Ever been dismissed from a Nursing Program??

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Oct 18, 2015

Nursing school is tough, but even tougher sometimes when you are an adult.

I was an older student. I was amazed at the level of communication as far as being "reprimanded" and such. I went to school full time, and worked full time. I had no other choice. And that was a constant "issue" with the administrators of the school, even though I passed everything with B's.

They were very interested in "issues" outside of school. Until I gently reminded them that I paid a great deal of tuition for the education. Therefore, they were not paying me to attend their school. And that what I did outside of school was quite frankly, none of their business.

Do not allow them to work you up into a frenzy. Clinical skills are learned hands on. You can read about them, watch videos, etc. Take your time. When you are feeling rushed is when it becomes clear that it does nothing to promote patient safety.

You can do this. Take a deep breath and carry on.

heemotha78 · Oct 18, 2015

Yes, I have been working really hard on my skills & its hard not to break sterile. So next time I'll be an expert. I'm short 4.9 f & look really young but I'm actually older. I'm a super hard worker & work as a C.N.A in many different facilities but Nursing is just different. Thanks for your advice.

direw0lf, BSN · Oct 18, 2015

Just wanted to point out this doctor Jennifer Arnold: Little Couple | TLC

Appearance means nothing, it's all about how you carry yourself and your beliefs that influence the opinions about you.

P.S. I actually had similar thoughts, like over my appearance. I wear glasses, need braces, frizzy hair, etc. I worried my patients or peers wouldn't take me serious based on appearance. Hogwash!!! (haha Idk where that phrase came from!) I really think it's true and experts do too that when someone is liked they look more attractive than they might be. People will like you for your competence and compassion and it's really not going to matter what you look like on the outside to anyone.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Oct 18, 2015

Just wanted to point out this doctor Jennifer Arnold: Little Couple | TLC
Appearance means nothing, it's all about how you carry yourself and your beliefs that influence the opinions about you.
P.S. I actually had similar thoughts, like over my appearance. I wear glasses, need braces, frizzy hair, etc. I worried my patients or peers wouldn't take me serious based on appearance. Hogwash!!! (haha Idk where that phrase came from!) I really think it's true and experts do too that when someone is liked they look more attractive than they might be. People will like you for your competence and compassion and it's really not going to matter what you look like on the outside to anyone.

I disagree, respectfully. I know someone who is in the healthcare profession and is really, really intelligent.

But she always has untamed hair, she speaks frantically, and she frowns or narrows her eyebrows frequently. It gives her the appearance of being frazzled and off-put, even though I know that is not the case because I personally know her.

If I personally didn't know her and was a patient, I would rather take the calm, collected nurse with her hair in a ponytail or sleek bun, who smiles and looks professional (I think, as a professional, there should be some effort put into your appearance). JMHO. :)

heemotha78 · Oct 18, 2015

Maybe, I shouldn't have pointed out that I have a disability, I was diagnosed w add but was never treated for it cuz my parent's weren't aware of it back in the day. The meds give me side effects that make my heart race, the feeling is aweful when I test. I just have to think positive that everything will be alright. At work all the nurses love me because I overwork myself & never say no to a task. I love the feeling of helping people & care for other's. I lost my father when I was 18 so I like to help people & dream of becoming a nurse.

direw0lf, BSN · Oct 18, 2015

I disagree, respectfully. I know someone who is in the healthcare profession and is really, really intelligent.
But she always has untamed hair, she speaks frantically, and she frowns or narrows her eyebrows frequently. It gives her the appearance of being frazzled and off-put, even though I know that is not the case because I personally know her.
If I personally didn't know her and was a patient, I would rather take the calm, collected nurse with her hair in a ponytail or sleek bun, who smiles and looks professional (I think, as a professional, there should be some effort put into your appearance). JMHO. :)

Oh well yeah I mean effort and neatness definitely. My thick mop goes up in a high bun! I meant more like people thinking their height or how pretty or handsome they are or aren't to them.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Oct 18, 2015

Oh well yeah I mean effort and neatness definitely. My thick mop goes up in a high bun! I meant more like people thinking their height or how pretty or handsome they are or aren't to them.

Oh, sure. I don't care if you look like a model or are butt-ugly, as long as you look like you somewhat have a clue of what you're doing.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Oct 18, 2015

OP, this may not be what you want to hear but it sounds like you have a lot of excuse. There are plenty of nurses out there who are short or look young. That has absolutely nothing to do with skill. All you can do is keep practicing. Have you asked your instructor for help or remediation? That's your best bet at this point.

heemotha78 · Oct 19, 2015

Yes,, that's why I'm still in class. My instructors are lovely. That's just how I feel so I don't think I have excuses. I do think I look small to be a nurse but my disability won't block me from trying. I could of dropped but I didn't. I'm learning & still hanging in there.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Oct 19, 2015

I'm not sure what your height has to do with anything?

At first, I was lost to hear that I wasn't able to attend clinicals due to the fact that I broke sterile for catheterization. It was my third chance so I studied very much. But for some reason every time I tested, I felt strange because I felt too short to look like a nurse. It could be just my immagination. I did mention i broke sterile on my last chance but they didnt buy it. What amazed me is that i didnt cry i just asked what my options were? I'm a grown women that has four children. I just feel as if they think I look too young to be a nurse, even though I'm already 30. I decided to not drop & fix something so I stayed in the program even though I have to repeat next semester. So I don't know if next time I'll have the capacity of passing. I was also told that maybe some anti- anxiety meds will help. I'm afraid that I'll be too discouraged for next time. But I'm glad I can still learn from my mistakes & to use this as a motivation. Im a very strong person & have to break fears.

chwcbesteph, RN · Oct 19, 2015

With all due respect, if you're insecure about how you look and think that has an influence on people's perceptions of your abilities, how can you expect to feel secure in your skills and let them speak for themselves?

If it's just how you feel, then you *must* take ownership of that, and figure out a different way to feel. Because it honestly sounds like you're letting yourself get in the way of your own success. You just can't let stuff that's out of your control get to your head (says the gal taking NCLEX for the second time tomorrow).