Expelled once at previous institution...chances for nursing school?

Published

I'm in the process of applying to nursing programs, which I've wanted to do for so long.

I'm a male, 3.7 GPA in relevant courses (took them as a non-degree student at a community college), CPR-AED certified, absolutely no criminal background, and have 5 years experience as a Nursing Assistant in a hospital. The problem is that about two years ago I was expelled from college (unrelated liberal arts major) and it was noted on my transcript. Now the time has come to apply to nursing programs and I'm worried that this will come back and haunt me.

How should I approach this problem? Is it a good idea to include a letter explaining the situation in my application? Should I speak with a Dean or Admissions Officer about this first before applying? Or, are things like this handled in a summary fashion - that is, expulsion from previous college = denial of admission?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry.

I think you should explain the situation as most nursing colleges will take these situations on a case by case basis.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree that you should write a letter to explain the situation. On my school's application they asked if we had any charges against us or if we had been expelled out of another college. For those who had, they asked that they write a formal letter giving details.

good luck & best wishes!

laura

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Be upfront and honest about it--it's better they hear it from you directly than learn about it when they request your transcript.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in UR, oncology, L&D, IVTherapy.

Be honest and forthcoming.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you send a detailed letter of explanation along with your application you might find that you save yourself time, effort, and aggravation in the long run. I can imagine the school seeking clarification of the situation but you missing out on deadlines because of the back and forth. If you send the info in the beginning, you might avoid that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the reply. I gave a paper I wrote to a student in the same class, although it was a year later, and the student wrote it off as his own - the school interpreted this action as abetting plaigarism, and the institution has "zero tolerance" policy for anything like this; I had no chance (the other student was summarily expelled as well). In any case, do you think this will interfere with nursing program admissions, since I'm not in good standing with the institution? I regret doing what I did, but I had no malicious intent and I still feel that the punishment I received was excessive; I just hope it doesn't follow me all the way to nursing school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It really depends on the specific program you plan to apply to for nursing...some ADN programs probably won't care at all. All many ADN programs (atleast in the michigan area) care about are the grades in the specific prerequisite classes they require and if you have any criminal charges against you.

That said, I would still check with each specific program of interest and include a letter if necessary.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thanks for the reply. I gave a paper I wrote to a student in the same class, although it was a year later, and the student wrote it off as his own - the school interpreted this action as abetting plaigarism, and the institution has "zero tolerance" policy for anything like this; I had no chance (the other student was summarily expelled as well). In any case, do you think this will interfere with nursing program admissions, since I'm not in good standing with the institution? I regret doing what I did, but I had no malicious intent and I still feel that the punishment I received was excessive; I just hope it doesn't follow me all the way to nursing school.

My institution (and the other two I've attended for prereqs) have the same policy, and you would have met the same fate had it happened here.

The policy is as it is, because the school has no way of knowing that you didn't sell your paper (or give) your paper knowing it would be represented as their work.

As it is not an uncommon policy, I'd maybe change the tone of your explanation from one of unjustly accused, to one of one who's learned a lesson.

Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5th Semester - Graduation Dec '09!.

Integrity is something very important in nursing, so naturally academic integrity is a pretty big deal. As student nurses and RN's in the profession we are expected to be responsible practitioners when caring for our patients. This includes reporting our shortcomings, such as making errors- so DO NOT LET THEM FIND OUT FROM ANYONE ELSE BUT YOU. Another one of the biggest things in nursing academia is accepting responsibility for your actions.

1) do not undermined what the situation by making excuses or downplaying the situation. It makes it look you are not taking responsibility for the situation or as if you have not learned from your mistakes! It also gives a whiny tone to the letter... also be objective about the background of the situation-- state the facts.

2) Write about what you learned from the situation and the impact it has had on your life. What have you taken away from this?

3) Don't make it terribly lengthy.

4) Best of luck to you. It says a lot that you have remained determined to get into nursing school by continuing to do prerequisite work and applying to the school. I'm sure they will see that..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello

im in a similar situation. Did you ever get accepted to a nursing school?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was expelled from a university. I got into nursing school just fine because they based it on a point system for relevant classes. I got all A's in all my nursing prereqs. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion