I dropped out of nursing school, now what?

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While in nursing school, I had three deaths in my family in a very short period of time. One of these was a suicide. The results were devastating, and I just could not put forth the amount of concentration required to succeed in nursing school. I completed an intro course, med surg, and a couple of weeks of mother-baby. After that experience, I feel that teaching is a better career for me. It is demanding in a completely different way, and it interests me more. An added bonus is a family-friendly schedule. I took a few months off to just gather myself, and am now looking for employment. My period of unemployment is nearly a year now.

So now I am looking for CNA jobs, so that I can afford to go back to school in education. I would like to be a teacher's aid, but I need the living wage of about $10-11/hr that a job as a CNA provides to fund my education, which a teacher's aid job does not provide. I had two years of experience as a CNA prior to nursing school. Should I put on my CNA resume that I had a brief stint in nursing school? I learned a lot in med-surg, but I think putting it on my resume may highlight the fact that I did not meet a goal that I had set for myself.:confused:

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Since nursing school is no longer in your future, there really is no need to put it on your resume unless you want to rely upon it to assist you in getting a CNA job. When I went for CNA jobs, it seemed that the people hiring me, except in one instance, could care less that I was in nursing school. All they cared about was my CNA experience and how much they could put me on the shift calendar.

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Due to the fact that you "dropped" out as opposed to "failed" out I would mention it under education. Once you are interviewed you could explain your reason. The person interviewing you will more then likely be a nurse and will totally understand your decision as they will know the demands of nursing school. This would give them a reason to believe that you are a caring person, that can make a rational decision and just may land you the job.

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Specializes in ER, education, mgmt.

I agree that you should include it in your education portion of your resume. there is nothing wrong with deciding something is not for you. Nor is there anything wrong with deciding to withdraw for personal reasons. A simple explanation such as, "Due to personal and family matters, I had to withdraw from nursing school. After further consideration, I decided I really did not wish to pursue it further." Add to that how you enjoy the CNA role, would be an asset to their facility, have a good work ethic, etc... and you should be good to go. Good luck!

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Specializes in ER, PACU, Med-Surg, Hospice, LTC.

I would list it.

You did complete classes and that should be acknowledged. Everything positive counts on a cover letter and resume, IMO.

Nursing is not for everyone. It can be a very, very difficult job.

Good luck with whatever path you decide to take!

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/LTC/geriatrics.

I would leave it off. They may expect different things from you if they know you have been to a few nursing classes. I would only put things on your resume you actually completed, then you don't have to explain to everybody what happened and why you didn't complete nursing school. :D

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I wouldn't

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You have a lot to be proud of. Nursing school is difficult. You tried, and ran into life circumstances that were not foreseen.

You have about 60 seconds to catch the attention of the individual reading your resume. Do not lose this moment with a lengthy resume. During the interview you might want to mention it. Leave it off.

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I am very sorry for your family losses.

I think you should include the education info as well. I have "dropped out" of a couple of programs in my life, and it has never hurt me in interviews and shcool applications. People like a well-rounded applicant. They won't know you "dropped out", why not frame it as you decided to not continue? They won't know what grade you got unless you tell them.

On your school apps for teacher's aide, just explain what happened and dimes to donuts they will not even bat an eye. It's not your fault you went through all that.

Why not go for a teaching license? There are online schools where you could get your BA/BS sitting at home most of the time. Would pay more ... you'd have to get the license in Special Ed or a hard science, though, of you might have trouble finding a job.

Good luck!

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