Any Good Advice?

[Stargate005]

Hey all! Long time reader, first time poster =P

So I need opinions... I'm a "3rd" year nursing student who's been having a tough time in the program. I had a terrible first year and its haunted me since. I wasn't prepared for the program after highschool and I failed many of my first year classes, note this is an Ontario 4 year BScN program. But I decided to keep going, second year I did great pulled up my grades, just a good year but because I had to take some classes over I got very held behind and had to take part time classes this year... because of this I have been on probation for the last 3 years (which is unbelievably stressful come every exam time lol)

So after three years I've managed to complete almost all of my first two year class... but you know after everything I'll still have about another three years to go. This last semester I ran into some personal problems, was diagnosed with sever depression, put on meds, and began working with a psychologist. This whole last semester really effected my grades, and I don't feel confident in being able to continue in the program at the moment, not with another three years to go.

Now the worst part is I work almost full time as a Personal Support Worker, which will be effected if I'm not registered in a nursing program... but the thing is I know I can be a nurse. I've done it all pretty much, I've worked in every type of out of hospital (and a small amount of hospital work) I've done alot of community care work, long term care work, Hospice work for two years. I've seen and done ALOT even compared to the most experienced PSW's I work with. While I did palliative care at the hospice I was doing the exact same work as the RN's and RPN's along with other PSW work, the only thing I was not allowed to do was give out meds. I did EVERYTHING else. Even in community care, I work with alot of different clients with many different issues, and it's gotten to the point where RN's actually take my advice when it comes to what to do with my patients. So I know I can be a good nurse, and it doesn't hurt that I'm a male either, as I seem to be put with the "harder" clients that require more lifting, extensive work etc. which is great experience for me.

It just drives me crazy knowing that I can do this but just can get the theory work done to write the exam. I study, and I show up to EVERY class. My teachers know I try, but I still make stupid mistakes, and in this program even the smallest mistakes have huge consequences.

Now I must decide if I don't continue in the program for this upcoming year, would you guys suggest that I attempt to move my credits to the RPN(LPN) Program and attempt to finish it as I would have enough credits to start in second year and its a 2 year program. OR should I take a year, I would need to work in a completely different profession as I wouldnt be able to work as a psw any longer and come back to the BScN program in a year?

Its a very tough decision, and I'm having a hard time finding out what my options are. But as far as I can tell its transfer as many credits as possible to the rpn(lpn) program, or come back to BScN in a year. I'm not seeing many other possibilities. I've spent 3 years working on nursing credits so I don't want to have waisted those years by going into a different field. What do you guys think?

[LatinainOhio]

Sorry about your problems that you are having. We all get bumps in the road and it's not the end of the world. Doing the LPN program would probably be the best thing for you right now. So I wish you the best of luck, and keep your head up. Don't give up....keep me posted on your decision and how your are doing....if I can be of any help let me know. Good Luck :):)

[Stargate005]

Thanks LatinainOhio, thats what I was thinking, I just wanted to see if other nurses/students would agree. Now I just have to wait to see what my final marks are looking like next week and then I'll have to start probably making some phone calls... but thanks for the reply! :)

[SierraMoon, ADN, BSN, RN]

I also think the LPN program sounds like your best idea. Good luck! I hope it works out.

[Stargate005]

Thanks rider :)

[MicahSmithRN]

Well, I see no reason to go the LPN route if you know you want to do this for a living and you can get/stay in the program. Dust off one more time if needed imho. I went from Nurse Aid off the street to CNA, to LVN (texas LPN), to RN and honestly wasted a lot of time and earning power. HOWEVER, there is a lot to be said for experience (sounds like you already have more than most LPN's though so I don't personally see the point).