Failing out of nursing school :( need advice please

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I started an accelerated BSN program and I am not doing well. I have C- in all my classes. I am 12 weeks pregnant and have been sick as a dog but I'm struggling to my best with the little energy I have. It is now past the drop/withdrawal period at my school so I really don't know what to do. In hindsight, I wish I had waited until after my baby was born to start this program but it's obviously too late now. I thought I could be superwoman and do it all at once.

Based on my grades, I'm pretty sure I'll be dismissed from the program. We still have some exams left but everything is so jam-packed in the accelerated track that I don't see my grades improving much. Anyone ever fail out of nursing school and be successful on 2nd attempt? I am thinking of doing a regular track BSN or Associates program instead of this accelerated BSN. I've always been an excellent student, so this is very discouraging for me. I really want to be a nurse.

Will I have to include this school that I'm currently in in my transcript to apply to new schools? My friends who are nurses told me not to and that schools can't find out unless you applied for financial aid. I'm in a rut here and need some advice! thank you!

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Specializes in NICU.

I failed out of an ASN program many years ago. I allowed someone to monopolize my time in a relationship. I spent too much time dealing with her neediness instead of focusing on my schoolwork. I went onto work in several other healthcare jobs and decided after nearly 20 yrs, to get my nursing degree. I had a new relationship and a new mindset. I cruised through my 15 mo. ABSN program, not passing was never an issue. Instead of having someone distracting me from school, my new girlfriend was my number one supporter.

My advise is to get your life in order first, then go back to school. You need to have your personal life in order to successfully get through an ABSN program.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

What Guy said ^^

Also, with an infant, you should perhaps consider a less aggressive timeline for getting your degree. ABSNs are not the only way to get where you want to be. And, depending on the local job situation, perhaps a community college ADN would work better. You likely have all prerequisites done, so you would only need the nursing courses and clinicals. Something to consider.

PS: I am a BSN program director, and I have a number of student who have not been successful in other programs and are now doing well.

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wow. congratulations and such an encouraging story :)

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I failed out of an ASN program many years ago. I allowed someone to monopolize my time in a relationship. I spent too much time dealing with her neediness instead of focusing on my schoolwork. I went onto work in several other healthcare jobs and decided after nearly 20 yrs, to get my nursing degree. I had a new relationship and a new mindset. I cruised through my 15 mo. ABSN program, not passing was never an issue. Instead of having someone distracting me from school, my new girlfriend was my number one supporter.

My advise is to get your life in order first, then go back to school. You need to have your personal life in order to successfully get through an ABSN program.

Wow. congratulations and such an encouraging story :) thank you

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What Guy said ^^

Also, with an infant, you should perhaps consider a less aggressive timeline for getting your degree. ABSNs are not the only way to get where you want to be. And, depending on the local job situation, perhaps a community college ADN would work better. You likely have all prerequisites done, so you would only need the nursing courses and clinicals. Something to consider.

PS: I am a BSN program director, and I have a number of student who have not been successful in other programs and are now doing well.

Thank you so much for your advice. It's very encouraging to hear such positive words from someone in academic, especially the director of a BSN program.

I am considering an ADN program about 20 mins from my home. They also have evening and weekend classes which is wonderful. I am in no rush to get my degree (I was at first), I am just keep the end goal in mind :)

As a BSN director, I do have a question for you: will I have to disclose the transcript from my current school? I have heard mixed thoughts about this. A professor in my school told me I don't have to, but others have said I need to.

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I do have a question for you: will I have to disclose the transcript from my current school? I have heard mixed thoughts about this. A professor in my school told me I don't have to, but others have said I need to.

A word of warning here.... most nursing school applications state that you must submit transcripts from all College and University programs you have attended... If you are not seeking or receiving federal aide they may not see a certain program on any form of database, BUT this is you first test of integrity as a nursing student, and IF they find out any other programs you have attended and did not disclose while you are a student -- expect to get expelled from the program.

Just not worth it in my opinion.. much easier to admit where and why you weren't successful and then explain how you have adapted to be successful in the future.

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A word of warning here.... most nursing school applications state that you must submit transcripts from all College and University programs you have attended... If you are not seeking or receiving federal aide they may not see a certain program on any form of database, BUT this is you first test of integrity as a nursing student, and IF they find out any other programs you have attended and did not disclose while you are a student -- expect to get expelled from the program.

Just not worth it in my opinion.. much easier to admit where and why you weren't successful and then explain how you have adapted to be successful in the future.

Thank you for your honest advice. It's always been hard for me to not be 100% clear and transparent with anything really. As much as I don't want to disclose, I may just come clean and explain my situation.

I didn't take out any financial aid and I paid out of pocket from savings, so technically there isn't really a way to find out. But still I would feel so upset if I was expelled because I omitted information about myself.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
Thank you so much for your advice. It's very encouraging to hear such positive words from someone in academic, especially the director of a BSN program.

I am considering an ADN program about 20 mins from my home. They also have evening and weekend classes which is wonderful. I am in no rush to get my degree (I was at first), I am just keep the end goal in mind :)

As a BSN director, I do have a question for you: will I have to disclose the transcript from my current school? I have heard mixed thoughts about this. A professor in my school told me I don't have to, but others have said I need to.

Most schools want to see your entire academic history. If they do- you MUST provide it or you will be in violation of their academic honesty policies. Not a place you want to find yourself.

I would recommend making an appointment with someone in the nursing department BEFORE applying. Explain your situation. If they decline you- well, there are lots and lots of schools out there. But my guess is a community college is NOT going to decline you for that reason. Just explain that this school was not a good match for your life- and theirs is.

Good luck!

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The one thing you have going for you is a very clear and easy to understand reason for poor academic performace - severe illness related to pregnancy. This can be explained in your personal statement if/when you seek readmittance to a program. I agree with previous posters, in that an ABSN program and an infant are not very compatible. This is especially true if your baby ends up needing special care (EG colic, feeding problems, some kind of birth related issue). I recommend reaching out to your advisor at your college - is there some kind of medical leave that you could take? Imagine if you had emergency surgery, and had to spend a month in the hospital. Would they fail you, or allow you some kind of withdraw for medical reasons? You might be able to approach your issues from that angle, and have more options open to you.

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Specializes in NICU.

I went to the same university for both my failed ASN and my ABSN program. Obviously, 20 yrs between nursing school attempts was not an issue. They realize that I was not the same student as I was 20 yrs ago, some of the older instructors recognized me. There was no way for me to hide my past.

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I failed my first attempt of an ADN program. It almost crippled me, and I spent a good 3-4 months depressed, completely unable to function. Nursing school is not like regular school, not at all. It took another year for me to fulfill the requirements to get back in, and I struggled through the whole rest of my program with obstacles and what seemed to be never-ending struggles in my personal life.

My advice? Slow down. No need to hurry through a program if you risk failing out.

You'll be a much better nurse and inspiration for others behind you if you continue your path to nursing despite the setbacks.

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