Seeking Educational Advice: Should I repeat an RN Program? - (and why I'm considering it)

Nursing Students General Students

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  1. Repeat an RN program or re-test and take refresher courses later

    • 1
      Yes- Repeat an RN program
    • 1
      No- re-test for NCLEX & take a Refresher course

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Hi All

(Sorry this post is so lengthy)

I've been thinking and praying about my situation for a little while now- and would like a little input from all the wonderful seasoned professionals on this site... So here's the deal:

I have a bachelor's degree out of field (org. leadership) and I've graduated from an ASN program in August of 2015 (Florida). My problem is that my nursing school is not accredited and is most likely about to be placed on probation... Why is this my problem you ask? Well I chose this school after much deliberation and meeting with the staff reasons being-

1.they are backed/owned by a hospital

2. they were a new school at the time I enrolled, and advised me they were going to seek accreditation (which they did)

3. this school allowed me to continue working full time to support my family (most of the program)

4. Well educated & helpful staff

**Now my problem***

1. NCLEX pass rates are extremely low: 2015 pass rate- 37.04% 2016 pass rate- 28.57%

2. I unfortunately failed my NCLEX on first try (I haven't retested yet)

3. Most of the student body has failed NCLEX 3 or more times even after having taken remedial courses.

4. Most students agree that our training and courses / curriculum were not up to par.

5. The school was required to submit remedial plans for the program, and has withdrawn their application for accreditation to ACICS. ( found this in the FL Board of Nur. meeting minutes).

6. A lot of the equipment in the hospital was antiquated-(old) basically

**So basically I want to know if y'all can offer some insight: I'm currently thinking about enrolling in an RN program (accredited this time :-) ) and starting over like I've never gone to a nursing program.. my other option is to re-attempt the NCLEX (praying I pass) and enroll in refresher courses before attempting to seek employment.

I really thought I was making a good decision the first time around (y'all can check my old post about my school ) I'm hurt and feel a little slighted. I've been reading about the problems with nursing schools in Florida

http://www.oppaga.state.fl.us/MonitorDocs/Reports/pdf/1605rpt.pdf

http://floridasnursing.gov/meetings/minutes/2016/04-april/04062016-min.pdf

I want to thank you all for your for time and consideration- and am awaiting helpful and honest feedback.

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Boy, maybe you could meet with a career counselor at a non profit nursing school and see what they say? If you took a refresher course and the NCLEX first maybe that would give you your answer. I hope you get other comments on here as I feel for your situation. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this.

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If I were you, I would probably try and take the NCLEX once more and pray that you pass. The bigger question is, do you think that you learned the fundamentals/skills of being a nurse at that school? If you feel that they didn't properly prepare you, I would go ahead apply for another program. Also, not sure how difficult it would be for you to get hired as a nurse from a non accredited school. Thats something to look into if you haven't already.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Honestly given those abysmal pass rates, it's pretty unlikely you learned what you need to be a novice RN. Also given the school's troubles, you might not (probably not?) make a competitive candidate anyway.

I would consider meeting with a financial advisor (not affiliated with the school -- one who works for you) before committing to another program, though. We here don't know your situation, what you can afford.

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I hate to say this because returning to nursing school is one of my recurring nightmares, but I would have to suggest that you attend another program. It sounds like the reputation is not great from the school you attended and you've already been out of school for a year and a half without passing the NCLEX and haven't been able to practice. Is the hospital that backs/owns the program hiring the few nurses that do pass the NCLEX? This is really a tough situation...

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Hi Everyone,

Want to first thank you guys for responding / commenting. I have been praying a lot. And basically its tough to decide. The school was so alluring since there was "no line, no wait" to get in. Now I'm currently in the hole $35,000- I'm wondering if the program closes like what are my options for not having to pay them back. A lot of my classmates have already stopped paying and have been most likely sent to collections. The "loan" they gave us was via the school/ hospital, and not a formal or federal student loan that you would get from say Sallie Mae etc. The hospital did hire a few of the students that passed the exam. However it's the same process as anyone else that would like to apply- but the school administrator will put in a word for you there which seems to help the hiring process go faster. But I personally don't wish to work there.

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Another problem @ Mslatrice- if I take the NCLEX again, and pass I won't be able to enter a pre-licensure program. I would have to go into an RN-BSN program , in addition finding an RN-BSN program that would take my "Credits" earned from the nursing school I attended would probably cost me around the same as repeating school anyways... or at least from what I've seen. Kinda in a rock and a hard place.

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Honestly given those abysmal pass rates, it's pretty unlikely you learned what you need to be a novice RN. Also given the school's troubles, you might not (probably not?) make a competitive candidate anyway.

I would consider meeting with a financial advisor (not affiliated with the school -- one who works for you) before committing to another program, though. We here don't know your situation, what you can afford.

