Got kicked out of nursing school

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Hello All,

So I got kicked out of nursing school after my second failed class. It has been 6 months, I have never spoken about it since then and am now comfortable talking about it. I hope to get any insight, advice, and whatever comments you may have. I was enrolled at West Coast University (private school in CA). At WCU, it is important we maintain at 76% critical grade (not final grade) to be considered a pass. I failed one of my class by 1% critical grade, retook it and passed the second time. My second failed class was because I didn't turn in all my assignments. It was a tough semester, many things were going on in my personal life. Even though my critical was passing, I still didn't pass because I didn't submit all my assignment. I am not blaming anyone or want any pity. But I was really upset with myself, I couldn't get myself to submit all my assignment. Now, I face that mistake. I now owe a lot of money since I was already half-way done with the BSN program.

It took me a while to accept my new reality. I still kept that a secret to my family and friends. I have been living a lie but honestly, I really think nursing is for me. I know I am not stupid. Since then, I looked into community college and enrolled myself into a local community college to retake the pre-req since my pre-req already passed the 5 year mark. I am also preparing myself to take the CNA exam so I can at least work to start paying off the loans from Sallie Mae. I am just afraid with how long it could take me to get back into a nursing program because I am near 30yo. I feel like my pit-fall has slowed me down on having a "real job" and starting a family.

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You are no too old for nursing school. I am 31 and I am about to enter the 3rd semester in an ADN program. There are a lot of people in my classes who are in their 40's, 50's and 60's. The bottom line is that it is never too late to do anything, especially when it comes to education. You can do it. Don't give up. Do not let the failures define you. Stand up and start over again. I have been in your shoes before and I know the feeling. It also took me a while to regroup and get back up on my feet. I know you can do it. Put 120% effort into it and you will succeed. Good luck to you! 68755091_2808633075832585_62990896987782

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16 hours ago, Maddelyn said:

Hello All,

So I got kicked out of nursing school after my second failed class. It has been 6 months, I have never spoken about it since then and am now comfortable talking about it. I hope to get any insight, advice, and whatever comments you may have. I was enrolled at West Coast University (private school in CA). At WCU, it is important we maintain at 76% critical grade (not final grade) to be considered a pass. I failed one of my class by 1% critical grade, retook it and passed the second time. My second failed class was because I didn't turn in all my assignments. It was a tough semester, many things were going on in my personal life. Even though my critical was passing, I still didn't pass because I didn't submit all my assignment. I am not blaming anyone or want any pity. But I was really upset with myself, I couldn't get myself to submit all my assignment. Now, I face that mistake. I now owe a lot of money since I was already half-way done with the BSN program.

It took me a while to accept my new reality. I still kept that a secret to my family and friends. I have been living a lie but honestly, I really think nursing is for me. I know I am not stupid. Since then, I looked into community college and enrolled myself into a local community college to retake the pre-req since my pre-req already passed the 5 year mark. I am also preparing myself to take the CNA exam so I can at least work to start paying off the loans from Sallie Mae. I am just afraid with how long it could take me to get back into a nursing program because I am near 30yo. I feel like my pit-fall has slowed me down on having a "real job" and starting a family.

When you say you "looked into" community college, what does that mean? I don't think your age is a problem, but failing out of one nursing program may be a huge barrier to being accepted into another.
A lot of people seem to think of community college as a back up plan, but the competition is often fierce. I would have a serious talk with someone in the admission's office before spending more time and more money. Make sure your plan is realistic, or at least possible.

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On 8/24/2019 at 10:04 AM, Sour Lemon said:

When you say you "looked into" community college, what does that mean? I don't think your age is a problem, but failing out of one nursing program may be a huge barrier to being accepted into another.
A lot of people seem to think of community college as a back up plan, but the competition is often fierce. I would have a serious talk with someone in the admission's office before spending more time and more money. Make sure your plan is realistic, or at least possible.

Hello, thank you for your response. After my previous nursing school experience, I decided on community college because it is cheaper. I want to get back into a nursing program without another big loan. My current loan from my previous nursing school program is frightening. I am very aware that any nursing program will be competitive, either it is community college or private school.

