I failed out of Nursing School... Appealed and WON!!
I am currently a Senior Nursing Student, I have read countless blogs, threads, and websites and have yet to find a story about a successful nursing school appeal. My nursing school journey is unique & I hope that it inspires those who have lost hope to never give up.... I failed out & appealed my grade. It is possible to win a nursing school appeal... I know this because I won MINE!!!
Members are discussing the differences between ADN and BSN nurses, with some arguing that periodic NCLEX testing is necessary to keep up with advances in nursing education and procedures. There is also debate about the importance of critical thinking skills in nursing, with some members questioning whether all nurses, regardless of degree, need to think critically. Additionally, the impact of having a BSN versus an ADN on patient outcomes is being discussed, with some members highlighting the importance of practical nursing knowledge beyond just passing the NCLEX.
I didn't choose nursing it chose me. I firmly believe that God called upon me to become a nurse. I know this because he planted a seed in me long before I knew it myself. I've had quite the journey in nursing school, and I attribute my success to persevering and never giving up. Florence Nightingale once said, "I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an accuse". This quote really means a lot to me and is what inspired me to keep going even when the odds were against me.
I was diagnosed with ADHD as a young child. I have always struggled, but I have learned to manage my disability, and I continue to strive to be an exceptional student. It is because of my learning disability, I have to make a daily effort to stay on top of my studies, and overcome the adversity of my circumstances.
In nursing school you're only able to retake one nursing course, which I already did a year prior. However, last fall my worst nightmare became a reality, I failed a second course by less than half a point, 0.43 to be exact. I was completely devastated but I wasn't going to give up that easy. If a nursing student fails a class regardless of whether it's their first or second failure, and if that student has reason to believe that the grade does not reflect his or her academic ability then they can appeal the grade with the dean of nursing. And that's exactly what I did, as a Bachelorette nursing student we have been taught that the best practice is evidenced based. After all that is what separates a BSN degree versus an ADN degree, we are trained to use our critical thinking knowledge and research the best clinical evidenced based practice.
I researched nursing school appeals to see if there were ever any students to fail out but were able to win an appeal. To my dismay I did not find any successful nursing school appeals even ones that went to court. That was a little discouraging but I knew I was born to be a nurse and that even if my appeal was not successful at least I gave it my all. Any nursing student can attest to the fact that it is infuriating when you get a test question and every answer available is correct. However, there is always one that is "most correct". Those pesky priority questions and select all that apply will always be the death of me. In this particular course there were three exam questions that I knew were reasonably debatable and I was going to find the evidence.
I wrote my nursing appeal letter and made a meeting with the dean. I found evidence base practice in my text-books, reading material from other classes and even in an NCLEX book that my school endorsed. All I needed were two points added back in order to be successful, I knew I had to appeal this because I was meant for greatness. After a long few weeks, I finally received the letter that would determine my future career as a nurse. I opened the letter and it said that my appeal was successful. That I was given back two out three of the test questions that were contested. I was in tears because I had never fought so hard for something in my entire life. But it was worth it and the only explanation that I can come up with is that this experience was a test. God knew I was supposed to be a nurse but how far was I willing to go? Also, one day I will have patients with way bigger fears and battles than I have ever had to endure. He wanted to know that I was willing to stand up for what I believe in and that I would speak even if my voice shook.
I graduate FINALLY in August this year and I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a masters in nursing. I would love to become a nurse practitioner but I think after this experience I would love to pursue a degree in nursing education. Nursing school is hard, I especially know this and hopefully my story will inspire others to never give up. I couldn't have done it with out God because he is the one who called me to be a nurse. I could have thrown my hands up and quit but I didn't. I inspire to always attribute my success to never giving or taking an accuse, like Florence Nightingale. Little did she know that her one observation of how important hand washing was between patients would forever change healthcare. And how it gave nurses and future nurses like me the hope and courage to make a difference.
-Hope this inspires others to keep going & believe in the impossible, JB ?
I do not believe her ADHD had anything to do with her inflammatory statement regarding ADN nurses. It sounds exactly like what a professor might be telling these kids and they are buying it hook line and sinker.
The author stated she has ADHD. Grandiose thoughts can occur if the symptoms are not well controlled. I believe that she may have a learning disability that affects her ability to express her thoughts on paper in an organized manner. I suspect that it took great effort for her to compose this essay and that her poor word choices are a part of her disability.These are enormous obstacles for a college student and her hard work and determination are commendable.
I considered that. But the ASN vs BSN is such a dead horse
Nurses are allegedly interested in science and best evidenced-based practices. Yet so many of us are in denial and go through our careers and life feeding our Id.
"There is little age-associated decline in some mental functions such as verbal ability, some numerical abilities and general knowledge but other mental capabilities decline from middle age onwards, or even earlier.8,9The latter include aspects of memory, executive functions, processing speed and reasoning. All of these so-called fluid' mental abilities are important for carrying out everyday activities, living independently and leading a fulfilling life. When one fluid mental domain declines others tend to do so also.10 Second, slowed speed of information processing appears to account for a substantial proportion of age-associated decline in all affected cognitive domains"
Nurses are allegedly interested in science and best evidenced-based practices. Yet so many of us are in denial and go through our careers and life feeding our Id.
