Failed, I need some advice!

cb_rn · May 26, 2010

Before you go making plans to start another program..have you considered why you failed out of two classes and have a low GPA?

Are you taking too many classes at once?

Are you not doing required reading or other tasks?

Is nursing really your true interest?

Are you partying too much or missing class?

Are you working too much?

Just do an honest assessment of yourself and come up with a couple of answers on why you aren't doing the best. Then evaluate what you can do to fix it. If you honestly are going to fix whatever the problem may be (get a tudor, quit your job, study more, etc, etc) then you can address this in your application to another school that you're discovered "I was not as successful as I could have been in my previous program because xxx but now I have decided to fix this problem by xxxx and am determined to succeed" or something similar. That will help increase your chances of being looked upon favorably by an admissions committiee.

Then...do it! Put your plan into action because nursing school is highly competitive and it is very important to do well if you want to accomplish your goal of becoming a BSN prepared nurse.

PS Best of luck to you! I hope your "careless" mistake doesn't set you too far behind! I know those days of not doing as well as I could have!

HiHoCherry-O · May 26, 2010

Are you able to rematriculate with next semester's class? The college I went to allowed this. Two of my classmates had failing grades (one in clinicals and one in a course) and each one was able to pick up where they had left off the following semester.

Do you have to work while going to school? It was very competitive where I went to school. A GPA of anything less than 3.0 was passed over (I had a 3.8 and didn't get accepted twice!!).

If being an RN is really what you want, you will have to work hard. Maybe you should seek a tutor once you get back in.

kindofageek · May 26, 2010

Thanks for replying.

When I went into the nursing program, my gpa was just barely above a 3.0 but I struggled really hard to get there. Once I got into the program, I just struggled to stay in the program. Science was never my strong point & it takes me weeks to remember what I've learned. The grades of "C" really brought my gpa below a 3.0 but I didn't mind because I thought I was going to finish the nursing program.

:crying2: I still want to become a nurse because I know that I can be a good nurse. I'm great during my clinicals but when it comes to exams I'm always struggling. If I do get another chance, I'm really hoping I will, I'll definitely just focus on studying & will kill my social life.

Has anyone been in an accelerated nursing program?

justwandering31 · May 26, 2010

If the other suggestions don't work, could you apply to an ADN program? You could have your degree in 2 years then go back and get your BSN while working as an RN. Many RN-BSN courses are online and take 1 year (3 semesters) to complete.

(That doesn't include any pre-reqs the RN-BSN program requires. Each college is different so you could look at some and see if you have taken any of the required courses from the community college you attended, this could shorten the time.)

peas&carrots · May 26, 2010

I don't get where you are getting 5 years to get your BSN if you go the LPN route. I agree with the above poster that this would be your best bet if you really want to be a nurse. You put in the 2 years to get your ADN and then do your BSN while you work. The most important thing would be to figure out why you failed in the first place. Is it your study habits, memorizing instead of understanding, or maybe even that you just need a tutor? I had a hard time with a org. chemistry class and the tutors at my college saved my butt. I wish you the best and I hope you find what works for you.

Bobbkat · May 26, 2010

I'm sorry that you are struggling with this. My only advice is this: if you are struggling with the traditional BSN route, I would highly discourage you to NOT obtain your BSN through an accelerated program. I did not go through one, but I looked into it and they seemed really intense, and really aimed at people that can pick up information and assimilate it quickly. It sounds like you might need more support than that sort of program might offer.

The other suggestions that everyone gave are good. Depending on how competetive your ADN programs are, you may be able to enroll in one of them and then bride, or enroll in an LPN program and then bridge to BSN. Because you said that you do well in clinicals, but struggle with the classroom part of your program, it sounds to me like you are probably more of a hands on learner. Therefore, working either as an LPN or a ADN RN would give you more time to work as a nurse and really understand what you are doing prior to finishing the BSN course work.

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · May 26, 2010

You didn't mention the choice of a community college ADN program in your posts but that would be a good route to go.

