Ever been dismissed from a Nursing Program??

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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.

Specializes in ICU.

I'm confused. You failed on your third attempt because you are short? I'm just clarifying because then I'm seeing something about a disability. I'm 5'1" on a good day, let's say in my Danskos. It has never once crossed my mind that my height ever had anything to do with anything. Never.

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Specializes in ICU.
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. :)

I completely agree with you. My teeth are not perfect despite years and years of braces. I'm in the process of getting it fixed. I always though look completely professional in clinical. I have curly hair, which can get out of control but years of damage from the straightener took it's toll and I'm going au-natural with the hair. On clinical days, it is pulled up, away from my face and no frizz. You should absolutely, always take pride in yourself. I wear glasses on occasion and they frame my face well and always get compliments on them.

But my height? It never entered my mind. My son always makes fun of me because he is about my size now. His dad is 6'5". You should see our wedding pics!!! :roflmao: I danced on his toes and he still had to bend way over to kiss me!! But I never saw it as a disadvantage.

You know what I tell people? Hey, it didn't take me as long to grow to perfection!!!! ;)

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Yes. Maybe your right. I've always been a confident person until I got into Nursing. Maybe it's just my imagination, all I can say is that I studied very hard on my skills & it felt like as soon as I broke sterile, I was told that I had failed. It didn't even get a sec to say I broke it. I did hear many students say they they kinda just verbalized everything, so that's what u tried doing on my third chance, but I didn't pass. I wasn't the only one, it was four other student's too.

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Actually I've never been an unsecured person! I've always been confident, until I joined Nursing! Ever felt like you want something so so bad that you over study. I've always wanted to become a Nurse & I know damb well that I will make it. The course is intense & I might have to do what many other's do! Take anxiety MED's so stay calm. Being able to stay above the sky & act calm, performing my test outs in a relaxed way. I know I'll be successful!

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Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.

It's not that hard to maintain sterility. The fact that you keep saying it is means you need practice and you need to work this out mentally. If you keep thinking a task is impossible or out of reach then it will be. We all do plenty of procedures sterile. If we can do it, then there is no reason why you can't. Height has nothing to do with it, age has nothing to do with it, youth has nothing to do with it. I've seen nurses who are young, old, tall, short, fat, skinny. They're all nurses. Get out of the mindset that you're at a disadvantage. No more excuses. You need help, go get it. You can't maintain sterility, practice the skill before check off day. Go to lab, heck go buy a sterile kit online or something if you have to. Can't get over your anxiety? Go see a counselor, a therapist, an advisor. They have plenty of options available in schools. Got add? Go see a doc. Meds give you side effect, seen alternative treatments from doc till you get it right. My point is, if you want it, go for it. No more excuses. If you can't do it, then maybe you didn't want it as much as you thought.

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Wow! :) You really amaze me! I'll do it all because everything you said is outstanding! You are so right, I'll do anything & everything. I really want it & I work hard every single day. I'm determined & I'll do what it takes. I liked your idea about the sterile kit & plan to purchase it (urgently) I will use lab for practice & take anxiety meds, although the ones I just got get me sleepy. I only took two & stop taking them. But I have to train myself to take them every day so they can work. From now on I'll go to lab feeling like I'm on top of the world. Thank you

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Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

I am 28 and look 16, I get your not old enough to be a nurse all the time from patients and families. I take it in stride, smile, and wow them with my nursing abilities :) no one cares about what they think my age may be when I take excellent care of them and their families. No excuses girl, gotta buck up!! It took me awhile to develop a thick skin but still retaining my empathy towards people in general but you can do both. I had to realize that no one is going to make my career goals happen but me so if I can't get the hang of something, I keep trying to find a solution till I do. Never give in and you will make it.

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