Help!!! Failed 2nd Nursing Coures And Don't Know Where 2 Turn

rn/writer, RN · Mar 7, 2006

Just failed 2nd Nursing course and about 2 be dismissed from Nursing program. I do have the option to appeal the dismissal in May 2006 and I will be doing so. It will be a longshot but if they decide to let me back in, I will continue my courses in August 2006. Really depressed because I didn't expect to fail. I don't know where to turn. I studied my ass of and still failed. Can anyone help me with any suggestions about what to do at this point or about any other Nursing schools that I can apply to. I know that it will be nearly impossible to get into another nursing program after being dismissed. I really have my mind set on becoming an RN and will do anything to get back on track toward accomplishing this. Any suggestion are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

What courses did you fail? What caused you to fail--test scores, clinical experience, or ??

Have you sought help from administrative staff along the way?

Please, tell us more about your situation and what you would tell the powers that be when you make your appeal.

I'm so sorry you're going through this.

OLOLstudentnurse · Mar 7, 2006

I failed Adult Health II. I, as most of my class, was borderline going into the final. I studied alot for the final but still failed. I think that so much has happened this past semester that has contributed to me failing. First of all, I was living in Baton Rouge but had to move because my lease was up on my apt. and due to the Hurricane Katrina, evacuees consumed most of the apts. there. Therefore, no decent housing led to me havig to move back home 1 and 1/2 hours away from my school. B/c of having 2 move, I had 2 quit my job that I had in Baton Rouge. My mom got laid off after the Hurricane also. To make matters worst, my car kept breaking causing me to miss valuable class time. I managed to attend all schedule clinical (thank God it was only once a week.) So no job, Mom with no job, car that breaks every other week with limited repair money, 1.5 hour drive (whenever my car is working, missed classes=failed 2nd nursing course=dismissed from program, awaiting apeal, and don't know what to do. I am scheduled to go on Thursday to speak to an advisor to inform me more about the appeal process. I have cried so much these past few days. Now I'm trying to figure out what I can do to get my life back on track. Only 4 classes left 2 take. I am praying that they take everything into consideration because this is my career at stake.

rn/writer, RN · Mar 7, 2006

I failed Adult Health II. I, as most of my class, was borderline going into the final. I studied alot for the final but still failed. I think that so much has happened this past semester that has contributed to me failing. First of all, I was living in Baton Rouge but had to move because my lease was up on my apt. and due to the Hurricane Katrina, evacuees consumed most of the apts. there. Therefore, no decent housing led to me havig to move back home 1 and 1/2 hours away from my school. B/c of having 2 move, I had 2 quit my job that I had in Baton Rouge. My mom got laid off after the Hurricane also. To make matters worst, my car kept breaking causing me to miss valuable class time. I managed to attend all schedule clinical (thank God it was only once a week.) So no job, Mom with no job, car that breaks every other week with limited repair money, 1.5 hour drive (whenever my car is working, missed classes=failed 2nd nursing course=dismissed from program, awaiting apeal, and don't know what to do. I am scheduled to go on Thursday to speak to an advisor to inform me more about the appeal process. I have cried so much these past few days. Now I'm trying to figure out what I can do to get my life back on track. Only 4 classes left 2 take. I am praying that they take everything into consideration because this is my career at stake.

Wow. That seems like an awful lot of extenuating circumstances.

Here are a couple of observations. Katrina hit after most schools were already in session. You couldn't have pulled out without taking a hit financially. If I were on the appeals boards, I would certainly take that into consideration. Also, the entire region was so overtaxed that I'm sure there are more than a few folks in your predicament.

However, since you already failed a previous class, that might not be enough to sway them.

I would strongly encourage you to put together a plan that addresses the problems you faced--whether hurricane-related or in areas where you have personal challenges--and show the appeals board that you are doing something besides grasping at straws. More important than whether or not you deserve another chance is whether or not they can justify giving you one of the coveted places in the next class. If they are not convinced that you're a good bet for success, no matter how much they like you and feel for you, they may not be able to offer you a spot at the expense of waiting student.

