Got kicked out of nursing school

[Maddelyn]

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.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

3 hours ago, MykRTstudent said:

This is not true. I’ve met four people throughout my schooling who all failed out of nursing programs, got accepted into another program, and have graduated. They are now all working as nurses. What a discouraging piece of advice for the OP.

Anyway OP, I was in nursing school at one time and failed a course myself. I had the opportunity to retake it, but was turned off to nursing in general. Long story short, I realized how unhappy I was in nursing school and switched gears- I went back to school for respiratory therapy, I loved it, and just graduated this summer.

I think community college is the best way to go for those who were unsuccessful in previous nursing programs. I’ve found that CC’s tend to be the most accepting, and will give you a second chance- plus money is another factor, CC’s are usually the best options financially, so if you already have loans to begin with that’s a no brainer.

Like others have said, if you change your mind there are other professions in allied health that pay well and you can use your nursing pre-reqs for. Some examples would be Respiratory Therapy (what I chose), Radiology Tech, Surgical Tech, Medical Lab Tech, or if you can handle a little more schooling there’s also Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. Respiratory Therapy would be the closest to nursing out of all of these.

Best of luck and keep your head up!

Your evidence is anecdotal and rare. I was also the one who pointed out pathways other than nursing to go into the medical profession, so discouragement was not what was being offered up.

[MykRTstudent]

8 hours ago, Nurse SMS said:

Your evidence is anecdotal and rare. I was also the one who pointed out pathways other than nursing to go into the medical profession, so discouragement was not what was being offered up.

I don’t know how long it has been since the last time you were in school, but your information is not accurate. Plenty of people get accepted into nursing programs after being unsuccessful in another program. Yes, there are some schools that are strict and will not accept anyone who has previously been in nursing school, but not all institutions are like this. And yes, to tell the OP that they shouldn’t continue on with nursing IS discouraging, especially when they’ve stated they still want to be a nurse. Who is to tell them what they should do with their life.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

16 hours ago, MykRTstudent said:

I don’t know how long it has been since the last time you were in school, but your information is not accurate. Plenty of people get accepted into nursing programs after being unsuccessful in another program. Yes, there are some schools that are strict and will not accept anyone who has previously been in nursing school, but not all institutions are like this. And yes, to tell the OP that they shouldn’t continue on with nursing IS discouraging, especially when they’ve stated they still want to be a nurse. Who is to tell them what they should do with their life.

I am a nurse educator working in professional development and academia. As such I feel I am well positioned to know of which I speak. You are free to disagree. Your words do not match the reality I have knowledge of, but its a big wide world out there. Perhaps you know better than I.

I did not "tell them what they should do with their life". I gave them suggestions on how to move forward with their desire to care for patients when they are now at a significant disadvantage when it comes to nursing school, so that if they find, like most do, that they struggle to be accepted into another program, they have another direction to go in. That is not "being unsupportive". It is offering viable alternatives given the reality in which they now find themselves.

Arguing this point is silly. OP, I hope you are finding your way and continue to wish you all the best.

[cherryblossum]

Hello, I'm a fellow WCU graduate. I know it's been four years but you are allowed to go back to WCU if you set up a meeting with the dean. The rules used to be you get kicked out and you can come back about a year later and start off where you left off. That's not the case anymore. If you get kicked out you can come back to west coast again but start from funds. I'm sorry I wish you had this information earlier. 

[nurSINGH]

Keep your head up and use this as motivation. 

[RNfairy]

Check out smith chason college of nursing. Yea it's private but they might take some of your transcripts. Get done in less than two years and pay off your loans. I have heard of a lot of people getting "kicked out. " of their RN program. Not the end, you just gotta find a different program.