Has anyone ever failed out of nursing school? and what are other options?

caliotter3 · May 11, 2009

If you were going to graduate in May, you may be able to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Check with your state Board to see if they allow this. If they do, then check if your school will sign off on your application. Once you get an LPN license you will have more options to go back to an RN program. Since you have completed more than half of the RN program, you are eligible to go with Excelsior College. Check out their website: http://www.excelsior.edu. But make certain with your state's Board, that Excelsior College is accepted in your state. Or you can look for another program or just wait it out and reenter your current program. But don't give up. Good luck.

changeofpaceRN · May 11, 2009

Were you going to graduate as a RN or LPN? Some states like pp said will let you sit for the NCLEX-PN after 1/2 the program is done (if you were doing the RN program). Otherwise, waiting a year might be the quickest way to get your license. Excelsior is where I graduated from and I did the program in less than 1 year (but I was already a LPN when I applied with all my pre-reqs done) That program is not for everyone but if you search the distance learning board, you can get a lot of info to see if it could be for you. Good luck.

Also, Excelsior is not accepted by ALL states so you'd have to find that out too.

Crux1024 · May 11, 2009

Im sorry to hear that you failed. I really hope you dont give up your nursing dream. I, unfortunately, have friends that have had the same thing happen. 90% of them re-enrolled in the semester and have done fine afterwards. Why do you have to wait a year to begin again?

One friend I had failed, redid a semester and then did poorly the next semster. She dropped and is hoping to now pursue Surgical Technology. When she gains a little more confidence and some knowledge she hopes to reapply. Perservering is the biggest obstacle. Also, maybe work as a CNA for a little bit, or some kind of aide in the hospital also. Good luck with whatever you decide...!

RwanRN2b · May 11, 2009

If you were going to graduate in May, you may be able to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Check with your state Board to see if they allow this. If they do, then check if your school will sign off on your application. Once you get an LPN license you will have more options to go back to an RN program. Since you have completed more than half of the RN program, you are eligible to go with Excelsior College. Check out their website: www.excelsior.edu. But make certain with your state's Board, that Excelsior College is accepted in your state. Or you can look for another program or just wait it out and reenter your current program. But don't give up. Good luck.

Do you know which state in particular willlet you do this? THanks

caliotter3 · May 11, 2009

People should check with their own state for themselves because things can change. For example, NY used to allow this but changed their rule regarding this, I believe, in 2007. So I know that one can not do this in NY. So far, unless it changed last week and I don't know about it, one could do this in CA. Even if the state allows one to do this, it is all up to the individual school. If your school will not sign your application, it doesn't matter what the state says, because you are screwed. That is the kicker.

Assuming the question was about taking the NCLEX-PN after half the RN program is completed. Same info applies to Excelsior. Some states are in flux today concerning licensure with an EC education. Two years ago, no problem, two years from now, who knows?

penny77 · May 11, 2009

hey.. so sorry to hear this happened to you my boyfriend and I were in the same nursing class.. but in the second to last year, he did not pass clinical stage and consequently was asked to leave the program. At the time, him as well as 2 other students were asked to leave. They all appealed the decision, and my boyfriend was the only one who got reaccepted! He really struggled during that time though.. he felt lost and didn't know what to do. He applied to civil engineering and a statistics program because nursing had left such a bad taste in his mouth but with the encouragement of friends and family he decided to stay in nursing. He (like you) had to wait another year to retake the class, so he found a job as an orderly. Now, he's just about finishing up the program, and although he still has mixed feelings about the career, he's happy that he stuck with it. As for the other two who were asked to leave the program, one of them went into psychology, and one went into teaching! From what I've heard they are both happy in their new programs :) Seeing that you have one stage left, it may be worth it to finish it to at least have the degree. You can take your time this year to really think about what you want to do..

Good luck in what you choose!

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · May 11, 2009

I haven't failed nursing school and prayerfully I won't. I know lots of people who have though. I'm not sure what other options there is, however I do know that giving up on your dream to become a nurse is NEVER an option. :nono: :nurse: