Diagnosed with cancer before starting Nursing school

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I was currently conditionally accepted into my local nursing program. Its very hard to get into and I have had major health issues this last year, 6 open abdominal surgeries and 3 major infections from them. I stayed going to school that whole time and continued to get high grades. I just found out I have colon cancer that is very treat able. I'm scared though that when I submit my physical for school which is in a month and a half that I will not be accepted into the program. My doctors say I will be ok to attend this fall, but the program is very strick about things. I don't know what I should do. I really think I will be ok to attend this fall. Can they legally not accept me based on my diagnosis? Thanks for any help!!!

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Awww honey God bless you, you'll be fine. I'm sure you won't have any issues w the acceptance

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I don't see that there would be any obstacles to your admission. However, attendance requirements for clinical courses are very strict because they have to be aligned with accreditation requirements. Prior to making this decision, you need to have a frank discussion with someone in a program leadership role to review options if you incur absences due to continuing medical treatments. They may be able to offer you a delayed/postponed admission for the next term in order to ensure you time to get back to 'fighting form'.

When you become a nurse, you will undoubtedly be a great one because your experiences make you uniquely qualified to understand exactly what your patients are going through.

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Specializes in ORTHO, PCU, ED.

I don't see any reason why you wouldn't get accepted. I'm so sorry to hear about that. You've had a rough time.

Prayers, CBlover

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Thank you for the advice í ½í¸Š. I'm talking with a few staff members this week to see what my options are. I really don't want to put school off for a year and I'm praying they will work with me. I think you are right if I am open and honest with them and talk with them it will help.

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