Failed two sciences and I can't get into a nursing program.....is there still any hope?

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · May 24, 2015

I think you should go for lpn/lvn, they are nurses too. If that is blocked for some reason, get your CNA. Work as a CNA for a little while, then get back on the path, either toward lpn or Rn. The time will fly by of you are working in the field. You will gain confidence, life experience, and open up new ways of looking at the problem.

Purple_roses · May 24, 2015

I think you should go for lpn/lvn, they are nurses too. If that is blocked for some reason, get your CNA. Work as a CNA for a little while, then get back on the path, either toward lpn or Rn. The time will fly by of you are working in the field. You will gain confidence, life experience, and open up new ways of looking at the problem.

LVNs still have to take the same A&P courses though, right? I don't think it would necessarily be an easier option for the OP.

caliotter3 · May 24, 2015

A tutor in my area helped an acquaintance's son go from an F to an A in math. Finding an experienced, knowledgeable tutor to work with you one on one may be just the edge that you need.

dreamer30 · May 24, 2015

5 year wait? That's crazy. I would try a different school. If that was your 1st time taking those classes you should be able to retake them. What state do you live in? WGU could be an option. It's all online.

akg713, CNA · May 24, 2015

I think it's amazing that you're reflecting on different options available to you; that's extremely resilient. If you know you want to be a nurse in your heart and mind, please don't listen to anyone doubting your ability to do so... Having been in a similar situation to yourself, I know I personally found questions about whether or not nursing was right for me to be unhelpful / hurtful versus beneficial. Granted, I'm extremely sensitive ;o) The label of "failing" classes really struck a nerve with me when I was academically dismissed from a *very prestigious nursing school* in 2008. I spent years thinking about what impacted me as a student / learner during that time. I spent every day after leaving that nursing program thinking about: is nursing right for me? I honestly wanted to do ANYTHING else instead of nursing since my journey to becoming a RN was a difficult and painful one the first time around. I ended up getting my bachelors and masters degrees in other fields, but I thought about becoming a nurse every single day. I couldn't get nursing out of my head; I knew it's what I was meant to be.
I think everyone's journey to becoming a nurse is different and you should not let "failing" classes deter you AT ALL. I use the word "failing" in quotes because... I spent years measuring my self-worth against my transcripts; I viewed myself so negatively without compassion based on that piece of paper. Nursing school in particular is very. focused. on. numerical. grades. It's really the only way you're evaluated, which is difficult because you are more than a number. A quiz on the cardiac system cannot possibly fully assess your knowledge as a learner and capabilities as a human being :) I know "failing" classes made me a much more empathetic person with hopes of becoming a teacher myself. You deserve all the support in the world in making your RN dreams come true, if that is what you think is right for you :)
Nursing schools vary program to program regarding requirements & there are so many around the United States, which means SO MANY possibilities! Researching programs is exciting, but can certainly be overwhelming, disheartening, and discouraging. Seeing certain GPA requirements, science coursework expiration dates (i.e., A&P needs to be taken within the last 5 years), interview required with the faculty, or thinking you may need to retake classes before even being considered for admission. Don't let any of this scare you! All you can do is research programs, find the ones that are the best fit for you, and apply! Then it's out of your hands. In 2012, I applied to seven nursing programs located near my home. I had already failed out of one BSN program and felt indescribably hopeless... What school would ever accept me? One program accepted me, accepted all my transfer credits, began NUR coursework in the first semester, and I will be graduating with my BSN this time next year: May 2016!
Be your own cheerleader You can do this! I wish they had blogs / online forums that were the exact prescription of encouragement needed. You know, kind of like a big hug and reassurance that it will all be okay. You write your own nursing story! For next steps, all I can recommend is look into your options & apply. There is always hope & it just takes one nursing school to say: "yes! you're admitted to our program!"

I LOVE THIS !!! Thank you for writing this and CONGRATULATIONS! !! I just failed Chemistry and like your screen name it gives me "Esperanza" to keep pushing myself .. it's my very first class that I failed and i feel horrible after seeing the " D " next to chemistry my past classes have been "A's" and for some reason I failed Chemistry. . In a way I'm happy I received the D instead of the C because if I would of received a C I would have to wait 2 yrs to retake and with a D I can actually retake for a better grade .. i know some schools don't like repeats but the nursing program I want to get in doesn't accept no repeats on Anatomy Physiology and Micro ...

And to the OP Esperanza just said it don't give up and if you really want to be a nurse push yourself don't let anyone bring you down!! Keep pushing.. Good luck !!!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · May 25, 2015

LVNs still have to take the same A&P courses though, right? I don't think it would necessarily be an easier option for the OP.

VN courses include A&P as a requirement in order to move forward in the program.

There were a few classmates in my program that couldn't move forward because they couldn't understand the fundamentals of A&P in a short time...VN/PN programs also expect one to be able to grasp concepts in a compressed set of time and be able to apply it successfully in a clinical setting.

WCSU1987 · May 25, 2015

I wouldn't chastise the person as failing and ability to never become a nurse. I mean seen some nurse's where you go how is that possible...with that said there are basically three different study types. Myself I am a Kinesthetic learner. I realized after some therapy sessions struggle with Manic Depression and ADD so go figure I couldn't focus in college. I acted impulsive just did the work what ever came to mind instead of really going deep within the context.

I just study flipping the pages.

I didn't realize I needed to do more.

What work's for me as a Kinesthetic learned need distraction need music that will keep me awake and focused. Need a partner to shoot off questions at. If no partner need my hands. Flashcards help a lot. Rewriting notes help, tedious but works. Listening to lectures while I run or saying definitions recording them then listening to them when I work out.

You got this.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · May 25, 2015

If you "worked your hardest" and still failed then nursing is not for you. You are saying there is no way you can do more to pass so you are done. They don't just pass people because they feel sorry for them. Nursing is not for everyone. You MUST complete certain requirements to be eligible to take the NCLEX. Plain and simple. "Health science" is going to require the same pre reqs.

Now..if you actually DIDN'T "work your hardest" and feel you can actually do more then you can retake the classes and see what happens.

"positive feedback" is a subjective term. You need reality. Perception of what is "positive" is a major problem in this country. People are unable to take objective information. They want sugar coated sympathy. YOU stated you did your absolute best and failed Why would you not fail the classes over and over? Focus on finding something you enjoy and are able to complete.

myelyn · May 28, 2015

Some colleges allow repeated classes and other institutions do not, so keep searching.

I'm in a school that penalizes students who repeated sciences.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2015

In my school, LPNs do not have the same prerequisites.

liane90 · Jun 3, 2015

I have been trying to get into a nursing program but unfortunately I have failed two major science classes. I worked my hardest and it still wasn't good enough. I've been doing some research as to what might be the next step, such as receiving a bachelors degree in health science as opposed to a BSN. I also have plans on meeting with an advisor as well and decide both on what I should do. I know that there is a 5 year wait that must be done once you fail two sciences. I was also looking into becoming a LVN but I'm not sure if it has the same requirements as a BSN. Is there still any hope for me to become some sort of nurse without waiting 5 whole years?.......Positive feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I have a bachelors in health sciences, and I assure you that I actually needed more, not less, science classes than the nursing program I am applying for now. Have you looked into tech schools or community colleges? Depending on the courses and program requirements, you may be able to retake the courses and apply. Look around in your area before giving up hope, but you will need a&p and micro for any program I have seen for RN.

Maxima · Jul 24, 2018

Yes, please let us know how it went with your advisor! I am in the same boat. I am taking Microbiology for the 3rd time!