I did LVN first and have just graduated from my ADN program. This was a pretty quick way to go and I would suggest that.

There is also the option of doing LPN to BSN.

I know as an LVN I totally rocked my clinicals and knew a lot more in class as well because it wasn't my first time. I don't think of myself as a fast learner either.

Good luck whatever you decide! :)

CNL2B · May 26, 2010

Sorry about your problem, first off.

Looks like you have pretty much explored your options fairly thoroughly already. The one thing that I would have to add is that I would probably NOT go ahead and just graduate with a degree and try to get into an accelerated BSN program. These programs are tough and usually very competitive. I'm not sure that with your grades and you having been in a nursing program already (unsuccessfully) you would get accepted.

That said, there are many ways to bridge. I also would skip the LPN route as being an LPN isn't really what you want -- if you want to be an RN/BSN, it's better to go ahead and get an RN/ASN first. Some of your LPN classes aren't going to transfer into an ASN or BSN program so you would end up having to take more credits and pay more that way, and probably repeat some information.

I guess what I would do (personally - this is just my opinion), since you are just about graduated already, is finish your degree and get into an ADN program somewhere. Your nursing credits probably won't transfer but some of your other stuff probably will (ethics, your sciences, etc.) so you could probably do an ADN program part-time if you have a BA or BS -- and obviously you have already completed nursing pre-reqs if one school has already admitted you. If you keep your grades up, you could then apply directly to an MSN program (provided that interests you) with just an ADN and a bachelor's in another subject. Many MSN programs (although not all) will take an ADN with another BA/BS. You would have to keep your grades up to do that though. Most grad schools want a 3.0 cumulative.

Just wanted to give you another option nobody had mentioned to think about.

RetrieverGirl, BSN, RN · May 26, 2010

I understand what you mean completely. I am going through the same situation right now, only I was in an accelerated ADN program. I failed by 3 points in my 3rd semester of a 4 semester program. I would be graduating in December if none of this happened. And the worst part is my options are very limited because most other nursing schools will not take my credits because I did not successfully get C's or better in all of my nursing courses. Fortunately the college I attend will let me transfer to an accelerated BSN program, but I would have to repeat some sciences because the gpa criteria is different amongst program. I also wouldn't finish until Summer 2013. Hard to swallow when I was almost there. My college suggested an online ADN program through Excelsior college. Check it out online. It is accredited and is legit. I have called them 3 times to ask questions and I had them send me tons of information. I also read a lot about it on the web and asked other nurses if they have heard about it or knew anyone that graduated from there. It is a self study program and yo have 7 yrs to complete it. You read the information and go to a local testing center to take the exams. There are 8 exams and a 3 component clinical exam that requires travel in the end. After successful completion of the degree you are able to set fot the nclex for licensure. Just be sure that your state doesn't require additional clinical hours for the nclex. I am in the process of enrolling now so that I can finish by July 2011. I also have 2 other friends enrolling as well. It's worth checking into. Keep your head up, you are not the only one out there having difficulties!!! Hope this helps.:hug:

teensmom · May 26, 2010

I would not recommend doing an accelerated nursing degree. I did it and it was incredibly hard, you have to study all the time, really understand things quickly and apply them. If you are struggling in a regular program, there's no way you'd be able to do an accelerated program. Many people flunk out, especially heartbreaking were the people who were very good in clinicals but could not pass a written test if their life depended on it. I have a BSN but have not seen much difference in the nurses who have an ADN, that is the route I'd go if I were you. Plus I would hire a tutor and have myself tested for learning disabilities in case that is the problem with passing tests.

Good luck.

wishinguponastarLPN · May 26, 2010

One thing that my nursing school has been great is with Test Taking Skills. You said you did great in clinical and stuff like that, maybe your weakness is test anxiety or poor studying or Test Taking Skills. I saw that you said you struggled with your pre-reqs as well, so no matter which way you decided to go with your career this is something you may need to evaluate no matter what. There are some great things you can "google" and read up on ways to get test taking skills. (especially NCLEX style). Hope this helps and good luch with whatever decide!