"There is little age-associated decline in some mental functions such as verbal ability, some numerical abilities and general knowledge but other mental capabilities decline from middle age onwards, or even earlier.8,9The latter include aspects of memory, executive functions, processing speed and reasoning. All of these so-called fluid' mental abilities are important for carrying out everyday activities, living independently and leading a fulfilling life. When one fluid mental domain declines others tend to do so also.10 Second, slowed speed of information processing appears to account for a substantial proportion of age-associated decline in all affected cognitive domains"
ADD includes increased impulsiveness as one of the symptoms. I know personally this means a need to reread things written two or three times to catch mistakes or poorly written statements. I often have to remind students or clients to take a deep breath, relax, and reread. Also, never underestimate the power of underlining important details or writing down important thoughts.
Nurses are allegedly interested in science and best evidenced-based practices. Yet so many of us are in denial and go through our careers and life feeding our Id.
"There is little age-associated decline in some mental functions such as verbal ability, some numerical abilities and general knowledge but other mental capabilities decline from middle age onwards, or even earlier.8,9The latter include aspects of memory, executive functions, processing speed and reasoning. All of these so-called fluid' mental abilities are important for carrying out everyday activities, living independently and leading a fulfilling life. When one fluid mental domain declines others tend to do so also.10 Second, slowed speed of information processing appears to account for a substantial proportion of age-associated decline in all affected cognitive domains"
Really?? You're going to go from "BSNs are better than ADNs" to "younger nurses are better than older nurses because their brains aren't rotting yet"?? At what age do you recommend that all of us old, tired, burned out, useless hags be put out to pasture because we can't keep up with the Bright Young Things? (And, when you answer, keep in mind that you will be that age some day.) Many of the older nurses I know can nurse (and run) circles around many of the younger nurses I know, despite the ravages of "age-associated cognitive decline."
Really?? You're going to go from "BSNs are better than ADNs" to "younger nurses are better than older nurses because their brains aren't rotting yet"?? At what age do you recommend that all of us old, tired, burned out, useless hags be put out to pasture because we can't keep up with the Bright Young Things? (And, when you answer, keep in mind that you will be that age some day.) Many of the older nurses I know can nurse (and run) circles around many of the younger nurses I know, despite the ravages of "age-associated cognitive decline."
I always wondered how students fail out of nursing school but somehow they're miraculously taking med-surg for the third time. So this is the big ol' secret. And to think I actually studied! Why didn't I know about this sooner!
I'm sorry, I can't help myself. I really try not to call names but this is ridiculous. I assure you, I did many evidence-based research projects and wrote many an APA format paper in my ASN program. I do plan to start my BSN next year, so I don't discount it, but I know that I was a well prepared new nurse upon graduating. Please try to think before you speak and know your audience. An attitude like that will NOT serve you well in your first job working with many an ADN/ASN prepared nurse.
Really?? You're going to go from "BSNs are better than ADNs" to "younger nurses are better than older nurses because their brains aren't rotting yet"?? At what age do you recommend that all of us old, tired, burned out, useless hags be put out to pasture because we can't keep up with the Bright Young Things? (And, when you answer, keep in mind that you will be that age some day.) Many of the older nurses I know can nurse (and run) circles around many of the younger nurses I know, despite the ravages of "age-associated cognitive decline."
That's your interpretation and an interesting choice of words, "better than", your words, not mine. It's often more fun to speculate and use anecdotal experiences when discussing on message-boards and i hope I'm following the spirit of this board. It appears that the majority of the people on AN focus on personally attacking individuals they don't agree with and never actually address the original issue or idea.
You bring up an interesting point though, and perhaps nurses need to retake the NCLEX periodically to ensure patients are receiving the most efficient, effective, and safe care from aging nurses. Several states require individuals to retake their driver's test when they are of a certain age and is the safe care of patients any less important?
perhaps nurses need to retake the NCLEX periodically to ensure patients are receiving the most efficient, effective, and safe care from aging nurses.
Taking the NCLEX periodically to maintain licensure (every 10 years or so) is a solid idea. I disagree with your indication for it though. I would say that the best reason for periodic NCLEX testing is to keep up with advances in education, EBP, and updated nursing procedures.
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Pitt2Philly said:
That's your interpretation and an interesting choice of words, "better than", your words, not mine. It's often more fun to speculate and use anecdotal experiences when discussing on message-boards and i hope I'm following the spirit of this board. It appears that the majority of the people on AN focus on personally attacking individuals they don't agree with and never actually address the original issue or idea.
You bring up an interesting point though, and perhaps nurses need to retake the NCLEX periodically to ensure patients are receiving the most efficient, effective, and safe care from aging nurses. Several states require individuals to retake their driver's test when they are of a certain age and is the safe care of patients any less important?
I would have no problem with that, although my specialty certification requires recertification every four years, and it covers more than just what is needed for the nurse to be minimally competent.
FlyingScot, RN
2,016 Posts
I do not believe her ADHD had anything to do with her inflammatory statement regarding ADN nurses. It sounds exactly like what a professor might be telling these kids and they are buying it hook line and sinker.