Hi Here.I.Stand - yes I think you may be right. I signed up for the emails that you would get from job sites etc. all of the hospitals are saying they want "accredited" school of nursing grads only. I'm really sad at this point. My classmate thinks I should just re-test and take a refresher course, but either way I'm gonna have to spend extra money.

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Boy, maybe you could meet with a career counselor at a non profit nursing school and see what they say? If you took a refresher course and the NCLEX first maybe that would give you your answer. I hope you get other comments on here as I feel for your situation. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this.

I actually spoke with an enrollment counselor at another school. The nursing director had her relay the message to have me contact Florida Board of Nursing to make sure I can enroll in another program... Im like why would I have to ask if I can enroll in school?!! I actually called the Board of Nursing - apparently this happens often, and the lady says the schools do that to would be students I guess to deter them from enrolling. That way they keep their pass rates up. Which is not nice but I guess... :unsure:

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Wow - I have so much sympathy for OP. What a mess. IMO, This is a direct consequence of FL legislature's bone-headed decision to remove their BONs "nursing school approval" authority. I believe that the rationale was based on legislative hysteria about the horrible nursing shortage & the idea that the BON was a "roadblock" for the creation of new schools. Typical legislative boondoggle. Since then, there has been a (very predictable) cascade of failure - with subsequent closure of many commercial (for-profit, investor owned) schools that popped up since the BON ceased to function as the quality watchdog.

ACICS was dumped by the Dept. of Education a while back - it never was an actual legitimate "accreditor"... just a rubber stamp for commercial schools. All schools that were ACICS accredited have a very limited period of time to become legitimately accredited or they will be forced to close. NONE of those popup schools could obtain regional accreditation, so their "credits" are not transferable... just as OP has discovered. OP should stay abreast of all news about the situation because there may very well be a class action suit or some other method of recouping some of her financial loss.

I think OP has carefully analyzed all options - and has obviously educated herself very well about all of her choices. I agree that the best option is probably just to pursue a re-do. However, she could to try to CLEP some courses since she already has taken them. On a positive note, OP will undoubtedly do very well this time around.

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Specializes in ER.

How would this affect your financial aid?

I would seek out a refresher program and take Kaplan. There should be actual refresher programs but they may not be close to you. I have looked in my state and the nearest one is two hours away and costs about 1800 dollars. It is cheaper than an additional RN program.

I actually spoke with an enrollment counselor at another school. The nursing director had her relay the message to have me contact Florida Board of Nursing to make sure I can enroll in another program... Im like why would I have to ask if I can enroll in school?!! I actually called the Board of Nursing - apparently this happens often, and the lady says the schools do that to would be students I guess to deter them from enrolling. That way they keep their pass rates up. Which is not nice but I guess... :unsure:

I think it would be more making sure that they can take you and not to deter you. It is an interesting situation.

A. What is to stop you from withdrawing and sitting for NCLEX halfway through the program?

B. Is it actually allowed for you to take another program? Some states have three strikes rule and then require you to complete a new program but you haven't failed three times (not sure on Florida's laws)

C. What if you fail their program? Are you still technically eligible to sit for NCLEX if the state would have allowed you to wait that long to test? Since you did pass a nursing program before you failed a nursing program.

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Hi Applesxoranges

There was no financial aid. The school was unable to provide this privilege- institutions must have a certain amount of funds in an account if Im not mistaken, in order to be able to have a federal financial aid program. In Florida there is a 3 strikes rule - if the student has taken the state exam / NCLEX a total of 3 times and failed each attempt, they are not allowed to re-test before taking a state approved remedial course . I have only attempted NCLEX once. I have already spoken with the Florida Board of Nursing and I am able to re-test whenever I chose. I don't wish to wait years and take the test again. Although I can study and take a refresher course I feel it's not enough. I'm afraid of being a "mediocre" nurse, that's why I want to take the extra measures so I feel confident in my education. NCLEX is to test us to be sure we are not only sufficiently educated - but its to test and make sure you at least have the "basics" in order to be a safe nurse...and at $200 a pop for NCLEX, then paying at least $1800 or more for a refresher course- then having to pay for an accredited institution that will take my effed up credits- I'll come out cheaper just repeating a reputable program and save my piece of mind.. I'm literally terrified at this point.

How would this affect your financial aid?

I would seek out a refresher program and take Kaplan. There should be actual refresher programs but they may not be close to you. I have looked in my state and the nearest one is two hours away and costs about 1800 dollars. It is cheaper than an additional RN program.

I think it would be more making sure that they can take you and not to deter you. It is an interesting situation.

A. What is to stop you from withdrawing and sitting for NCLEX halfway through the program?

B. Is it actually allowed for you to take another program? Some states have three strikes rule and then require you to complete a new program but you haven't failed three times (not sure on Florida's laws)

C. What if you fail their program? Are you still technically eligible to sit for NCLEX if the state would have allowed you to wait that long to test? Since you did pass a nursing program before you failed a nursing program.

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