Dismissed from BSN program not in good standing. Suggestions?!

Published

Hi all. I have a real dilemma. I was dismissed from the BSN program where I was enrolled and academically, doing really well (~3.4 Nursing GPA). I was suspended as a disciplinary action in Spring of my Jr year and came back a yr later.

In the last semester, I was accused of plagiarism on a clinical report and ultimately dismissed and unable to return at a later date.

I have been looking at BSN programs, but the majority of the ones close to me require a letter of good standing from your previous Nursing Program for entry.

Is there ANYTHING I can do in this situation?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

You were dismissed twice? Why were you dismissed the first time? Does not sound too good

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If this school dismissed you twice, chances are slim they will reconsider the character of their recommendation for you. Some would advise you to start over from whatever point where this school, and the nursing program associated with it, will not show up. Hopefully, you don't have outstanding financial aid obligations that will give you away. That is one possibility.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMT emergency/ all Clinical types/ l&D.
:eek: I can't imagine how bad this must be. But you cant put a bandaide on it and make it better. If you do find a school that will take you I must say you will have to be on your game 100% You may not get anymore chances. You might try and see if the school dismissing you will give you a letter , the worse they can say is 'no'. Then you will be no worse off. What you did right or wrong , did it or not, I hope you learned something. Because when you get to the real world and working on patients there will be no room for errors. And those dismissals are far harder and possibly an end to your license or a suspended one. So contact the school and see if they will give you a letter and hopefully you will find another school. Or like someone else said you may have to start from scratch...or from where you started here. I wish you luck, Focus on the Moment, Not on Your Mistakes.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

You may have to complete your degree at an online institution. I know this in not the optimal choice, but it is an option. This will enable you to apply to a traditional Masters program. Where you will work your butt off and establish a strong reputation. You will have matured, showing impeccable integrity and intellectual honesty. If you have truely learned from your mistakes, then this may be a blessing in disguise. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Better to learn now and have a successful career....later. You will appreciate your hard work all the more. Good luck ! I am pulling for you.. make the right decisions however hard they may be. You won't regret it. Peace!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The plagiarism for which I was dismissed was a "letter of the law" issue. I don't feel comfortable discussing the issues in an open forum due to possibility that the situation may be recognized. Suffice it to say that it was NOT something I was doing in an effort to be dishonest.

I had considered another program (A fast-track), but they had the requirement of a letter from a previous nursing school if you attended one. IDK if it would be something the program would find out if I just didn't list the previous institution and just tried to start over (like previously stated).

I had considered an LPN-RN bridge and then an RN-BSN program, but God...that's a long time!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical ICU.

Agree with above comments. You will have to apply at another school and start from scratch. I had a friend in a similar situation and she could not find any school that would accept a transfer student.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

Schools have boards that will consider appeals in situations such as yours. You contact the board and then you have a hearing where you are given the chance to explain and defend yourself. Then they decide if they will let you back in. Have you tried this?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

what do you mean, "letter of the law"?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.
what do you mean, "letter of the law"?

I second this.. inquiring minds want to know...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Critical Care/Management/Education.
You may have to complete your degree at an online institution. I know this in not the optimal choice, but it is an option. This will enable you to apply to a traditional Masters program. Where you will work your butt off and establish a strong reputation. You will have matured, showing impeccable integrity and intellectual honesty. If you have truely learned from your mistakes, then this may be a blessing in disguise. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Better to learn now and have a successful career....later. You will appreciate your hard work all the more. Good luck ! I am pulling for you.. make the right decisions however hard they may be. You won't regret it. Peace!

Excellent advice Chin up! As a member of an Appeals Committee, I have met several students that have been "kicked out" of the nursing program. For the majority of these students it is a devastating experience. Chin up your encouragement is awesome, thank you!

Nighthawkdc2 you will be just fine! My mother used to say when you drop a bottle of milk, it breaks and the milk spills, Mourn a little, Mop it up, and Move to the next bottle of milk. The ultimate goal is to use the milk for your cereal, so open another bottle! My advice to you NightHawkDc2 is learn from your mistakes and don't mourn too long. One day you will be a GREAT RN, keep your chin up and remember my 3 M's - Mourn, Mop, Move!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health/Hospice.

Is this really the profession for you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion