This is really just me venting but I'm getting annoyed with all the second, third, fourth, etc.. chances. Nursing school is preparing us to fill a role where could literally kill someone if we make a mistake. Why are we allowed so many chances to retake classes, retake dosage tests, retake nclex, and other things.
In my five semester program, I have a classmate who has been there for 5 semesters but is only in 2nd semester because he keeps withdrawing and is allowed to try again. If it takes that many tries, I don't think you have what it takes. I see posts on here all the time about people retaking classes and retaking nclex and I know sometimes people make mistakes and need a second chance but it's seems excessive.
We have to take a dosage exam before we go to clinicals and we have to score a 95. If you dont get it the first time, you can take it two more times. If it was real, you could've killed a patient by then! It's very basic math. There's no reason to fail.
I'm so frustrated because I work hard to get things done right the first time and people who have to redo something two more times end up in the same position. I don't know why I bother sometimes.
I'm working on my second try at nursing school. The first time I got admitted, I blew it. I was 20 years old and not ready for what was in store for me. I tried to skate through thinking it would be just like high school. I had a major wake-up call when I failed two classes in two separate semesters. I didn't go back until now 8 years later. I'm on the Dean's List and doing really awesome. I wasn't ready for it back then but I certainly am now.
It's not right for you to throw out a blanket statement saying that there shouldn't be any second chances. No one is perfect and we're all students trying to learn. Get over yourself.
Academics is not always a measure of success or a good indicator of becoming a great nurse. It only shows your success at working within the school system. Also, maybe this person has a health issue that makes learning difficult.
Of course there are times when people fail through no fault of their own, and they should get a second chance. I highly doubt that's the majority of cases, though. Even if you failed because of your own mistakes, maybe you should get a second chance, if youve changed whatever problem caused you to fail. But eventually it becomes excessive, at least in my program. It seems like my program gives a lot more chances than other schools. They have talked some about changing the rules for withdrawing and repeating so hopefully a change is made.
My school allowed for one failure, if you failed twice you were out. I don't know how withdrawals were treated though. Math competencies required an 80 in the semester 1 med calc class, a 90 on the math exam at the beginning of semester 2, and a 100 on the math exams at the beginning of semesters 3 and 4. However, you got I think 4 attempts at the tests you needed a 100 on.
As for multiple NCLEX attempts, I think that if you fail 3 times, you need to take a refresher course or something. I think barring students who have taken the NCLEX a certain number of times or sending them back to do an entire nursing program over again is a little harsh. And let's be real, that will never happen. Pearson makes too much money off repeat test takers. (in my state you have unlimited attempts.)
think of the girl who just failed her 5th attempt on here. Pearson made $1,143 dollars off her so far.
To be honest, that is a horrible thing to even say! I passed every test, but some didn't and I know those people would make great nurses and they did end up graduating! I know you say that we could kill a patient...Yes, we could and so could you. According to you, if you don't make 100% on every single thing that you do throughout nursing school then you don't have what it takes and I highly doubt that there would be any nurses. I really hope you change your attitude because you would be the nurse I requested NOT to work with!
You have to remember that WE are all equal. WE are all human. WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES...
Of course there are times when people fail through no fault of their own, and they should get a second chance. I highly doubt that's the majority of cases, though. Even if you failed because of your own mistakes, maybe you should get a second chance, if youve changed whatever problem caused you to fail. But eventually it becomes excessive, at least in my program. It seems like my program gives a lot more chances than other schools. They have talked some about changing the rules for withdrawing and repeating so hopefully a change is made.
Well like i said, hopefully you never to repeat a class or withdraw from the program. If someone is injured during the semseter they have to withdraw because the school deems them not fit for clinical. Also I have known people to do very well in school only to fail their first try on the nclex. Your attitude needs some adjustment, your reasoning will certainly transfer over to patients. But then again, if you had to repeat a class or the nclex I'm sure your opinion on things will change.
Yes, people who repeat classes and/or fail test can make a fatal mistake. But you can too. In my opinion, cockiness is far more dangerous than repeating a class.
Most nursing programs seem to be stricter on the failures than the NCLEX. Could you imagine if they were as strict as medical school (failing out of one medical school essentially makes you dead in the water; no other program will take you)? I do believe that nursing schools need to be strict, but I feel as though a majority already are.
What I really could wish for would be for the NCLEX standards to be stricter. I really wish there was a three strikes rule for the NCLEX, but that will probably never happen.
As for multiple NCLEX attempts, I think that if you fail 3 times, you need to take a refresher course or something. I think barring students who have taken the NCLEX a certain number of times or sending them back to do an entire nursing program over again is a little harsh. And let's be real, that will never happen. Pearson makes too much money off repeat test takers. (in my state you have unlimited attempts.)
think of the girl who just failed her 5th attempt on here. Pearson made $1,143 dollars off her so far.
No, Pearson won't ever set a limit but I don't think it's should be up to them anyway. Like you said, they're in it for the money. I think that's something that each state's BoN should decide. I know CRNAs aren't given as many attempts as they want to take boards. Why should RNs?
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johsonmichelle
527 Posts
I'm addressing the orginal poster, as she think it not fair to even give people second chances.