No Longer a Student :(

Nurses Disabilities

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So I am no longer a student. I have resisted posting out of fear of not remaining annonymous but I need fellow students/nurses support. I was dismissed from my nursing program for crying episodes that were unprofessional. I was on probabtion already and that added to my stress. I am trying to figure out now what to do. Do I want to continue on with nursing? I do (until I read all the horror storries posted here) and even have this desire to keep doing the class work but I can't stay motivated when there is no point. I looked into another nursing program but it won't accept applications from students who were dismissed from another program. I live in a major city and figured it shouldn't be that hard to find another program. I thought about an associates RN but I already have the majority of the classes done so I would have to repeat almost 90% and several of the associate RN programs look like they only have 3 clinicals which is surprising to me.

Now that I am no longer a student I am hearing about all the support I had truly from the othe rstudents in my program-why I didn't realize it before I don't know-I think everyone is wrapped up in themselves until something happens and then they say we really were there for you.

I am debating about getting a job as a CNA or med assistant but have been trying to figure out how to go about doing that since I don't have the certification. I have heard and seen on only a few jobs that if you have completed x clinicals you can apply.

I want to go back to school but all of the local programs I already missed their deadlines for September so I will have to wait another year. I feel so lost and don't seem to know what to do. I moved to a new city to go to school and the only people I knew are in the program.

What are some other jobs people have done who ended up leaving nursing before they got their degree? I know there are a whole bunch of health care jobs out there-its just none seem to appeal to me the way nursing did (does?). I liked the flexibility and different type sof specialities/settings that nurses can work in.

Sorry so long.

A number of my fellow nursing students had jobs at hospitals as either PCAs or unit secretaries. That experience gave them a competitive edge in managing clinical rotations.

I have found the nursing school experience to be stressful and demanding. I learned early on that school is probably less stressful than the actual job of being an RN and I had to learn how to be open to constructive criticism and be willing to change. I also had to adapt to a very different culture than I had been accustomed to and I often reached out to others with more knowledge who could help me work through challenges.

Honestly, I could not have managed the process of nursing as a young adult and realize being older has some advantages as far as managing stress and navigating some of the complex, intense situations with patients.

I'm almost finished with school and the most important lessons I have learned is that nursing requires a lot of honesty, self-awareness and humility.

There are numerous healthcare professions that involve working with patients but have a different focus than nursing (radiology tech, respiratory therapist, EKG/telemetry, ultrasonography, surgical tech, etc.).

I wish you well and believe you will find the right path for your career.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Last year around this time to be exact, after a midterm that I did not pass by 1% (but later passed when the teacher threw out one question) I woke up the next morning feeling like some one had just died; it was the first time I had ever realized that it was possible for me not to pass nursing school (I ended up with a B in the class, I can be quite the pessimist toward myself at times). The entire spring break I studied like crazy. On one day after studying for hours and still feeling confused I had to go home because I started to cry, when I got home I sat on my bed just bawling and then threw my textbook down the hallway. (this was the semester from he- double hockey sticks...long story). So you are not alone. I was helping a classmate practice for a clinical presentation when she suddenly completely fell apart saying she could not do it (and ended up getting a good grade on it too). We all have crying in nursing school; you are not alone.

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Barbaratruth,

"accept criticism and the need to change"

I appreciate your need to change and adapt to a different atmosphere, I am there -- can you share how you did that? Just experience? I mean, they say you need to change and then shove you out the door. WHAT do we need to change, and HOW?? Its hard for an older person to change who they are, but I'm willing to try, I just need some guidance!!

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Did the school give you suggestions or feedback on what you need to do to move forward? Were you open to their suggestions or ideas? Did they give you an option of returning to their program if you took their suggestions?

I just re-read your initial posting. Were you in an LPN program or an RN program? In an RN program, you can recycle courses that were completed and passed. I'm not sure if this applies to an LPN program.

Although you may have missed deadlines for September, you can take non-nursing courses that may be required for an ADN or BSN program, i.e., microbiology or pharmacology to maintain continuity.

Maybe the Dean of your school can offer guidance on how you can move forward.

Take care.

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Did the school give you suggestions or feedback on what you need to do to move forward? Were you open to their suggestions or ideas? Did they give you an option of returning to their program if you took their suggestions?

I just re-read your initial posting. Were you in an LPN program or an RN program? In an RN program, you can recycle courses that were completed and passed. I'm not sure if this applies to an LPN program.

Although you may have missed deadlines for September, you can take non-nursing courses that may be required for an ADN or BSN program, i.e., microbiology or pharmacology to maintain continuity.

Maybe the Dean of your school can offer guidance on how you can move forward.

Take care.

Thanks Barbaratruth,

I was in an RN program. Its been 6 weeks and I'm still waiting to get the answers to those questions. The head of the dept refuses to give me those answers except in person and she won't make an appt with me. I've been waiting 3 weeks for a response. I have no idea where I stand with them or if I can go back--they won't tell me that. I've lost all my scholarships. They've never given me any suggestions or ideas at any time during my program, why would they start now? i would MOST CERTAINLY be open to their feedback and suggestions, if i could get any!! and i very much want to move forward. Sigh. This is very frustrating. I have spoken to the Dean, but he leaves me to work it out with them, and i can't get in to see them.

I am a good person and i want to be a great nurse, I want to do great and wonderful things with my life, but I can't seem to get anywhere with these people. I just want to move forward in a positive way. If I need to go somewhere else to another school and start all over again, then I wish they'd tell me that so I can start working in that direction. Its hard to believe that the head of the dept. can be so unresponsive to our questions, especially when shes just kicked me out of school and, after 6 weeks, I still don't know exactly WHY!!??

I am going to take Statistics and Psychology next term and try and keep working towards my goal, but each school has different pre-reqs so I'm not sure what I need to focus on. And guess who is my academic advisor....? Yes, the head of the dept.... who I can't get in to see... no advice coming from there...

I feel like they've just shoved me under the rug and are walking all over me.

Thanks for your positive thoughts. I'll keep trying until I get some answers, suggestions, ideas from them.

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If you keep getting the run around, then be sure to document all of the times and ways that you have tried to contact whoever it is you need to contact. Note the dates and times you left messages. Send letters and keep copies of them. That way, if anyone tries to say that it was your fault you hadn't gotten the information, you have proof that you did try. Be polite and persistant (not an easy task at times, I know!). Try each method at least 3 times (phone, letter, certified letter even if you get no response) and make sure you've given them your contact information and what information you're looking for (again, that way no one can say that they didn't realize what you were asking or couldn't contact you). You deserve to know all the school policies in regard to dismissals as well as to have some kind of formal review of the reasons for your dismissal (if you haven't already had some meeting of this kind before). Meanwhile, see if you find out any more about the school's policies on your own. This isn't fun stuff, but you'll run into this type of situation sooner or later, whether in school or in some other aspect of life. So even this frustrating setback gives you valuable experience that can help you build your life skills. Keep on keeping on!

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Hi traveller2be!

I so so sooooooo Understand everything you are going through hon. Please don't give up! When my trouble all started in my 2nd year (long story, but had to do with really awful preceptor in clinical). I was told I could take time off, I got a doctors certificate, and was told I could make up the time at the end of the year and followed all the guidelines that were stipulated in the School manual.

I then proceeded to try and go back to school, was called into a meeting and told that they wanted me to take the rest of the year off! and come back and redo semester 2 again! I was so upset, angry etc etc, took me probably 3months to get over that, I appealed to the board etc and stated my case to anyone official who would listen. This however, made no difference ONE WOMAN had made up her mind and was calling the shots, and she didn't like being challendged! This all started in May 2007, I felt devastated and like all my dreams and hopes for the future had come to an end, all my friends/classmates were moving on, and I was a great student with good marks! Yet they wouldn't let me back... By August I had picked myself up out of my low mood and self esteem and decided to fight it.

Firstly I contacted a local politician, also some mental health avocates, nursing student avocates, a television network called "Fair Go", I wrote to whoever I could think of and told them my story, in the end it ended up with the "Human Rights Commission", they were fantastic! (highly recommend them), they will let you know if you have a case etc, and guide you in the direction you need to go in. I did have a strong case, BUT it was going to be a very timely process! High court because it was a government agency etc etc... (trying to keep this short and sweet)! I learnt alot about the political side of act's which was great and really grew in strength, tho at times felt hopeless, the school kept saying one thing then would change it to something else, I had to have a doctors assessment (which I had already had to prove to them I was ok), and he put me through the drill, also had to sit a 3hour exam (med science) and a physical assessment on a patient (1hour) to prove my capabilities to return, that was despite my B average grades.

I really wanted to say %^#@!@@@!!!!! to them but instead I took a deep breath and realised that more then anything I want to be a nurse, and decided to play there "game", they have been suprised at the outcome, I passed all tests/exams and have returned to redo part of my 2nd year. It's hard not to feel bitter, It's difficult being in a brand new class of new people who have already formed bonds etc, it's really hard watching my original class friends doing their 3rd year and them telling me about what they are experiencing, when I know I SHOULD be with them! BUT honey, I am "doing it", it's going to cost me an extra year financially and it's going to postpone my family plans, but at least at the end of the day I will graduate.

I was always a very active participant in class debates and discussions, but have learnt and decided to stay quiet for the rest of my time in nursing school, as unfortunately there is a power within nursing that can end your career before it even begins! Keep them happy, kiss butt, and know that you will make a difference at the end of the day! And mostly don't loose Faith in yourself!!!!

Your welcome to email me anytime to talk.

take care,

Lisa.:heartbeat

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I got dismissed from school today--I think. The appeal process ended 3/11 and I still haven't received official notification. Does anyone know if I have any rights to fight this in civil court? I was accused of using a patient's full name on an email attachment (major HIPAA violation) but I only used the first name and have the sent document to prove it. The school obviously didn't investigate the charge before booting me and the physical and mental strain that this has caused me should be punished. I should mention that I had a 3.98 QPA, but am so disillusioned with nursing that I doubt that I'll pursue it at another school.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
I got dismissed from school today--I think. The appeal process ended 3/11 and I still haven't received official notification. Does anyone know if I have any rights to fight this in civil court? I was accused of using a patient's full name on an email attachment (major HIPAA violation) but I only used the first name and have the sent document to prove it. The school obviously didn't investigate the charge before booting me and the physical and mental strain that this has caused me should be punished. I should mention that I had a 3.98 QPA, but am so disillusioned with nursing that I doubt that I'll pursue it at another school.

Welcome to the site

Unfortunately we can not give any legal advice and this is something that you need to discuss with a lawyer

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..

I am debating about getting a job as a CNA or med assistant but have been trying to figure out how to go about doing that since I don't have the certification. I have heard and seen on only a few jobs that if you have completed x clinicals you can apply.

So sorry you're going thru this and you are not alone. How I survived nursing school I'll never know... I was a wreck - but postponed my first real breakdown til 4 yrs after graduation lol -

I was thinking of suggesting CNA for a year, I think some nursing homes will pay for the class - do that for a year and during your next successful nursing school semester? Because you WILL succeed if you do enjoy working as a CNA and want to go further!

It's all good!

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