Why do students voluntarily drop out of nursing school?

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Okay so I have been very curious about this lately mostly because I am starting an accelerated BSN program in January. I know it will be HARD and it will be even harder for me because I have 4 kids BUT I CAN and WILL do this. I am a bit disappointed in most of my friends/family for their reactions to this decision I have made. Most say "I cannot believe you are going to do that...it is going to be too hard" or "what about your kids? you have been at home with them for so long, what about how they will feel?" and finally.."so many people drop out of nursing school and they are doing a traditional program...your taking on an accelerated...are you nuts?! It is going to be too much"

So I have been thinking about why students drop out.

The stress? okay yeah that makes sense that there is stress but you go into it knowing that it will be stressful...why waste so much time and energy just to drop out because of stress? I have 4 kids and have been going to school I know what stress is and I know how to deal with it and be constructive.

The classes/schedule? Well again, you go into it knowing what schedule you are going to have for the most part..most school's let you know how many hours you will spend in class and clinical's per week and then you can (or should be able to) determine how much time you need to dedicate to studying per week and fit it in, period.

I guess the only thing I could figure out (and I hope I am not offending anyone) but it is because nursing was never a true passion for those that drop out. OR they have a tragedy/extenuating circumstances that are out of their control.

I certainly know I will not drop out because of the passion part...I know what it is like to be passionate about something, and when you are you will stop at almost nothing to pursue the goal/thing you are passionate about. I know for me my life revolves around caring for others and making a positive impact in other's lives that it consumes me daily...with my kids, service projects, and church related activities that enrich the lives of others. So I guess I don't get why my family/friends would think to themselves that I am crazy...I know I can do it and I guess that is all I need. I know there will be sacrifices ..some that are not going to be easy for anyone involved but I am doing this for my family and myself (it is who I am). My husband is such a good support system for me (well the only one thus far). I think that they all are just concerned and I get it but please save the negativity for someone else because I don't need it in my life, thank you. I would love it if they would congratulate me and be happy for me but no such thing has happened. Oh well- I guess the proof will be in the deed so to speak- I think that is how you say it, lol ;-) Thanks for listening to my rant ladies & gentlemen. :)

My class started with 200 of those 200 we have less than 80 left... Out of the 120 or so we had two drop out because nursing wasn't for them, the other 118 or so couldn't make the grades. We don't graduate until May 2013 so hopefully we don't lose anymore.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is people general don't drop out of nursing, unfortunately they fail out!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Generally speaking, the grading scales used in most nursing programs are more stringent than those found in other degree programs. Many nursing students do not make the grade.

77 to 84 percent was a 'C' grade, 85 to 92 was a 'B' grade, and 93 to 100 was an 'A' for the RN program that I completed. Anything less than 77 percent was not passing.

I also attended an LPN/LVN program where 78 to 84 was a 'C' grade, 85 to 93 was a 'B' and 94 to 100 was an 'A.' Anything less than 78 percent was considered a failing grade.

Some of my classmates were passing overall, but were dropped from the program because they could not pass the dosage calculation test with a perfect 100 percent mark. Other classmates voluntarily dropped right before the final exams because they were so far behind that there was no way to pass the course, even with a perfect 100 percent score on the final. Other classmates failed due to missing too many clinical shifts.

In my experience, most nursing students do not voluntarily drop out, but are forced to drop out due to not fulfilling certain requirements.

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Wow! Maybe I should have titled this differently because I was speaking of those who did drop out voluntarily ( I personally knew a few from a previous school I went to). Not those that failed, if I was speaking of them I would know why they were not in the program anymore. I was not in any way try to "boast" my school's NCLEX pass rates, I was simply trying to state that programs are different and maybe that is what contributes to why some programs retain their students and why others don't. I have no attitude of any sort- good grief! I have read every single comment and understand you all are trying to give me the down and dirty facts but geesh, talk about trying to bring someone down. I have heard all of these things before and trust me I am not taking it lightly, not at all. I DO NOT have any sense of entitlement. I have worked darn hard to get into nursing school and I will be happy that I accomplished my goal- it is as simple as that. This is just a step in the right direction, I know I still have a LONG road ahead but I will be happy and celebrate every step in the right direction.

I never said that anyone was weak because they failed- in fact I stated the contrary.

I was told by several students currently in the program (and instructors) on open house night that I needed to surround myself with as many "cheerleaders" as possible and to stear clear from all of those that may impose any negativity in my life when I am in the program because I won't need or have time to deal with it. Maybe this board is not the place I should be. Thanks for all the comments- even if many of you think I do not appreciate them or take them to heart...I do. Good luck again to everyone! I am out of here.

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Yes, some folks did work awfully hard to get into the program and then leave.

Nursing is not everything to everyone.

Sometimes a person just realizes, "Hey, I don't want this. This isn't for me".

That's okay.

There's nothing wrong with that person's intelligence, maturity or discipline.

They just are not into it anymore and pursue other things.

Like others have said, most students don't drop out-- they fail out.

Nursing school is a whole different beast.

If you go for your Associates... well, I guarantee that will be, hands down, the most grueling Associates you could ever slave to get.

Okay, then... so they fail out.

Why?

They never learn how to study "smart".

They never try to break the code of the NCLEX.

They try to cram the night before the exam like it's their high school history exam... erm... no.

They turn in poor work.

They are dangerous in clinical.

They are unprepared for clinical.

They can't take direction.

They don't take responsibility of-- or learn from-- their mistakes.

They are mentally and physically burnt-out and sleep deprived!

They have a life-changing event that tips the scales on their already unbalanced lives!

For the love of all that is holy!

Inability to focus, arguing with an instructor, cheating, missing lab returns...

