! :)

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I'm sure they're right in that minors cannot do clinical assignments. That makes sense to me. Can you spend the next two years doing your prereqs? (good job graduating HS @ 16!)

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Specializes in Chemo.

I would go to the student counselor's office and ask for help. If not, there should be legal aid for students on campus or even get a lawyer to protect your rights. ( not to sue for money) . It is worth pressuring to protect your rights I do not know the laws in your state about minors in clinical studies/ nursing schools to give you sound advice. I know some hospitals haveage limits for its employees/ students. However you would be working under a nursing instructor while in school so I do not see the problem. I think the bigger problem is that the school created this mess and they should honor their agreement to let you in the school. They knew how old you were from the start. If they force you out the school should be force to pay for all the moneys you are out. You did nothing wrong. I would save all letters emails and conversations you have with the school. Also get it in writing the reasons why they want you to drop and they will guarantee a spot in the school after two years. Be aware that you're a minor so you cannot enter into any contract/ agreement without your parents.

on another note you should be very proud for graduating high school so early and that you want to go into nursing. I wish you the best of luck

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

I worked as a nurse's aide at 16, and since you are working under the supervision of licensed nurses (just as aides do), I think they are panicing prematurely. Students aren't licensed after all. You may not be able to take the NCLEX until 18, which you should be around the time you graduate.

Don't withdraw! If they force you out you have something to argue to financial aide with; you were taking and passing the classes. Are you emancipated? If so, different rules may apply. I wonder if your school is worrying about insurance?

One of the first things I would do, is contact your state board of nursing, and get an official answer about minors in nursing school.

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Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.

Sorry this happened to you but congrats on your accomplishments. I would get a reimbursement for your expenses. As previously stated, get their promises in writing if you really want to go to this program. Then try to get some healthcare experience, not sure what kind of work you can do at 16. If you don't want to wait to start that program if you can afford it, I would go to a BSN program. You will spend 1.5-2 yrs on general studies classes then by the time you are 18 you will be ready to start your nursing classes and be old enough for clinical. Good luck.

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I'm sure they're right in that minors cannot do clinical assignments. That makes sense to me. Can you spend the next two years doing your prereqs? (good job graduating HS @ 16!)

While only a year older (17) when I graduated high school it wasn't and or isn't that unusual.

As "Head Start" child (birthday came before year end) was always on average a year younger than most of my classmates at school. Well other than fellow *HS* children.

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Specializes in ICU.

Depending on what state you reside in, you may be considered an emancipated minor since you've graduated from high school. If you are, that might free them from the legal responsibilities of taking on such a young student. If you want to stay in the program, I would consider petitioning your county's family court for legal emancipation on the basis of high school graduation.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Yes don't withdraw. First find out what your rights are. Really, the school should be forced to honour their agreement. I was in clinical with 17 year olds. Age doesn't really matter, since you are working under the supervision of a nurse, and the school has to have insurance for all students in clinicals.

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Specializes in CCRN, ED, Unit Manager.

Some of the things I'm seeing suggested probably takes more time and effort than you're willing to or able to invest for the current nursing (rn?) program you are in. Might I suggest that you use this to your advantage and complete any courses needed to complete a RN-to-BSN program after you finish an ADN (this is an ADN, yeah?) such as intro to BioChem, Statistics, etc... so that when you turn 18, you can do so.

Don't be frustrated. It's an opportunity in disguise.

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I second looking into switching to a BSN program. You'll be able to use the time on general classes do that you don't have to take them during your nursing classes.

You're young. Take full advantage of that.

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Enroll in the BSN program that way you finish necessary courses and by the time you complete those you are considered an adult to go into your clinicals.

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