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?
I know that being a prosecutor would have been a rewarding and satisfying career for me, but gave up on it because there is no way I can have the family life I want and be the mother I need to be with that career. Sometimes we have to evaluate what's possible to integrate with what already is, and make tough choices. It just may be that becoming a nurse isn't in the cards for you right now. Doesn't mean never, just not right now.
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
ADN programs are often highly competitive. Some will not accept those who fail out of another nursing program (same level or not). Look at your options locally. You have the MPH option also.
I did mention it before and after I got my grade. I was informed there was nothing I could do.
In an accelerated program, there should be no accomodation. And I don't mean that to be rude, but there are legitimate reasons for it. You suffered a sad loss of a loved one during school, and I offer my sincere sympathies to you. That said, many students suffer the same or similar tragedies while enrolled.
Some students have personal illnesses and hospitalizations, severely ill family members, financial difficulties (including foreclosures), divorce/relationship issues, and a host of other unpleasant and heart-rendering consequences of "life". The question becomes, which, if not all, is a valid excuse for a poor grade? How is one very sad distraction from study any more worthy of accomodation than another sad distraction?
In order to remain fair to every student, you have to provide accomodation to everyone claiming the events of living affected their performance, or no one. In an accelerated program, it is usually no one. That may seem harsh, but that is how it is. And it isn't that way because it is unfair, it is that way because it is the only way to be fair to everyone without dealing with a watershed of excuses for below standard performance.
While in nursing school, I quit my government job, spent 3 days in ICU, 1 in step-down, went through a divorce, moved, and buried my favorite uncle. I graduated with a 3.8 GPA, and my lowest grade in any class was a 91%. I was given no accommodations. I had to suffer, and I had to make sacrifices. I wanted it badly, and I just got the job done.
One of my fellow students was induced on a Thursday night, birthed her child Friday morning, and was back in school for "finals week" on Monday. She passed all her classes with a B or better.
Nursing school is competitive. If you want it, sacrifice is required.
As for continuing on your journey, only you can draw the map. You know where you are with your gen eds, and what will work for you.
Do you mind if I ask in which subject you received the 'C'?
I wish you you the utmost success.
Note: typing on iPhone--apologies for decaffeinated thumbs and morning fog grammar.
Please understand that I am not faulting the school. I completely understand, but with that said my dismissal was a tough blow. I wish I did have the strength to have pushed through but I did not. My loss was difficult for me. Everyone is different. Congratulations on getting through.
Asking "what do you want from us" is not blunt, it is rude. It's not collegial, it's not professional, and it's not excusable. It makes nurses sound uneducated and crude. I would not expect this of someone who identifies as an educator.
OP, I'm sorry that I don't have another option except the ones posted here. I myself went through an Accelerated BSN program, and we were told to cut back or stop work altogether. An ADN program will also be rigorous, perhaps moreso because ADN programs (in my experience) seem more intent on weeding out students. I would weigh your current income against what you would make as a nurse and see if you can swing by on loans. Is there any possibility of financial help from another source?
When I initially posted about becoming a nurse on this board many years ago, asking whether I should make the sacrifice, someone asked me what I wanted to be doing in five years...or ten years, or for the rest of my life. It put the shorter term issues into perspective, and I am grateful to have heard that. The job I was in was relatively stable with OK pay, but I could not see myself doing it for the rest of my life. I am thankful every day that I made the leap into nursing.
I don't understand. You were in an accelerated program and working at the same time? Most people cant be employed in a program like that, even part time. I know i couldn't when i did it, the schedules are too tight and the workload is insane. Pharm alone is a nightmare and I was happy to get a B. The grade rule is in place for a reason, it keeps the standards up. I would think a traditional program would accommodate your employment better. Some people did fail pharm in my school and were allowed to retake it and graduate a semester later. I would look into staying at the same school if I were you and look into decelerating into the traditional program. Transferring to another school will be problematic now that you have an established nursing school record. Sacrifices do need to be made if you want to get into nursing. I gave up a job and lived on loan, scholarship and savings money for a year while in school. I even liquidated a 401k to pay for my final semester tuition. Was it worth it? I definitely think so.
