Failed nursing. Now what?

[Mirelasa]

Hello,

I am looking for advice. I was in my first semester of nursing at Vanier College in Montreal. I unfortunately failed clinical, which was one of the school's policies in order to advance to next semester.

I experienced major anxiety issues during clinical. I don't know what reason specifically. There were probably many reasons, such as my teacher scares me, I am always to mess up and it was the stage fright version of nursing. I always messed up BP and forgot a lot of things, such as notifying my RN and LPN of my vital signs among other things. In other words, I wasn't as confident in clinical. I tried to deal with my anxiety issues but failed to actually seek out help from someone. I believe had I gotten another teacher, I would have done so much better.

I know I was capable of doing better had it not been for my anxiety. Had I passed, I would have done so much better next semester because I know I am capable of more.

I spoke with my teacher. She said that the marks were up and it was a committee of nursing teachers, along with her, that decided that I should not pass due to my issues. She mentioned getting a mark update request or repeal my grade. I don't know how convincing I can be to show that I should pass.

I am now looking at my other options. I don't know where to go from here. I have had my eyes set on nursing since high school and my dreams just shattered. I'm looking for any advice, help or previous experiences from current and former nursing students and current RNs.

Thank you.

Just a note: becaude I failed clinical, I am out of the program. The only way to get back in is by reapplying, but academic advisor told me my odds don't exist to be readmitted.

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

Is nursing your only option? If you don't control your anxiety you will end up getting fired from you nursing job if you make it that far. You have way to much anxiety just starting out. This career is affecting your anxiety. It seems to be increasing it. However there is good and bad anxiety. Based on what I read, I think you should consider some other avenues because way too many things are happening that should not be this early on in the game. I think this career will make you more anxious to a point of depression. You can't pick your teachers, preceptors and the employees you work with. That excuse will not fly in the real world. You can't be so anxious that you are afraid to tell someone I need help and don't know what the heck to do.

[tardisnurse]

I'm a current RN, and nursing is my 2nd career. It sounds like you're at a crossroads in your life :-) The good thing is, though, that this is a great point in your life to make that realization. Before the student loans and the dedicated years. I, unfortunately, spent almost a decade trying to get to a career, only to realize quite late that I would hate it.

So firstly, I think you should give yourself credit for being willing to do the kind of difficult self-reflection that you're doing now.

If you're really struggling with your clinical placements now while supported by fellow students and a clinical instructor (however hellish he/she may be), nursing independently could *potentially* be a nightmare. Think of the patients and their families, and whether or not they would be safe or supported in your care while you're struggling. It's no fault of your own, but it's something to consider. Also, in most places in Canada, most units are short-staffed and nurses are generally overworked, and while teams do support each other, you may find yourself in a place where no one has the time (or patience, unfortunately) to give you the support you'll need. This point has been made; nursing is TOUGH.

So if nursing is everything you want, you're going to have to work harder and longer than most to get there. Take some time and work on your anxiety. See a counselor if you're not already seeing one. Talk to your MD about meds if you haven't yet. Work on coping strategies and your cognitive processes.

The alternative is finding something new. This could be scary and exciting all at once. Explore your passions, your strengths. If you really want to be in the healthcare field, get a book on jobs in healthcare and see if there's anything else that could bring you fulfillment. Shadow some folks. Visit other schools with different health care programs.

When one dream ends, a new one can start. Don't be discouraged!

[Infirmiere797]

I thought of quitting nursing several times, but I always end up going back to it...

[guest1059427]

Hi there. First of all, I'm sorry you're going through this very difficult period.

I too failed my first clinical rotation, and anxiety was a huge component of that. I had never failed anything in school before, so this was a huge disappointment to me and made me question whether or not I would continue.

My school (it's a 4 year BScN) let me redo it, and I passed. That being said, the issues the other posters have raised are thought provoking and you (and I) should consider them. The thing is, I would give yourself one more chance. Not sure if that is possible with your program, but perhaps you, like me, were just not able to learn as quickly as they expect, due to your anxiety. I know for myself, repeated failures would be a much bigger sign that this is not the program for me than just 1 failure at the very beginning.

Good luck

[silenthunder]

First: I want to say that you are very brave and courageous for wanting to continue - and putting a lot of thought into it. These things are very clear to me just from the fact that you would come on here and enquire. it indicates that you are seriously looking at your options - and that is worth giving you a pat on the back for having the maturity to realise that you want to have a good 'think' over what your future should be.

Is the 4 year RN your only option. Are you mobile - as in : is it possible for you to attend another school in the country?

the reason i ask this is complicated

I was wondering if you might be willing to start a different degree and then start a 2nd entry program for the BScN (I am from ontario where we have several of these - but I do not know if they are available in every province).

the reason why I would suggest another degree first is: this will give you the time to deal with your anxiety and put the hard work and effort it takes to deal with it. It would also give you the chance to explore some of your other interests and determine if there is something else that you are equally interested in (there are many professions where you help clients and patients).

in most 2nd entry programs to apply you need very good grades at the undergrad level. but it didn't sound like you had issues with your academics so I assume you would be capable of this

2nd entry programs are also quite intensive (they usually go all year round for 2 years - but that makes sense because you get the full BScN when you are done). so you need to consider this 'intense' nature when considering if you want to try and do this in the future.

that being said - I am in a second entry program and there are a wide range of abilities in my class and many people are able to handle it and juggle a family, part time job etc.

I know that whatever you do, you will make the right choice for you. thank you for posting and letting us comment on your problem

ST