Currently, I am enrolled in a community college to retake my anatomy and physiology classes so I can apply to another nursing program. While doing that, I have an interest in my local community college's program. They offer both LVN and RN. By "looking", I meant I reviewed their requirements and attended their info session then made actions of taking necessary courses and speaking with their counselor. My plan is to fix myself up while still keeping an eye on deadlines for applying.

Failing out of my previous program was unspeakable. Despite what had happened, I still want to pursue nursing.

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On 8/24/2019 at 9:48 AM, anothervietguy said:

You are no too old for nursing school. I am 31 and I am about to enter the 3rd semester in an ADN program. There are a lot of people in my classes who are in their 40's, 50's and 60's. The bottom line is that it is never too late to do anything, especially when it comes to education. You can do it. Don't give up. Do not let the failures define you. Stand up and start over again. I have been in your shoes before and I know the feeling. It also took me a while to regroup and get back up on my feet. I know you can do it. Put 120% effort into it and you will succeed. Good luck to you! 68755091_2808633075832585_62990896987782

I thank you for your kind message. I agree, giving up isn't the answer. Could you share on what steps you took to get yourself back into a program?

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

Are you eligible for LVN challenge since you completed a certain number of RN classes?

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Specializes in NICU.

I do not know exactly what to say except that when it comes to nursing school Failure is NOT an option. You show insight into what happened but it is not enough.Speak with a counselor,academic advisor and work out a plan,going cheaper is not easier ,as others here have mentioned.Once you have your goal put on the blinders and focus on your goal only,everything else is secondary.Good luck ,you can do it.

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Never ever give up!

You started nursing school with a reason and a purpose - don't forget it. I had unfavorable experiences with nursing school but graduated and obtained my RN license. I feel deeply for you because I have loans sitting on my head that give me anxiety all the time. You are not alone, there are many people in your position so kudos to getting to the point of being able to talk about it.

If a 1% difference means you pass/failed they should apply that thought to tuition!!!!! Clearly if I failed, your programs sucks for ME and I should get MY money back.

Im so sorry. I wish there were something I could do/say to make a great difference for you. I wish you the best !!!!!!

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Goodluck OP. I failed a class in nursing school because a had a horrible preceptor who thought I wasn't ready to advance and graduate to be a nurse. I re-took the clinical with a new preceptor at a different hospital in a new city and she said I was one of the best students she had and tried hard to recruit me to work there with her. And I passed the NCLEX in 75 Q's later in a few weeks. Point is, I was at a low point and I just kept my head up.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I would quietly and kindly advise you to look at other roles in healthcare. Your odds of getting back into nursing school are quite slim on the whole. There are a lot of roles that have direct patient interaction that pay nearly as well and that will be more receptive to you.

I am sorry you are having to face this. Facing our own demons is incredibly difficult and humbling. Come clean to your family as soon as possible before this eats away at you any further.

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Specializes in Nursing Student in Diploma Program..

When I fall I remind myself of why I start in the first place. What I look to for inspiration is the myth of sisyphus.

Sisyphus cheated death numerous times and was sentenced by the gods to push a boulder up a mountain for all eternity, however, whenever he neared the top the boulder would come out of his grasp and roll back to the bottom only to have him start all over again. He was damned for all eternity to roll this boulder to the top of the mountain only to never quite reach the top.

Included in this is a quote by Albert Camus, "One must imagine sisyphus happy.".

You must find happiness in the absurd, no matter how many times your boulder rolls back down the mountain, you are required to start pushing it back up again.

No matter how many times I may have a feeling of hopelessness or encounter roadblocks, I remind myself of this. Life is about the experience and the persistence of pushing for your goals. Your boulder is at the bottom of the hill, you have taken a rest, start pushing again.

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Specializes in Medsurg.
On 8/26/2019 at 9:15 PM, DowntheRiver said:

Are you eligible for LVN challenge since you completed a certain number of RN classes?

Yes good point!

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