Failed out of nursing school, looking to reapply after three years. Do I even have a shot?

[chancec13]

I was looking for advice or I guess some hope about trying to become a nurse again. I was accepted into a program three years ago but failed the first semester. Due to a combination of the school itself not setting me up for success, my own depression at the time and lack of support system, I thought that I wasn't cut out for nursing after all. So I gave up. I got a Bachelors degree in another field, and told myself it was better that way. But I still can't stop thinking about nursing. I have time to try and apply to LVN or RN programs for the fall, but if I wait for the spring I can apply to schools with an accelerated second degree BSN program. However, I'm worried that I won't get into any because of the fact I failed out of nursing school. Admissions is always very competitive, but I feel like that is especially true about schools in the Houston area where I am located.

[idkmybffjill]

If you have fixed these issues and have good stats otherwise, then I think you have a shot still. I've seen quite a few ABSN programs that look more overall at the student, not just their grades and GPA. The one I just got accepted to has an interview component that's 50% of your final score, so they put a big emphasis on your personality and skills.

I think you will have to address the whole thing with any programs you apply to, but as long as you talk about how you dealt with the issue and how you will continue to deal with it (if your depression wasn't a one-time thing that occurred because of a life event), then you show persistence and an ability to address and overcome problems. I would probably avoid saying that it was partly the previous program's fault for not offering enough support because the programs aren't going to want to hear you put down another program.