Last week, I found out that I failed Fundamentals of Nursing II by 4 points. The passing grade of my college is a 75% & you're only allowed to repeat one subject which I already did. Meaning, I am no longer able to continue the BSN nursing program. The college is allowing me to stay as a student but not as a nursing student.
Here's some background info: I'm a transfer student so I did all my pre-reqs at a community college & transferred into a nursing program. Now, that I carelessly "flunked" out of this nursing program what should I do? I've thought of some options but after reading some posts on this website I'm not sure if my plans will work.
Option A: Apply to other BSN programs.
Most programs require a gpa of 3.0 & mine isn't that high right now but I've found a college which only requires a gpa of 2.5 so I'm going to apply to this one. Also, I don't care if my nursing classes do not transfer over. I just want to be able to get back into one. Should I let the school know that I don't mind starting from scratch? Will they take my pre-reqs as well?
Option B: Stay in my current college & change majors.
Because I have so many credits (almost near 100), I was thinking of changing my major to Psychology & I will still be able to graduate in 2 years. Afterwards, I can apply to an accelerated program which is another 12-15 months. I'll just have a huge loan not that I already don't
Option C: Apply to an LPN program.
I really do not want to resort to this because it will take me at least another 5 years to get to where I want to be: BSN registered nurse.
What do you think? I would like to apply to other nursing programs but I read that some schools do not accept students who have already failed 2 courses but then I've also read that these students who have failed will have to start from the very first nursing course. I wouldn't mind doing that.
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.
I agree with this line of questioning - it's what my college allows (up to 2 times)...My only question is if they don't intend on allowing you to pass the program (even via by repeating a course), why do they still want you there and why do you want to remain there? Of course the first part of the answer is money of course:)...but if you still intend to move forward in the direction of this career field, you have to do what's right for you. It's probably a good idea for you to finish this semester out, since you're stuck for the moment and you can absorb some valuable information. But it's time to start shopping around and find something that fits.
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.
Glad to hear you say that since I'm an ADN student...which brings up another option - I don't know what schools in your area offer, but at my school, they have a feeder program with a four year school...basically you get your ADN diploma (and pin:-)), pass the boards where you can start working in the field, then continue on with your four year degree. That's my plan and as far as I can tell, I won't be any worse off than someone who spent there entire college career in a 4 year school.
Wow, thank you all for your help! I really appreciate it; reading everything has made me feel a little bit better.
I've been reading a lot about accelerated nursing & YIKES! It's very intense. Right now I'm in the process of applying to another BSN program but if that doesn't work, I'm going to change majors & see what happens from there.
Other than that, I have to figure out how I'm going to support myself since my family isn't willing to support me anymore. Does anyone know how loans work & if a co-signer is always needed for them?
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
Your best resource for financial aid information will be the school you get accepted at. Government loans/grants are determined by whether or not you are an independent student. If you declare independent, they can't claim you as a dependent on their taxes anymore, so you will want to discuss that with them.
I agree, I am a LPN and taking classes to get my ADN. I really think that doing the LPN program helped b/c I understand it a whole lot better since I've learned my "basics" in my LPN program. Not to mention, it'll be a hell of a lot easier paying for college with a LPN salary then working else where. A lot of colleges offer LPN-BSN programs and give you credit for having experience already working in the field. Where I'm from it has to be a years worth of work exp but thats ok with me, my job is so rewarding and the pay checks are great too! If you go the ADN route, you will prob not have to wait that long on the list (if there is one at the school you apply to) and then once you get your ADN, your BSN will be a lot easier to receive. Whatever you choose, GL!
I started out at a four year university in a BSN program. I quit because I didn't think it was for me... Luckily I was able to dapple in other classes to see what I wanted my major to TRULY be, and low and behold I ended up choosing nursing. I wish I hadn't quit my program, but I am now accepted at a 2 year program at my local community college. This was the BEST decision I have ever made... Now I have the motivation & drive to get through the program successfully because I know this is truly what I want to do. Try applying to an ADN program if you have that option, then like everyone else said you can work as an RN and bridge over to the BSN online! Good luck!
I have a similiar situation as you. I was in a 4 semester ADN program and failed at the end of 3rd. That was 2 years ago and I never went back. I regret it every day. My advice to you would be, where ever go or what ever you decide to do, do it as soon as possible. I know that's easier said than done, but you don't want to look back years later like I have and regret not finishing. I know first hand it hurts your self confidence a lot. But keep your head up and remember that it wasn't meant to be before, but that doesn't mean you can't succeed the next time! :)
Are you able to transfer to another BSN program? It's probably worth the shot. Do some research, you may be able to transfer some if not all..you don't know until you try. YOu may encounter a waiting list but if this is what you really want, then Go for it!
semester1kid
215 Posts
I agree with this line of questioning - it's what my college allows (up to 2 times)...My only question is if they don't intend on allowing you to pass the program (even via by repeating a course), why do they still want you there and why do you want to remain there? Of course the first part of the answer is money of course:)...but if you still intend to move forward in the direction of this career field, you have to do what's right for you. It's probably a good idea for you to finish this semester out, since you're stuck for the moment and you can absorb some valuable information. But it's time to start shopping around and find something that fits.