I could go on and on...

I've got to quit this.

My stomach hurts.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Wow! Maybe I should have titled this differently because I was speaking of those who did drop out voluntarily
The title of your discussion has been changed to reflect your preference. Good luck to you!
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Wow! Maybe I should have titled this differently because I was speaking of those who did drop out voluntarily... Not those that failed

Well, sheesh.

It would have saved me a rant and a belly-ache.

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Don't always think that people quit because it's not their passion; although, that could play a part in some circumstances. You just have to remember that not everybody has the same coping skills. Nursing school is not for the weak, as we all know. Some people fail out because they have to work and attend school. They can't always find the time to study. Some are irresponsible or immature and don't realize that a social life has to be put on hold. Some people have crazy life events happen like: divorce, sickness, or death of a loved one. Interesting thread. It's been interesting to read the responses.

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I think it also depends on the school and instructors as well. I am going to a school that has a 100% NCLEX pass rate on the first attempt and also has retained all 35 accepted students each class for the accelerated program. Maybe I am wrong but I will not know fully how it is until I am in the thick of it, no one would. However, I do believe everyone's experience is different. I may have just as hard of a time but maybe not.

I guess I half expected to get some words of encouragement from some of you on here but I guess I should not have. Most of you are in the middle of your programs, stressed, and busy. I just am very excited about having the opportunity to do this after all the hard work I have put in and really needed some positive words from family and friends- that is all. Maybe I am on a high right now but I believe that I have the right to be happy and excited. I really wish the best to all of you, I hope that you all finish your programs and do very well! :)

Good luck to you!!!!!! :-). Stay focused, honey! Things will be tough. When you feel overwhelmed, just try to hold onto that feeling of how you felt when you got your acceptance letter. You will feel so proud of yourself when you accomplish this!!! I will never forget my graduation day!!!! It was such a proud moment for me. :-). Sending you lots of love and well wishes!!!

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Specializes in ER/ICU.
I think it also depends on the school and instructors as well. I am going to a school that has a 100% NCLEX pass rate on the first attempt and also has retained all 35 accepted students each class for the accelerated program. Maybe I am wrong but I will not know fully how it is until I am in the thick of it, no one would. However, I do believe everyone's experience is different. I may have just as hard of a time but maybe not.

I guess I half expected to get some words of encouragement from some of you on here but I guess I should not have. Most of you are in the middle of your programs, stressed, and busy. I just am very excited about having the opportunity to do this after all the hard work I have put in and really needed some positive words from family and friends- that is all. Maybe I am on a high right now but I believe that I have the right to be happy and excited. I really wish the best to all of you, I hope that you all finish your programs and do very well! :)

I went to a paramedic program that had a 100% pass rate. Wanna know how my instructor maintained that? She didn't sign the final paperwork that allowed you to take your boards until she knew you were ready for it. Don't get me wrong, it was an outstanding program, but she worked hard to keep that 100%.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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You asked why people dropped and for the most part we answered. By the nature of the action you're inquiring about of course the answers are going to be down and dirty. Someone feeling the need or having to abandon their dream isn't going to be a fun and chipper topic. Forgive me but what are we supposed to say? People dropped out because of kittens?

I haven't been on this website long but when you need a cheerleader there are plenty(I've already had to make a post for a spirit boost!) but I'm still not sure what you expected here.

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6. Remember the ratio: You are 100% responsible for your own education, and the school's responsibility is 0%. Don't rely on name or reputation to have any kind of impact on the work you have to do.

^^ Take note of that. Some people just get fed up and leave, because compared to the business and professional world, there are aspects of the nursing schools (and the workplace, too) that are downright disrespectful, abusive, screwy, and dysfunctional. You don't see that part until after you are in nursing school. Like "You are 100% responsible, and this schools is 0%." How arrogant is that, anyway! I don't know of any other training except the medical medical field where the schools are allowed to get away with not doing the job that they are getting paid to do. Then, when the students fail, the nursing schools brush it off as "They were not meant to be nurses," or "They didn't take personal responsibility" or "they didn't want it badly enough," not "Wow, we really did a poor job of teaching, to have lost that many students."

The medical professions deliberately try to hold down the number of new entrants to the professions, because they want to protect jobs and salaries and prestige by creating scarcity. They also have a vested interest in not graduating more students than can be absorbed into the job market. Schools want to be able to say something like "70% of our grads had jobs lined up as of graduation, and 95% of them were employed within 6 months of graduating," not "We graduated a class of 65 and only 30 of them are employed now." They can reduce the ranks by flunking more and /or by dismissing others for "conducts" (misconducts, or ineptitude or mistakes on clinicals, or just about any behavior that they don't like and/or can trump up. Nursing school can be very unfair or covertly hostile or prejudiced and can get away with it, because it's an environment that doesn't tolerate personality conflicts well. It's also a women's world, and women tend to place a lot of importance on whether or not they like or dislike someone.

As for the cr*p that nurses have to put up with on the job: They don't "have to" put up with anything. The problem is that nurses do put up with poor treatment, and they comply when management says "You have to put up with this poor treatment."

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Specializes in Oncology/hematology.

We have lost 1. Why? He dropped out because, magically, after 5 weeks of school, he realized that he's old (his words, not mine), and the AN, BSN bridge idea didn't fit his timeline. So, he's going to attempt an accelerated BSN instead. I wish him luck, but since he isn't in the accelerated program yet, it'll probably take the same amount of time as it will take me.

And, to the poster that said it's not possible to get a first time 100% NCLEX pass, my school did last year. We are assuming it will happen again this year, with the high caliber students the year ahead of me. The school strives in all areas to make us successful in this endeavor.

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