So I have failed an accelerated nursing program (crying), I am very upset and feeling down. Feels like my dream of being an nurse has fallen apart. My school has offered me to switch to a traditional program which is 2 years long! Same program but slower pace. I can not decide what to do! I really planned to finish just in 12 months and now my whole plan is destroyed. My concern is that's this program is two years long. I am 38 years old and I don't know if this is the right time to do it(I'll braduate at 40!). I do have all the support from the family so this is pretty much all up to me to decide. I do want to be a nurse but if I failed the school, is nursing for me?
The problem that I had in school was the pace and how quickly everything went. We had exams every other week or sometimes even every week and on the top of that clinical. I definitely knew what I signed up for but maybe it's just too fast for me? I need an advice here if I should do two years or not? An encouragement and motivation. Thanks!!!!
Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
I was 41 when I got my ADN. I was 44 when I got my BSN. If they are offering to allow you to go into the longer program, I would go for it. YOu want to be a nurse? Take the second change. Don't worry about your age. I graduated with a couple of people who were 51 an 55!
2 years is nothing! You're really lucky that they offered you a spot in the traditional program. My school didn't offer the traditional track to a girl who failed out of my ABSN program. You can do it!!
2 years is nothing! You're really lucky that they offered you a spot in the traditional program. My school didn't offer the traditional track to a girl who failed out of my ABSN program. You can do it!!
Yes, offering a chance to reenter under any circumstances, is not the norm. And when one is dismissed from a program, it is next to impossible to find another program that will accept the person who is not in good standing at their previous school. Take this opportunity if you want to be a nurse.
Yes, offering a chance to reenter under any circumstances, is not the norm. And when one is dismissed from a program, it is next to impossible to find another program that will accept the person who is not in good standing at their previous school. Take this opportunity if you want to be a nurse.
And, slightly off topic, but I think this is the silliest thing. I wonder how many potentially good nurses have been barred from the field not because of their inability to become nurses but because of the pace of an accelerated program.
OP, I think the fact that your program is offering you the option to do the traditional program means they see potential in you. It's really a bit of a compliment (even if it doesn't feel like it right now).
Thank you! You're right! I guess I just wanted a quicker pass and thought I'd be working soon. I wonder if I can do externship during next summer somewhere in the hospital?
that will depend on hospitals in your area, and programs that they have available. Good luck, go for it!
Hi there! Please don't be discouraged! if i was in your shoes i would take them up on the offer. Every year nursing programs across the nation accept individuals who are older than you so don't let age be a factor in your dreams. If you decline their offer i feel as if your chances to ever being admitted to a program will be very slim given that each round of applications an individuals chances of getting accepted keeps getting smaller because of all the competitiveness and increased number in applicants. Stay positive and remember there is always someone in an even more difficult position. Best wishes to you!!
I would definitely continue with the program. 2 years will fly by. Some people just need a slower pace to absorb the information (it's a lot!!). Either way you're going to turn 40, it's up to you whether you have a BSN or not when you do! I hope you stick with it and good luck!
You can do it! I graduated from an accelerated program with a 62-year-old. The whole experience almost destroyed all of us, accelerated programs are no joke. Take advantage of the second chance, especially if you still feel like you want to be a nurse :)
Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.
Clearly, they recognize some wonderful potential in you.
Now is NOT the time to get stuck before you get started. Really.
Most places that you fail out of, you just fail out of - the end.
Onward.
You note that you will be - gasp! - 40! at graduation- if you do the regular BSN 2-year program. Many on here get their degrees in their 40's and start their career or change their career during their fabulous 40's. Woot, woot! The big question is - how old will you be in 2 years (hint:40!) and what else would you otherwise be doing? Would you be satsified doing it if you never became a BSN nurse? Only you know. Chances gets fewer and harder to come by the older you get. BTW - having failed out of a program the traditional BSN offer may be your last, best chance.
My advice: Count your blessings (family support & the school giving you the OPTION!) and GO FOR IT. GO ALL IN. You are damn lucky. Don't squander this chance!
i work with older nurses, meaning they went to school around 40 or 50! you can do it. accelerated programs are tough, nursing has a ton of info to learn very quickly. do the traditional program, give your brain time to learn the new information.
Like many others have stated, go to the traditional program! I'm 29 and still completing prereqs to apply to a program. Don't let something like age hinder you. I had to fight with myself about that. Everyone doesn't have to take the same path to get to the finish line. Just make it there. :)
CelticGoddess, BSN, RN
896 Posts
I was 41 when I got my ADN. I was 44 when I got my BSN. If they are offering to allow you to go into the longer program, I would go for it. YOu want to be a nurse? Take the second change. Don't worry about your age. I graduated with a couple of people who were 51 an 55!