Going Back to Nursing School. Advice?

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I was a nursing student not too long ago and was kicked out for failing a class for the second time by one question (0.4%of final grade). I had a lot of things going on this semester, but I won't go into too much detail. This is extremely devastating but I am going back to finish; I was a Senior and came way too far to give up now.

I tried looking up my thoughts about this to see if anyone had been in the same or similar situation(s) but to no avail. My main questions for you guys are as follows:

1. Was there anyone who went back to school for RN degree and was successful?

2. If so, did you find it easier to do the second time?

3. Regardless of your answer to question 2, what did you do differently as far as studying and time management?

Thank you for taking the time to look at this. It's a really hard time for me right now but I will be a nurse no matter what (even though it may take a little bit longer).

One of the big challenges will be finding a program that will accept you after failing out of another. You might end up spending a fortune on a private school that will "take anyone". I'd advise that you look at LVN programs, too ...to increase your chances of getting in somewhere. It's sometimes easier to get into an LVN to RN program than a pre licensure RN program.

Start making some calls. Good luck.

I already had that covered although I really do appreciate the concern. I already have a plan that's underway as we speak with help of some very intelligent people. We always get things done no matter how hard. But regardless of what path I have to take (possibly LPN to BSN which was one option I came across) I'll still ultimately be going back to RN school. This is why I asked my questions.

I also just realized that a lot of people have looked at this but haven't reaponded. Did most of you make it through the first time? If not did you stop completely (for whatever reason; finances, etc.)? It doesn't matter if you went back to get an LPN degree first. I just want to know what to expect when I go back to RN school. Thanks again for the encouragement Sour Lemon.

Specializes in Addictions, Psych.

This is my second time in nursing school. The first time I chose a school that was easy to get into, but cost a ton of money. My funding ran out and I was forced to withdraw because I couldn't afford the tuition.

This time around I did it the "right" way -- a competitive college program with an entrance exam, etc.

You might be ahead of your potential classmates due to your previous nursing school experience, but be humble. I had a class with a girl who rolled her eyes at everything because she "learned it all already" but her credits didn't transfer. Surprise -- she was one of the few that failed.

Thanks! This is the kind of stuff I need to hear. I appreciate you sharing!

Specializes in Addictions, Psych.

I'll admit, the hardest thing was seeing my former classmates graduate and pass the NCLEX without me, but honestly it was my own fault. I doubted that I'd be able to pass a TEAS/HESI exam to enter a decent two-year program, so I went with a pricey private school. All it did was get me into debt with nothing to show for it.

You can bounce back from this. The stuff you already learned will be a major asset towards completing another program, even if the credits themselves don't transfer. If you ever want to commiserate, feel free to PM me

I had a similar situation that happened to me recently. I started as a pre-nursing student at a state school and transferred to a private school for their nursing program. I apply to another competitive state school and got rejected. I did not apply to my home school bc of the high stats of other applicants. Then i got accept to a private school and took the offer. My first semester was 18 credit hours along with clinical rotations. Unfortunately, I failed two courses and was dismissed from the college. If I were to fail one, i would be able to retake the class and graduate with the next cohort. But i failed two so it was an automatic dismissal. I filed a grade appeal and that was overturn by the dean.

I was very devastated and didnt know what to do. people around me advised me to apply somewhere else and all i can think of is how can i possibly get in with a dismissal on my transcript. I was about to give up but i knew deep down that that wasnt the person i am. I mourn and got back up.I did some research and decide to return back to my home institution where i started college and apply to their competitive program. I told my recommenders my dismissal story and how I kept pushing to reach my dreams of being a nurse. I believe that my passion spoke through my recommendation letters, essay, and my personal statement.

I was waited list and a spot opened up for me. Im happy to say that i was accepted to start in the fall of 2018 to one of the top nursing school in georgia. I agreed with SamC1988 if you are able to get into another program you will definitely be a great asset. you know the material and will be able to use to your advantage.

In all, dont give up. I bounced back and i know for sure you can too!! believe me, my stats are low.. i was surprise i got accepted. Public school are publicly funded so they have higher standards. but they look for well rounded students that volunteers, have recommenders who knows them very well and know that they are a value nursing student. Let me know if i could be more of a help :) GOOD LUCK!

Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.
I had a similar situation that happened to me recently. I started as a pre-nursing student at a state school and transferred to a private school for their nursing program. I apply to another competitive state school and got rejected. I did not apply to my home school bc of the high stats of other applicants. Then i got accept to a private school and took the offer. My first semester was 18 credit hours along with clinical rotations. Unfortunately, I failed two courses and was dismissed from the college. If I were to fail one, i would be able to retake the class and graduate with the next cohort. But i failed two so it was an automatic dismissal. I filed a grade appeal and that was overturn by the dean.

I was very devastated and didnt know what to do. people around me advised me to apply somewhere else and all i can think of is how can i possibly get in with a dismissal on my transcript. I was about to give up but i knew deep down that that wasnt the person i am. I mourn and got back up.I did some research and decide to return back to my home institution where i started college and apply to their competitive program. I told my recommenders my dismissal story and how I kept pushing to reach my dreams of being a nurse. I believe that my passion spoke through my recommendation letters, essay, and my personal statement.

I was waited list and a spot opened up for me. Im happy to say that i was accepted to start in the fall of 2018 to one of the top nursing school in georgia. I agreed with SamC1988 if you are able to get into another program you will definitely be a great asset. you know the material and will be able to use to your advantage.

In all, dont give up. I bounced back and i know for sure you can too!! believe me, my stats are low.. i was surprise i got accepted. Public school are publicly funded so they have higher standards. but they look for well rounded students that volunteers, have recommenders who knows them very well and know that they are a value nursing student. Let me know if i could be more of a help :) GOOD LUCK!

Sometimes, all you can do is stand. Well done to you!!!

I would like to let you know that not too long ago I went through the same thing, and I can relate it was one of the most difficult times in my life. Although it may seem impossible now I encourage you never to give up, because you can do it! I was in a vewry similar situation 2 years ago, and decided to apply elsewhere. Needless to say I was successful and graduated nursing school. I am also so proud to say I took the NCLEX yestersay for the first time and I passed! You can do this, it its truly what you want you can make it happen ! I wish you the best!

That's really encouraging! Thanks so much and congratulations!!! í ¼í¾‰

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