Dismissed from BSN Program

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On March of this year, I was recently dismissed from my Nursing program due to uncorrected professionalism issues. It was decided by the Academic Board that I would be dismissed and when I applied for an appeal, it was denied. Today (5/10/2017) was the day I was prepared to graduate with my BSN after 6 years of being in college. 6 years because I did not make it into the nursing program my first time, and I failed 1 course when I was in the program. Even with those set backs, I continued to pursue my dream to be a nurse.

Now I am home, with nothing to show to the time I spent away from home in college. I have reached a point where I don't know what to do next. Schools in my area do not accept nursing credits and I will have to retake ALL of my nursing courses over again IF I get accepted. I was told that (in Florida) I may be able to apply to take my LPN boards and try bridging; however, with that option, they require a signed PNEQ form to be signed by my Dean which I am obviously not in pleasant terms with. I don't know what to do. Please help.

It sounds like the repeated issues they had with your performance at school became all too many. If you get back in you will have to dig real deep and correct the issues. Please don't take this the wrong way but did you not see this coming?

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Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.

We all make mistakes so my comment is not meant to be judgemental but to help you. I am not sure what you did to get kicked out of the program but I think you should take a good hard look at that. Also, you asked for assistance with the email and then sent it without any input the very same day. Maybe you should take a breather, think about what the problem was at school, where you want to go from here, make a plan how to get there, put the past in the past (after learning from the mistake) and proceed carefully. Good luck and I wish you well!

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In my letter of appeal, I accepted responsibility and showed remorse. I showed a genuine desire to correct my faults. The appeal was later denied. I have the option of taking 3 summer courses to earn a Bachelor Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies to at least have a 4 year degree under my belt, however, I do not have $2000 to pay for those courses.

There are many lessons I am learning from this. This being the most difficult time in my life, I am blessed and thankful for the things I took for granted such as my CNA job, the fact that I am not blind, the fact that I can walk, etc.

I will overcome this, and this will make me stronger. I will move forward.

No, this will not do. I don't know what went down between you and the dean, but it sounds like she's not your biggest fan. You need to start you email with an explanation of why you're reaching out to her. You need to let her know that your relationship is bad, that you're sorry for it, and that you know that you don't deserve anything special from her. If she signs this form for you, you're LUCKY. It isn't expected of her. Additionally, I might send a handwritten letter instead of an email.

So again, first go in with humility: "I know that I left on bad terms and take full responsibility for what happened and I am truly sorry. I know that I don't necessarily deserve any action from you, and I understand if you decline my request."

Next, I might tell her what you learned from the whole situation. Tell her that this experience has taught you a tough, yet valuable lesson about professionalism and interpersonal relationships, then tell her how you are changing your outlook and actions and how you wish to change your actions in relation to the nursing profession.

Next, tell her why you're coming to her despite the fact that it's awkward and will probably not end in your favor. You are desperate. Despite the fact that you left on bad terms, you're still a human being who needs to be able to sustain herself. Try to make the dean see that.

"Even though I hate to ask because of what happened, I'm in a tough situation. I'm struggling to support myself financially despite my years of schooling. Having your signature is my last resort for trying to stay within the nursing profession, which is what I want to remain in for such and such a reason."

Then, I would proceed with details on what you want her to sign, keeping in mind that humility is key. Do not say things like I've attached this, please sign, print, and mail this letter." First of all, it sounds demanding. Second of all, you shouldn't expect her to use her own stamps. You should provide a stamp and envelop for this. What I believe you should say is, "If you would like to sign this paperwork,

Make sure you thank her for her time, despite what she chooses to do.

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I appreciate your recommendation. I already sent the email and she said she will send it out tomorrow morning. Everything is on track for me to at least take my LPN boards. I will start studying from NCLEX-PN books and maybe take Hurst Review PN.

Glad to hear it! I didn't read this when I typed my response, but glad it worked out for you.

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Dont give up.If there is one thing I can say,please dont give up.I did not get dismissed from nursing school,but when I was a junior in high school,I was relying on taking courses in college to do my pre-reqs.I was denied because I didnt have the paperwork for that semester and would have to wait another year.I was heartbroken,because I would be done with high school at tge time I could get some courses in.They would have been free.Sure I sulked and was angry,felt my dreams were broken.I felt like that was the only way I could become a nurse.I can say this,a week later,I found a program for nursing that was even better for me.I am so excited because I start this fall!Dont give up on your dreams.Its never too late.:)

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Don't give up! I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. I was so bummed when I didn't get accepted into any of the BSN programs I applied for the first time, and now I'm in an ADN program with the county, with a student nurse worker job and an open invitation to apply for RN at the same facility when I graduate. Keep your head up!

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UPDATE:

I am Dozier, LPN now and I am currently enrolled in an Accelerated BSN program. I am enrolled as a second-degree student since I completed my Bachelors in interdisciplinary studies at my last school by completing those last three courses online. None of my nursing classes transferred but, I am on track to earning my BSN in 24 months. This was definitely a lesson learned.

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I am happy to be reading this and good for you for not giving up on your dreams.

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I remember this post last year and it is great to hear it worked out for you.

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Update: I earned the right to initial BSN, RN after my name last month. I am now working as a Surgical/ Trauma Intensive Care Unit Nurse... I am currently gaining critical care experience and building my portfolio in order to be a strong candidate for a CRNA program. I hope this story encourages any and everyone that ever has a major step back in their life.

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