failing and being thrown out

[rocknrollRN to be]

I really need some advice as to where to turn.

I began my nursing school career late in life (my "second career"). I've done well in all my clinicals--head of the class well, but our clinical component is more of a pass/fail grade and has no overall bearing on passing that particular component. In the lecture/class environment, I'm your basic B--until I hit the 3rd module.

I've retracked once, and am in danger of failing for the second time. I'm just a stress tester. I know the materials, and if I were verbally quizzed, I would pass with no problems. I realize the NCLEX is a test, timed, etc. but you are at least given more than two chances to pass NCLEX.

It is too late to withdraw from the class, as finals are next week. I don't want to give up my dream of becoming an RN, but I know that this particular college's rules state I will be permanently removed from the program.

now, (and here's the real rub): throughout my years at this particular college, there have been cheating scandals (swept under the rug, students advanced on three separate occasions), 5 students failed the first module but "complained" to the program director and "magically" found the points to advance (PS: they pin next weekend). I failed, didn't complain, and played by the rules.

I'm hoping to transfer into another college's program in the central Florida area, and I guess I'm looking to find out if anyone has been in a similar situation where they've been able to transfer successfully. Do the other colleges look at the "failures" and blacklist you also?

Many apologies for the long post, especially since it's my first, but I really feel I'm at my wits end--and I'm not ready to give up. Thank you in advance!

[TheDayTheMusicDied]

I guess the mentality with those magical points is that even if they pass this time around, if they don't have what it takes they will not pass the next theory or skills course. You said that finals are next week, are you sure that there isn't a chance you may pass?

I've heard that it is incredibly hard to be a transfer student, what I mean is to enter another nursing program mid-way through especially if you haven't been doing too hot. You might have to start from the beginning, and if it is a community college, 2 years in the stream of things isn't too bad. I think that even if they were to question you can attribute the failing to specifics shortcomings of the program you just left.

[caliotter3]

I was aware of irregularities in my program, was really mistreated and ended up not even bothering to withdraw, suffered the consequences on my record, knew about the stories of others who tried to fight the system, and can honestly tell you there is not much you can do. Everyone I know who sought legal redress at my school all failed in their attempts. They ended up with legal bills on top of a failed program. You can't fight a system that is as powerful as a school. Their lawyers get paid more than you can muster to pay your lawyer. The only way you will win is if you have a solid case in your favor or are able to convince somebody to treat you similarly to those who got those "passing" points. I wish you good luck in whatever actions you take about this. You have a hard road ahead of you, no matter what happens. I hope you prevail and become an RN some day.

[rocknrollRN to be]

I guess the mentality with those magical points is that even if they pass this time around, if they don't have what it takes they will not pass the next theory or skills course. You said that finals are next week, are you sure that there isn't a chance you may pass?

I've heard that it is incredibly hard to be a transfer student, what I mean is to enter another nursing program mid-way through especially if you haven't been doing too hot. You might have to start from the beginning, and if it is a community college, 2 years in the stream of things isn't too bad. I think that even if they were to question you can attribute the failing to specifics shortcomings of the program you just left.

Yeah, well, they ended up successfully passing...and on to graduating! Originally, our class thought the same thing.

technically, it's still a "passable" situation, but I guess I'm attempting to cover all my bases--just in case.

I'm even considering non-accredited schools at this point in the game, regardless of cost. That's how strongly I feel about becoming an RN. And, if need be, I'll even start over again at another school.

Thank you so very much for your feedback!

[rocknrollRN to be]

I was aware of irregularities in my program, was really mistreated and ended up not even bothering to withdraw, suffered the consequences on my record, knew about the stories of others who tried to fight the system, and can honestly tell you there is not much you can do. Everyone I know who sought legal redress at my school all failed in their attempts. They ended up with legal bills on top of a failed program. You can't fight a system that is as powerful as a school. Their lawyers get paid more than you can muster to pay your lawyer. The only way you will win is if you have a solid case in your favor or are able to convince somebody to treat you similarly to those who got those "passing" points. I wish you good luck in whatever actions you take about this. You have a hard road ahead of you, no matter what happens. I hope you prevail and become an RN some day.

Much appreciated!!

It's nothing I would ever consider handling in a legal manner. Honestly, I'd call it more of a mental block over this one particular course--it's just not where I would want to be once I obtain my degree, specialty-wise.

And, of course, I really had hoped to pull it off. Unfortunately, that didn't work like I had planned/hoped.

But, I do thank you for the feedback...I'm not throwing in the towel yet! Back to the books/CD-Rom's, etc!!:)