advice re dismissal from accelerated BSN program

[angeweise]

Hello.

I am in need of some advice. I was recently dismissed from an accelerated bsn program because I got a C and not a C+ in one of my classes. I am devastated. My schedule makes it difficult to go to a traditional day program. Does anyone know of any weekend programs in NY or on line programs (not sure if you need to be an LPN already for on line programs).

I think it is crazy to give up my dream because of a missing plus sign?

Thank you

Zoe

[angeweise]

I live in Dutchess County, Fishkill area.

[duskyjewel]

The LPN program I'm waiting to get into has an evening option. Since LPN is regarded as vocational training, it's more likely to have those kinds of options, so maybe look into that.

You can always bridge later. That's what I'm doing: foot in the door with LPN, finish prereqs over a couple years while working, then bridge to RN. Hopefully BSN in time....

[MurseJJ]

I live in Dutchess County, Fishkill area.

Well I see that Dutchess Community College has an evening ADN RN program (phasing out in 2016). Depending on how far you're willing to travel, Cochran School of Nursing has an ADN evening program, as do Montefiore, Orange County Community College, and perhaps a few others I didn't look into.

So maybe you'll want to look into those. But yes, as someone else mentioned, ADN programs are very competitive to get into, and typically they'll ask if you were previously enrolled in a nursing program. When you answer, "yes", you'll have to explain what happened. It's interesting that your accelerated program doesn't have an appeals process. The ideal thing would be for you to do what they say and go through the process of transferring into the traditional program (especially since it's a BSN which is more ideal than an ADN as far as job options at this time), but I understand why that is very difficult at this time for you.

So if it is simply impossible for you to do that, I suggest looking into those ADN programs (some community college programs, such as one that I applied to (not attending though) only look at the prerequisite course GPA, and not anything else), and know that it may be difficult to get in, and you'll have to explain why you were dismissed from your nursing program. Doesn't hurt to try I guess.

[angeweise]

Thank you for your input.

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

It wasn't rude, it's called reality. All I want to say about that is you really can't afford to too sensitive if you're going to have a long term career in nursing.

If I were you I would be doing a search on the internet for possible solutions. You're the only one who knows the circumstances under which you can succeed. It also sounds like the advanced options aren't for you so perhaps you will need to seek traditional school in order to succeed. You need to be really honest with yourself as far as ability is concerned; even the traditional route is hard on people.

It's nursing and flexibility is required. Also, you need to consider that your GPA has been affected and no matter what you end up doing, the GPA will follow. With that and your inability to be flexible you need to consider who you are competing against...a very long list of ambitious persons with high GPAs and flexibility.

You know what you need and what you can afford, etc... Research is also a big part of any nursing program in order to be successful; again, if I were you I would "research" it on the internet with the suggestions that these gracious people have offered you.

Good luck to you and yours

[angeweise]

I disagree, to ask "What do you want from us" is rude no matter how you put it.

I obtained a C because I had difficulty concentrating due to an unexpected death in the family. I think I have a right to be a little sensitive. As a nurse one should be sensitive and compassionate.

I think we need to be careful when we address one another, because we have no idea what the person on the other end is going through.

I understand the reality of nursing and getting into a program. I still have a good GPA and did extremely well in my other courses. Nursing is a compassionate and Caring career, we should treat everyone with respect.

Take Care

Zoe

[runsalot]

In nursing the two best things a person can develop are a thick skin as even though you may be providing the best care ever the patients are going to be rude, so grin and bare it. And the ability to do research. If I don't know a med. I don't run out of the room and log on to all nurses. To ask what it does. I look it up on a approved source.

So the advice you were given was sound.

[duskyjewel]

I disagree, to ask "What do you want from us" is rude no matter how you put it.

Um The nurses I work with ask families all the time, "What are your goals for this stay? What are you looking for from us?" And I almost always ask a version of that question when responding to call lights. I think the reason you got asked that question was because you shot down every suggestion people made. I'm not saying your reasons aren't valid, but I think that was the genesis of the question.

I obtained a C because I had difficulty concentrating due to an unexpected death in the family.

Did you approach your instructor when it happened? If I had a death in my family and knew it would impact my ability to do well, that is the first thing I would do. They are human beings, they get it, and I would ask for some accommodation much like a learning disabled student, because grief and inability to focus because of it would definitely be a temporary disability in relation to academics! I mean, I suppose they could refuse, but I think few would.

[angeweise]

I did mention it before and after I got my grade. I was informed there was nothing I could do.

I will move forward and pray for direction. Thank you for responding.

[duskyjewel]

Jeez, that's pretty cold. Sorry your professors were unwilling to be supportive.

[Guttercat, ASN, RN]

OP, nursing is bandied about in the media as a "caring and compassionate" profession. Yes, we are caring and compassionate, but Nurses in general are often very blunt and direct. We have to be in order to survive the profession itself. It does not always translate well across the internet.

As far as your situation, I am very sorry. May I ask why you want to be a nurse? If you have a career that is earning good money, you are on track with a mortgage and kids and (hopefully) a retirement portfolio, I'm not sure switching oars midstream is a good idea (at least so drastically).

If you are interested, look also into MPH. That's a great second-career path, and is health-related.

[angeweise]

I have thought of being a nurse for years, but was a little nervous because as a nurse you are responsible for the lives of others. I feel that becoming a nurse will be extremely rewarding on so many levels. I am interested in labor and delivery for personal reasons.

Thank you for your post.