Here are some suggestions. Study all you can between now and the appeals board meeting. Identify your weak areas and learn what you can from online courses, nursing journal courses, student study groups, anything you can get hold of, and keep a journal of your efforts to show the board.

Address the personal issues--location, car problems, job situation, etc.--and fix or find alternatives to each of them. If the decision makers know that you are accepting responsibility for your life and have back-up plans that will help you avoid absence and preoccupation, you can only look like a safer risk. This approach will also demonstrate maturity and the understanding that dependability is extremely important in the working world.

Take good care of yourself in every way possible. When depression comes knocking, send him packing. If you've already seated him on the couch, show him the door. Get yourself in good physical shape so that you go in feeling capable and strong.

Present yourself as much more in control of your life now and serious about conquering your deficits. Show them that you have invested the waiting period in all kinds of pro-active behaviors that say you believe in yourself.

Yes, doing all of this will cause rejection to hurt more. But hedging your bets and not doing anything is turning yourself down on their behalf. Look at it as a "double or nothing" deal. If they rule in your favor, you will feel you earned your place. Even if they don't, you can take satisfaction in knowing that you didn't betray yourself.

I wish you courage and success.

buddiage · Mar 7, 2006

Hi-

Well, that's a lot to deal with. It's hard, even on a good day. There are others out there trying to deal with school and aren't doing very well.

My friend just let me know that she isn't going to be passing this semester either- a myriad of health problems (some of them quite serious-and no insurance) and accidents, relationship problems, adopting a girl (I told her don't do it yet), and reading a book on how to answer nursing test questions a little too late (she knows the material thoroughly and got stumped on the "always" "never" "only" questions). She's going to have to re-enter the program next year. I know this does not even shadow in comparison to what you are having to put on your shoulders. Maybe you can re-enter the program?

If you have to take a breather to just get your life back together, or move to somewhere where it is more stable, don't feel bad about that! You are in the HEART of a life changing event that affects all Americans. I really am hoping for the best for you.

Tie a knot at the end of your rope and hang on.

deanaRN · Mar 7, 2006

If you can't get back in, could you take the summer off to help you/your family get finances in better shape and get your mind off of it? If you can't get into a RN program anywhere enter a 1 yr LPN program, then once you have that and are working you can get your LPN->RN online.

NaomieRN · Mar 7, 2006

First thing you should do, get your finances and other problems in order. If you start in the summer with the same problems, you may fail again. Good luck to you, I hope everything goes well with you. God can also help you when you call on his name. Try to pray and ask God to help you.

SueBee RN-BSN · Mar 7, 2006

Nursing is stressful, your situation is stressful. Many nurses have gone through harder times than you have, and passed in nursing school. Should you be a nurse?

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Mar 7, 2006

Nursing is stressful, your situation is stressful. Many nurses have gone through harder times than you have, and passed in nursing school. Should you be a nurse?

Huh? Nursing school is stressful, but no one is expected to go through what she has and still be able to function. This comment was uncalled for. Just how much harder does it have to be? She came on here for support, not a smart comment. :nono: :nono:

rn/writer, RN · Mar 7, 2006

Nursing is stressful, your situation is stressful. Many nurses have gone through harder times than you have, and passed in nursing school. Should you be a nurse?

Seems like an insensitive and unhelpful response. Unless you're meaning something different from what I'm seeing. Feel free to elaborate.

RNMISTY362b · Mar 7, 2006

Wow, You had alot going on. Maybe taking the LVN route than get your RN would be a good option after you are able to regroup from all the stress . the stress you feel now will only get worse with each passing day. Time for a menatal health break. Rest and give it another try when you are a 100% again also use that time to explore other areas in health care.

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Mar 7, 2006

Nursing school is extremely hard. But being a real RN is even harder. Maybe this happened for a reason, maybe there is another career you would excel at. I did great in nursing school but the real world is so hard and sometimes I just want to quit, there is sooooo much to know.