Failed out of BSN program, What should I do from here?

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Hi all,

My path in nursing school has indeed been a shaky one, I have just failed my second semester with 2 D's, and I'm on the verge of being dismissed from my University. I had previously appealed to remain in the program after repeating 2 courses as well in the first semester so I was already hanging on by a thread. I believe I was well qualified for the school with a 3.5 gpa coming in and a 85 on the TEAS entrance exam, but I believe I was too immature to take Nursing school seriously enough with how difficult it is. I realize that I had the opportunity but didnt seize my opportunity to succeed.

My question is what are my options now that I have fallen down this deep hole? Should I apply to another BSN program? should I apply to a community college and do a ADN program and then RN to BSN? Will other schools even accept me now that I have been dismissed from my BSN program?? I'm just so lost right now

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

Do you really want to be a nurse? The answer to that question should guide your direction. You mentioned not taking the opportunity seriously enough. Has that changed? What courses did you fail? If they were nursing courses, they probably would not transfer anyway. But with the competitiveness of nursing programs these days, you may have shot yourself in the foot with your current GPA after the failures. You can find another nursing program. But I dare say that the level of difficulty in acceptance has tilted the scales quite a bit. Good luck to you...

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Consider working in a full time blue collar job for a year or two, live on your own and learn how to support yourself on a low income. After you experience what life is like for people who do not have professional careers, you will be more motivated to do well when you return to school.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Consider working in a full time blue collar job for a year or two, live on your own and learn how to support yourself on a low income. After you experience what life is like for people who do not have professional careers, you will be more motivated to do well when you return to school.
I emphatically agree. I spent my growing-up years in the working class. Both parents had no educational attainment beyond a high school diploma and, due to a lack of options available to them in the employment market, struggled financially while working mind-numbing manual labor jobs.

Although I'd been accepted to several state universities during my senior year of high school, I ended up becoming a blue collar worker after graduation. I supported myself on a dead-end job as a factory worker at a paper products plant. However, with no education beyond a high school diploma, I realized that my situation was more precarious than met the eye.

My experiences and perspective causes me to place a high value on my schooling. I am thankful for my degrees and the lifestyle they enable me to have.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Good advice which, if followed, will change your life and your outlook.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

If you've failed multiple nursing classes as a BSN candidate, why do you think nursing classes towards an ADN degree will be any different?

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I am sorry to say this, but nursing schools do not look kindly on those who have failed another program and the fact that you failed two courses, not once, but twice, will not help your situation. Be prepared to meet a lot of rejection before you find a program willing to accept you at this point. You may find yourself having to pursue an LPN/LVN license and then trying an LPN to RN program as your best bet. But be warned, LPN school is no easier than RN school. Good luck.

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If you've failed multiple nursing classes as a BSN candidate, why do you think nursing classes towards an ADN degree will be any different?

This. The ADN program was super intense and hard. and its competitive. I know most schools wont let you transfer with more than 2 failures. You may be looking at starting from scratch. If they will allow it.

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Do you think I should just give up on nursing entirely and pursue another major? Ive been looking into respiratory care as well, but I'm afraid my record with nursing will hurt my chances with admission to a respiratory program as well

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I think if nursing is what you really see yourself doing, then you need to do whatever is necessary to get it done. If it means eating big slices of humble pie and taking the classes and tests you need to, then so be it.

Do you think I should just give up on nursing entirely and pursue another major? Ive been looking into respiratory care as well, but I'm afraid my record with nursing will hurt my chances with admission to a respiratory program as well
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I'm gonna take a little bit of a different approach than what others have posted. First, I think everyone has valid points about your readiness and desire to be a nurse. You really need to get both of those sorted out, before you start with plans of re-entering school. Next, you to figure out if there is some sort of remediate program (held back a year) with your school or if they will just dismiss you, by talking to the dean of nursing and other administrators. I imagine many programs will try to have that meeting before making those decisions. If you are not given a second chance and you have become more responsible, then you can: A) talk to schools that evaluate your transcripts to see if you could show some level of maturity (taking additional classes, working in healthcare...) and/or B) apply to schools that only look at your test scores and other things that don't involve those classes. I'd do some research on what those programs are.

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What is it YOU really want to do? If you want to stick with Nursing, do whatever it takes ... Most likely since with 4 failures (2 in the first semester, and another 2 in the second semester) ... Nursing schools will not take to it lightly. ADN program is not an easy program, it's an associate, but it's still hard and competitive. I suggest you take a break from Nursing, and if in 6 months to a year from now you still want to be a Nurse. Then go through remedial courses that may be necessary to take at your BSN program or apply to other Nursing programs, but be warned, many may reject you. Or you can go get an LPN/LVN and start from there and see if RN is best for you. Once again though, LPN/LVN programs may still reject you as well.

In regards to respiratory care ... as I mentioned step away ... generally step away from the medical field and see what you really want to do. It all comes down to you and your commitment to either program.

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