Failed PN program, Can start RN?

Students Pre-Nursing

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Long story short, I failed a PN program 13 years ago. And have 1.6 grade in med-surgical, and 3 withdrawals from repeat nursing classes. Can I go to a different school and try the RN program?

LPN709

177 Posts

Specializes in LTC.

Well I can't speak for other schools but my school policy is if you fail from a nursing program or have 2 or more withdrawals from nursing classes you can only be accepted on an individual basis. You would have to look at the policy for your particular school. But, in all honesty, that many withdrawals does not look good. I have to wonder why you failed/withdrew in the first place, I think that would make a difference on if you could get accepted or not.

OrganizedChaos, LVN

1 Article; 6,883 Posts

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

If you failed a PN program would it be a good idea to apply to an RN program? Maybe you should first take a look back and see why you failed in the first place. Why did med-surg trip you up? What will be different the second time around?

After going over everything look at the schools you want to apply to & see what their policies are.

tbird88

330 Posts

The clinical nursing skills, medical/surgical nursing and clinical nursing practical were all together, so if you failed one, you failed them all. I had 3.3 in nursing skills and practical, but 1.6 in medical/surgical. I can't remember what trip me up in the medical/surgical nursing but I do remember failing a text exam. I think I went to retake the classes but for some reason withdrew. I can't remember the details. But I know I can't repeat the program at that CC.

tbird88

330 Posts

I thought with the RN program I am getting biology, anatomy & physiology I,II, microbiology this might help me. I did not have to have these prerequisites for my LPN program. I will have to check with the schools I want to apply & see if they have policies on failing PN program.

OrganizedChaos, LVN

1 Article; 6,883 Posts

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Good luck! I know there are no pre reqs for PN programs & seeing as it was 13 years ago maybe it won't have any affect. Hopefully you can figure out why med-surg tripped you up & the second time around get it right.

tbird88

330 Posts

Yes I need to figure out why med-surg tripped me up, so I can get it right the second time around. I think it was the function of the heart? Is that part of med-surg. It was how the blood pumps through the heart and the chambers and everything. That is what I remember have difficulty with.

OrganizedChaos, LVN

1 Article; 6,883 Posts

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Yes I need to figure out why med-surg tripped me up, so I can get it right the second time around. I think it was the function of the heart? Is that part of med-surg. It was how the blood pumps through the heart and the chambers and everything. That is what I remember have difficulty with.

Ugh I hated that part of med surg. I think I failed that test in med surg too. So don't feel bad. :-P

tbird88

330 Posts

Thanks for sharing, it means so much to me that someone else can relate to what I went through. I am determined to not repeat my mistakes and look to the future with confidence that I will succeed. I was almost done with the PN program and it tears me up every time when I think about my failure so I know I have to pass the next time I get into nursing school. I do not take it lightly.

OrganizedChaos, LVN

1 Article; 6,883 Posts

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I know I made stupid mistakes 13 years ago. Med surg isn't exactly my favorite subject. I'm sure your older & wiser so now you'll do things differently this time around. Good luck!

Raviepoo

318 Posts

Specializes in hospice.

It was 13 years ago!!!!! Are you the same person today that you were back then? Have you learned anything since that time? I say go for it, and convince the admissions officer of the school you apply to that you have learned from past mistakes and will be a better nurse because of them.

tbird88

330 Posts

Hi Raviepoo,

I am definitely a different person today than I was 13 years ago. I have been a nurse assistant for the past 17 years and I have learned a lot from my experience working with a per diem agency. I have worked in the hospital, long term care and nursing home. Looking back at my education experience in the nursing program I had the feeling that my license would just be given to me that I somehow did not have to earn it. I was to carefree and irresponsible. I didn't take my education seriously. I remember flirting with a guy in clinicals and playing with him during my clinicals. I did not pay attention in class when I should have. Looking back I think that I made the mistake of becoming to laid back and let my guard down. I will let the admissions officer know I am more responsible and more focused today. And that I learned the importance of taking my classes and clinicals seriously.

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