First semester of Nursing School almost over and everything has gone wrong.

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Does anyone have any advice for me? So my first semester of nursing school is about over and it has been crazy. School for the most part has been okay, lots to do but I have enjoyed it.

So, here is my dilema. In my school we have to pass our class with 78%. Well, the first final I took I got a 77.4% as my final grade!! I have had some crazy things happen personally this semester, my brother died first week of school, my mother diagnosed with cancer in September and had to have surgery, and the most difficult one of all is my father passed away last week after a battle with cancer (I was his caretaker) and this week is finals. I have passed two of my classes but that third I have not. My school has a strict policy that they will not bump up grades at all. But, I would think with all that has happened they could at least have a little mercy on me. I have already gone to one of the department heads and she said there is nothing she can do to help me. Does anyone have any other suggestions??? I know I should have dropped this semester and tried it again next semester but when I was about to do that my father begged me not to. He did not want to see me have to do this all over again when we were so close to the end of the semester. With all things considered I think I did well passing two of my courses. It is just that 0.6% in the other that is so frustrating. If anyone has any suggestions or tips I would greatly appreciate it.

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I am honestly sorry for what has happened to you...It is really sad, but I think many people fail by 0.6% or less every semester across the country and don't get it bumped up.

Unfortunately life happens and it doesn't stop just because we are in Nursing School.

Most if not every nursing program seems to be pretty strict on their pass/fail policies and won't budge. We had a student this semester who needed emergency surgery...She still had to take the test 4 days later with the rest of us, if she wanted to pass! It may seem harsh but if they give a little to one person, before you know it they are giving a lot to everyone! It is not a question of mercy, they have to draw a firm line in the sand somewhere.

If I were you I would stay calm, and gracefully exit so that you can return and retake this course in the future with bridges unburned!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I am so sorry this has been such a hard time for you. But I agree with kandamom, nursing schools have to take a stand. If they don't, then decisions are too subjective and many people would not agree with the final decision. So the rule is the same for everyone. That is only fair. What is NOT fair is the hard time you are going through, but no one can change that either. I recommend you either take some time off to get your life on an even keel, or return to nursing school next semester, knowing that you will be a stronger and more empathetic nurse when you do graduate.

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I'm sorry to hear about your losses. I know it's no consolation but maybe it's a chance for you to have some personal time to cope with all you've been going through. Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Our nursing school has a strict policy against this too. The only thing I think you can do, and it's really a Hail Mary, is ask to sit down with your course manager and look over every test very closely for mistakes in grading. Perhaps there is a question or two you can challenge. Maybe the scan tron read a question wrong. You'll have to do this now, before grades are officially on your record. Good luck.

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Your story was so heartbreaking. I'm so sorry that you've had to go through so much. I just wanted to give you a little encouragement. I've had many friends who didn't pass a semester and had to repeat it. In fact, I'm really looking forward to attending a friend's graduation next May. She was supposed to graduate with me in May 2012. Anyway, life was extremely unfair to her as well. She went through a divorce and an unexpected surgery. She picked herself back up from these hardships and kept pressing forward. She's going to be an awesome nurse. Like my friend, you just have to dig deep. If you want this, you might have to redo this semester. I do agree with another poster that said these experiences might actually make you an even more empathetic nurse. You've seen loved ones battle from horrific diseases. You know how you would want your family member treated, and you can make a vow to always do your best to treat your patients as you would a family member. You are going to be in my prayers, as your story was so sad to read.

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I just came across this post I did a while back and I am just amazed at the kindness of the people on here. Thank you everyone for the kind words. I did read them back then but re-reading them now just makes me smile at how nice people are. I am so thankful to say that after a hard fight with my school I was able to get back in. I really had to fight the Associate Dean of Nursing though. She had no mercy but I won and got back in. And now I am getting ready to go into my last semester of nursing school this fall. Yay! One thing I have found is that so many people seem to have the poop hit the fan during nursing school. I have had a few friends that either got kicked out of nursing school or had to leave because nursing school was to much for what was going on in their lives at the moment. I don't know why things happen that way but I am sure grateful that I made it through and I am almost done. It took a whole lot of faith but I am almost done!!! Thanks again for all the wonderful comments and private messages. This is a great place for support. :yes:

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Specializes in OMFS, Dentistry.

So happy to hear this!!! Good luck in your final semester!!!

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