Please understand that I am not faulting the school. I completely understand, but with that said my dismissal was a tough blow. I wish I did have the strength to have pushed through but I did not. My loss was difficult for me. Everyone is different. Congratulations on getting through.
Pharm was the class I received a C in.
It is very true that everyone is different, and I am sincerely sorry for your loss, and for the blow of the dismissal.
Pharm is a tough class, and this is true for most students.
I am sure you have considered the option of remaining in the same school, albeit not in the accelerated program. I can't know your financial or home life support system, issues related to your current job, or the academic requirements that remain for you at this school, but I can offer some general tips that might help.
First, explore every academic option available. For instance, are there other classes you can take (like gen ed or support classes) on a class-by-class basis to accumulate credits toward your nursing degree without being enrolled in the 'nursing' courses? If so, you can get those out of the way and have a much reduced academic schedule for the nursing portion of the program. Many colleges and universities offer online gen ed classes, and if you cannot complete them at your current school, find those that offer what you need that you can take at your own pace, or are offered at the most convenient time. (Side note: my local CC offers Pharmacology as an online course--others may as well). Thousands of nurses used a non-traditional path to earn their ADN, BSN, and higher level degrees.
Second, consider all direct entry paths. ADN requires less time, and will put you in the work force faster. From ADN (provided you pass NCLEX and become licensed), you can do your BSN completion entirely online. If you partner the ADN option with accumulating gen ed credits toward BSN, you will have nothing but nursing courses to complete.
Third, consider your time frame for completion. You can take a fast path, or a more measured path. The fast path (full-time enrollment, 70+ hours of study a week) will get you to the finish line quickly, but it will require a lot more sacrifices. The measured path will more effectively allow time for work, etc. Weekend classes, evening classes, early morning/late afternoon--find what works for you.
Fourth, your job. I don't know your current field or the circumstances of your employment, but have you asked about flex-time options? Can you reduce your schedule to make room for one class per week? Can you telecommute, or work alternate hours?
Fifth, family life. I don't know the ages of your children or what resources you have considered, but there are after-care programs at many schools and in many communities. Speak with family, friends, neighbors, and see if you can create a solid network to help you with getting kids to practice, to school, help with meals, etc. Those that love you and can help will. But you need to ask them, or take them up on their offers.
Six, take a look at your budget. What can you eliminate from your household expenses, or how can you reduce your expenses? I had a $160 per month cable/internet bill. I dropped the cable, kept internet (it is necessary for school), and cut $125 out of my monthly expenses. I spent $45 on a digital TV antenna, and my family gets 30 channels. I only had 3 channels, plus PBS, back in the 70's--we and our children can survive without it. I changed my grocery habits, clipped coupons, reigned in my shopping habits, reduced utility consumption, packed a lunch everyday and never went out for meals. I cut corners wherever I could and saved the money I needed to help support my family while I attended school. You can make a similar plan for yourself.
Every household has room to wiggle when you cut it down to just having the basics. And it is only for a brief period of time in your life. Once you have that first nursing job, life can gradually resort back to the life you are accustomed to living.
Finally, if you really want it, you will find a path that works for you. It may take a lot of sacrifice, and there may be a lot of forks in the road, but the path is there. It is up to you to uncover it.
All good wishes to you on your journey. I hope you find your happiness. :-)
Actually, Paco-RN has a point. You are specifically asked (from what I've seen) that students in accelerated programs are asked not to work during the school year. For MEPN programs, you are asked not to work during the first year (your RN) but can work subsequently.
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duskyjewel
1,335 Posts
I know that being a prosecutor would have been a rewarding and satisfying career for me, but gave up on it because there is no way I can have the family life I want and be the mother I need to be with that career. Sometimes we have to evaluate what's possible to integrate with what already is, and make tough choices. It just may be that becoming a nurse isn't in the cards for you right now. Doesn't mean never, just not right now.