Failed ADN program, now trying for BSN

Published

ok...i know there are millions of posts about bsns vs adns. i was a student in an adn program at a technical school and failed the courses in second semester. i averaged a 79.4 and had to have an 80 to pass. it was an extremely hard semester because of the course load-even the instructors said this. anyway, since i failed more than 1 class, i am out for a whole year. i have really struggled on trying to figure out what i'm going to do. there is another school in the area, but it only has the bsn program. i am thinking about taking the extra prereqs starting this summer that are required for the bsn program. they are all online. since i can't do anything right now, i figured what would it hurt? i have heard that this school's bsn program is not as hard as the adn program at the technical school, and a 75 & above is passing. would it be dumb to go for a bsn if i can't pass in an adn program? i have already been exposed to the major learning content with the adn program, and i feel like that will help me.

so my question is: has anyone here ever quit/failed the adn program and went to a bsn program? i realize that all schools are different. would it be wise to do this? are bsn programs harder?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are wise to explore your options. Unless you have some strong anecdotal or otherwise info that the BSN program is more difficult, there is no reason why your plan would not work, provided you are accepted. However, you must be aware that you have to make the necessary changes to insure success. Just because the BSN program may not be as demanding as your previous program, does not mean it will be handed to you on a gilded platter. BSN programs have the same type of drawbacks as any other nursing program and you have to watch for them and insure that you stay one step ahead of the dismissal hammer. Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You do realise of course that a BSN degree is a four year degree, and all that goes with it, versus your previous "technical" ADN program.

This will translate into vastly more and perhaps difficult courses not only in nursing, but core, elective and other courses as well. It also means you will not graduate for three or four years (depending upon how much previous college work taken, and what credits will transfer). Many nursing programs will not admit students whom have failed, been removed for cause or otherwise did not complete nursing school somewhere else. Then there is the question of if your new school (provided you are admitted), will accept previous nursing course work. Again some will, some won't.

While it is tempting to choose a nursing program based upon passing grades, a much more important factor is the overall NCLEX passing rate of graduates from any particular nursing school.

NPs like to be within the sweet spot of 95% to 100% of their graduate nurses passing the boards on their first attempt. If thiis means setting the bar during the program so high that many students fall by the wayside, well seems to be not given much thought (IMHO).

By all means explore your options, however you may also wish to consider sitting down with someone from your previous school to see what can be done. In other words in one year you are eligible to apply for re-admission, what would you have to do to make this happen? If you can spend the gap year taking non-nursing courses to ge them out of the way, and bring up your GPA in the process, you still might come out ahead time wise than going into a BSN program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go for the BSN definitely. I only got an ASN and honestly, it has limited my opportunities as time has passed. When you get older and don't want to do 12 hour days at the bedside, the only positions available will require the BSN. I would encourage anyone to got straight to the BSN program anyway.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i am responding to "bless2bfree" what ONLINE BSN PROGRAM is that? I would love to have some info in regards to the name of the BSN SCHOOL, and where it is located. Please reply, desperate. bcoz i completed the LPN program unfortunately i didn't pass the last exam for the program. , i am looking for a nursing program online to consider. please give me some insight.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
i am responding to "bless2bfree" what ONLINE BSN PROGRAM is that? I would love to have some info in regards to the name of the BSN SCHOOL, and where it is located. Please reply, desperate. bcoz i completed the LPN program unfortunately i didn't pass the last exam for the program. , i am looking for a nursing program online to consider. please give me some insight.

I think she was saying the extra prereqs she needed were online:

bless2bfree said: I am thinking about taking the extra prereqs starting this summer that are required for the BSN program. They are all online.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

yes, i knew someone who failed the adn program and is now enrolled in a BSN program. The colleges are out there. I say go for it. Actually, Im going for my BSN right now. Me and this person might obtain the degree at just about the same time (i have my associates in nursing).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have posted this question somewhere else, but wondering if I can apply to an accelerated BSN program (entry level program) if I already have a BA degree + an ADN degree in nursing. Yes, you heard that correctly. The reasons are complex- but it's the only program in my area that can get me into military nursing by the age deadline. Everywhere else takes too long to get in and I need a BSN, not "online", to get into the military. They don't accept online RN-BSN programs and they don't care about ADNs or BA degrees. So Samuel Merritt's ABSN is my only option locally.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have posted this question somewhere else, but wondering if I can apply to an accelerated BSN program (entry level program) if I already have a BA degree + an ADN degree in nursing. Yes, you heard that correctly. The reasons are complex- but it's the only program in my area that can get me into military nursing by the age deadline. Everywhere else takes too long to get in and I need a BSN, not "online", to get into the military. They don't accept online RN-BSN programs and they don't care about ADNs or BA degrees. So Samuel Merritt's ABSN is my only option locally.

Yes, I'm absolutely certain you can... Have you tried Excelsior? It is not "online"... although it is an external degree program. If you haven't looked into it give it a try.

One other point - Are you certain you want to be in the military? All my life I wanted to be a Navy nurse and, just before the age deadline, I applied. When I spoke to the recruiter he was wise enough to point out that as a military officer I would be a Naval officer first and a nurse second. I was already an RN and I knew that would not be acceptable to me...so I gave us my dream.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion