i failed out of nursing school...now what

[mashamontago]

i have a plan to go to a university.. i did that just in case i failed again. i failed N51 TWICE.. my professor told me it was because she didn't think i had confidence for my pt, that i kept asking for clarification...she felt that i needed to be supervised, etc, and that i couldn't make decisions very well. she felt that in the time that passed, she didn't see me improve from the beginning of the semester to the end. so basically it's her opinion that failed me...

nursing isn't my passion, but i could live with it. it was something i could endure to make a difference in the world, pay the bills.. which is a pretty practical reason. i didnt have this heart overflowing with joy but i could feel good when someone smiled at me and said thankyou. not all of it was bad.

i had a 87% in theory, but i had a borderline 75% in clinical. she told me to do the LVN or the CNA program.

i'm 21 years old. i've said that so many times that i don't even care anymore. what do i want to do with my life versus what is actually possible? sure, i can say i want to major in english literature, take out oans and go to CSUN, and take up gender studies as well. haha. but then again this economy isn't doing so well so while that may be great for 2 years etc, i might not have a job secured at the end. i dont think i'll really care because u can't predict the future.

what you guys recommend i do? it's already summer, so basically i have to wait until fall 09.

[mashamontago]

I think you might consider seeing a counselor. These are some big questions and you seem depressed -- understandably. Even if it's not that serious (and I would argue seeing "able to bear it" as a major qualification for a career path really is), a counselor might help you with aptitude testing, study skills, and/or galvanizing your passion for nursing or something else.

FWIW, I flunked out of nursing school when I was about your age. Now I'm 28 and starting a nursing program in the fall. If it's really what you want to do, you'll find a way back. But in the meantime, regardless, I think professional help is order.

after seven years you decided to come back to nursing school. why?

[KittyKat19]

I don't think I ever really changed my mind. I think, in a way, it was what I always wanted to do. There were just so many things in the way. I was definitely depressed at the time I flunked out. I joined the military during most of the time in between, so I couldn't go back even if I wanted to. I also feel that for me, being a nurse practitioner is a better fit (no disrespect to RNs, I think what they do is fantastic and commendable). After I got my B.A., I could go into to such a program that allowed me to become an FNP on graduation. And yeah, I had the help of a counselor who helped me cut through all the crap that was keeping me from going back. Which included, but was certainly not limited to, the feeling that nursing wasn't "good enough" for someone who was intellectually curious. This was reinforced by my family. Why try so hard at something that you don't think is worth it, right? It's tough and I hear where you're coming from. Your path may not be the same as mine, but I really do think that counseling can help you clarify things in your life. Specifically, if nursing wasn't for you, why did you try so hard? And if it is, why didn't you succeed? These are not small questions. There the kind of things you need help with at 21...or 28...or 48.

PM if you'd like to chat.

[KittyKat19]

I might further add that when I was really depressed, I could have easily said what you said about being able to tolerate nursing as a career (and probably did say something to that effect). That set off a red flag for me.

[mashamontago]

Been there...done that...I just stopped by to say hang in there and that it will get better. Don't get discouraged and I am glad that I failed. Weird...I know...There were a turn of awful events that took place in my life and it worked out for the best. Only God knows. We can see right now, but he can see until the end of time. Good luck!!

why are you glad that you failed?

[mashamontago]

I just want to say that I have a friend that failed out of her Pediatric rotation 3 times and she just graduated with her ADN-RN. So, just because you fail once doesnt mean anything. I am a CNA and CNA work is nothing compared to what you will be doing as a nurse. Wiping people, bathing and changing bedsheets isnt what nursing is all about. I will agree that you do have to have a passion for it to some degree, but theres alot you can do with a nursing degree. I wouldnt become a CNA, you already know what thats all about....and that is not the best way to find out if you want to become a nurse. IF you want to find out what you'll be doing as a Nurse....go to your local hospital one day and shaddow one. But again, I am sure you know what they do. Maybe you just need a break from school and need to take a test to find out what really intrests you and what career suits you.

The one thing I hate about being a CNA is the people I work with....VERY LAZY and love to sit outside and smoke while I answer the call-bells. Yeah, thats everywhere I am sure but my goal is to go into the military. My aunts were all nurses and so was my Grandmother....all military nurses. So, thats where I am headed as well because I love the military and what it stands for. Good luck to you, and if you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

:)

thanx for your reply. where in the military do you think you'll be joining? i've thought of that too. what's it like being a military nurse?

[mashamontago]

I think that yes, you can perform as a nurse evan without passion as long as you are a kind person, who cares for others and works smart and safe. But, it is very hard to do well in nursing school without passion. Passion is what keeps you up studying at night, passion is what it takes to do EVERYTHING it takes to do well in your courses. At 20 I had no idea what I wanted, and I definitely didn't have any passion. Take some time and you will find it, whatever it is. Good luck!

how do you know you will find the career that suits you?

[bingesu]

I think that you made your mind up already when you say "nursing isn't my passion" and that "I don't care anymore". Maybe you should take your instructors advise and try CNA.

Even CNA is some nursing...