Appeal Letter For Nursing School Rejection

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I did not get into the Moorhead Rasmussen College ADN program because I have a misdemeanor on my background from back in May 2010 (7 years ago!). It was for shoplifting (a CD)-I was 18 and dumb. Anyway, I was denied entry into the program and was told I can write an appeal letter, which I did. I already sent it, but would like some opinions on the letter. Does it sound professional? I was asked to include: why an employer would hire me, why I would be able to sit for licensure, why nursing, what do I want to do upon graduating. They also said I could include letters of recommendation but I only included the email. Im trying to get the process going asap so I can have my answer already. Heres my letter:

05/24/2017

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to you today in hopes that I can provide you with a better understanding of why I believe your decision to deny my entry into the nursing program should be reversed. I would first like to take full responsibility for my actions that led up to me getting charged with the misdemeanor. At the time of the incident, I was an 18-year-old girl with a bad group of friends and no responsibilities. Again, I understand that this is no excuse for my actions, and take full responsibility. What happened that day was probably the lowest point in my life, and became a turning point for me.

In, 2011 I became pregnant with my first child, and that's when I decided I wanted to work in healthcare. I successfully completed a three-week CNA training course through Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo. Upon completion of the program I tested and passed for my CNA license. I was also offered a job through Bethany Retirement Living. I believe if I could get licensed and working as a CNA, that I will also be able to do so as a registered nurse in the future.

I now have two children whom I need to provide for, and as mentioned, it has always been a dream of mine to work in healthcare. Seven years has passed since this (very embarrassing) incident, and I am a completely different person now with goals and responsibilities. I have been working at Essentia Hospital and Clinic in Fargo in the environmental services position. This allows me to see firsthand what nurses really do, and has only grown my desire to work in nursing. I consider myself a compassionate person and get pleasure out of knowing that I am helping others. My dream job would be to work in labor and delivery as a registered nurse.

It is my hope that with me already working in a hospital setting (along with my CNA training, licensure, and job offer) you can see why I think there will be no future problems with me completing clinicals or sitting for the boards in the future. Once again, I ask you to please take into consideration my above statements and reconsider your decision. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

MS

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You also didn't sound "stiff" and that makes you sound human. (that's typically what I think about when people ask if they sound professional, haha) I think it's a good appeal letter. Good luck!

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How did this turn out?

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They ended up approving my appeal, and I was admitted into the program. However, in their letter they stated that if I chose to continue into the program that I am doing so "at my own risk" and may not be able to participate in clinicals or find employment. I wasn't worried about finding employment, but the fact that they may not let me do clinicals really turned me off to the school. You need to have completed clinicals in order to sit for boards, and I didn't want to risk $40.000 for a maybe. So, I rejected THEM lol. I applied for the nursing program at a different school (my first choice), and am waiting to find out if I got in.

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I think that your letter was great. It is unfortunate that you later decided that they weren't the school for you. I think that them telling you that you may not be able to complete clinical is the school covering themselves. Any place that the school is allowed to do clinicals will also want to see the background checks of the students. That was their way of saying that you will not get your money back if you are unable to complete clinicals because the facility does not allow you to work there based on the information provided.

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The school cannot make a clinical site take you if they don't like what is on your background check. So any school, this one or the next one has the duty to say that based on your criminal history you MAY not be able to complete the required clinicals.

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They ended up approving my appeal, and I was admitted into the program. However, in their letter they stated that if I chose to continue into the program that I am doing so "at my own risk" and may not be able to participate in clinicals or find employment. I wasn't worried about finding employment, but the fact that they may not let me do clinicals really turned me off to the school. You need to have completed clinicals in order to sit for boards, and I didn't want to risk $40.000 for a maybe. So, I rejected THEM lol. I applied for the nursing program at a different school (my first choice), and am waiting to find out if I got in.

It's not the school that decides if you can participate in clinicals, it's the clinical site.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I do think your letter was good, but as the previous two posters said, while the school has approved you, the school can't require a facility to allow you into their units. The school also can't require the BON or potential employers to ignore the misdemeanor -- and I agree completely that you shouldn't have to pay for this the rest of your life! It was a CD for pete's sake, and an 18 yr old has physical/developmental reasons for making stupid mistakes.

But again, the school can't promise that the BON or facilities will have favorable answers for you, so they are ethical to inform you up front.

Wishing you the best!

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