I failed out of nursing school midway, now what?

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So, I decided to complete and one year accelerated BSN program in May. I quickly became the class' unofficial "class president" by planning events for us to do, and even speaking to professors and administration on our class' behalf. and just recently failed out halfway through (medsurg 2) by 1%. My school didn't allow me my testing accommodations for my diagnosed ADHD until halfway through medsurg 2. When I contacted the dean and the teacher they said they could not do anything for me and that I am not a special case.

That being said, I'm at a standstill. Do I transfer someplace else? I have to option to complete the two year at my school but that program doesn't start for another year (when this medsurg 2 class is offered again).

Im feeling a little down and that I let down my family and my nursing class. Does anyone have suggestions what to do??

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1. Do the 2 year program.

2. Stop being the unofficial class president and focus on your studies.

3. During your year off, work as a CNA.

4. Figure out why you failed and work to change so it doesn't happen again.

Not necessarily in that order.

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Specializes in ICU.

Agree with the above poster. It sucks, but your chances of being accepted at another nursing school after failing out of this program are very low. Take the year to get yourself ready to pass next year.

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Specializes in NICU.

Take the year to get your ADHD under control. I had a classmate (15 mo. ABSN) that took meds for her ADHD and she passed without issues, without accomodations. Once you get back in, stop all non-essential activities and concentrate on your classes instead of the class party planner.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

Good advice from all three. Bird in the hand and all

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Guy in babyland: you may have had friends who passed, but I was newly diagnosed and still figuring it all out. Not everyone with adhd reacts the same, esp in school.

I'm not blaming the school for what happened, I am just telling what happened. I plan to get back into it after calling some people. I was a cna before I came to school so that shouldn't be a problem. Thank you all!

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Guy in babyland: you may have had friends who passed, but I was newly diagnosed and still figuring it all out. Not everyone with adhd reacts the same, esp in school.

I'm not blaming the school for what happened, I am just telling what happened. I plan to get back into it after calling some people. I was a cna before I came to school so that shouldn't be a problem. Thank you all!

Well it doesn't sound like you are taking responsibility. If you are newly diagnosed, how do you know meds won't work? You need to take time off of school to focus on yourself & how to conquer your ADHD.

To jump right back into nursing school when you don't know how to study, take tests correctly & your ADHD isnt properly managed is doing your & the next school a major disservice.

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Guy in babyland: you may have had friends who passed, but I was newly diagnosed and still figuring it all out. Not everyone with adhd reacts the same, esp in school.

I'm not blaming the school for what happened, I am just telling what happened. I plan to get back into it after calling some people. I was a cna before I came to school so that shouldn't be a problem. Thank you all!

Which is why he said to take a year off and get it under control.

I'm with everyone else. Take a year off and then go back and kick butt.

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FWIW, I wouldn't say you failed anyone - as you've probably figured out by now, nursing school is a whole 'nother animal by anybody's standards. In my case, I failed out of VN school once - never even made it through basic skills. This with an Associate's and Bachelor's in Computer Science under my belt. What I did - got it out of my system (took about a year in my case), assessed what hampered me & did everything I could to stack the deck in my favor, and went back in loaded for T. Rex. 2nd time - Dean's list honors for all 3 semesters. Passed NCLEX-PN in 85 questions. Moving on to RN in a couple of years or so (prereqs, then advanced placement into an ADN program - time wise it's about the same as the direct route, plus I don't have a buttload of student loans to pay off) then do an RN to BSN to keep everyone happy.

My point - it can be done, but you're going to have to look at all the factors that hampered you in your quest. ADHD is one; most likely there are others. Transferring to another program may be an option for you; personally I'd recommend sticking with what you've already got if for no other reason than it's a known quantity. Take the time to do what you need to succeed, and then implement your plan. Good fortune to you.

----- Dave

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Specializes in ED, PACU, CM.

As usual, those believing in tough love are out in full force, because of course they've never needed advice with compassion in all their lives! They were hatched as perfect nurses. Let me offer a different perspective. First, relax. You have failed no one. You have a medical issue, one that is going to make school a lot harder. But you can get through. I also was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. I'm in grad school now, and it is tough, but manageable. Ignore all the people who say,"but so-and-so did it, why can't you?" everyone is different. Find out what works for you. If you do take meds, work closely with your provider to titrate for max effect. Consider getting an ADHD coach to help you when you start in the program again. I think that it is great that your were an advocate for your class; we need those types in nursing. However, remember your education comes first. You have to take care of you!

I'm also wondering why they did not offer accommodations if you have ADHD documented. Under Title IX (federal law) disabled students have certain rights. Every university has a Title IX compliance officer. I suggest you get in touch with yours. Your school may not have deprived you of your rights, but I would certainly check. Read more about it here: Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education

Keep your chin up and work hard. Good Luck!

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I was newly diagnosed and still figuring it all out. Not everyone with adhd reacts the same, esp in school.

Once you have it figured out, can you appeal for reinstatement?

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I agree with what everyone else said. If your school is offering you a spot in the 2 year program, take it...even if it means waiting another year to retake med/surg 2. Yes, it stinks having to wait a year when you thought you would be finished, but it happens to people all the time. The important thing is you eventually get to where you want to be. Don't get hung up on the time it will take. If you think you will have success transferring to another program, go for it. But keep in mind it's tough to find a program that will take someone who already failed out. And how much time will you be saving? Maybe a semester if you can start in the fall of 2017?

When you do return, stop with all those extras. Don't worry about being a "class president" (unofficial or not), worry about passing your classes. No extra activity you do in nursing school will even matter. At the most it will matter when you apply for that very first nursing job, but after that, your resume will be filled with accomplishments as a nurse (and this includes when you apply to graduate school). Nursing school will mean nothing. It's admirable that you wanted to be there for your fellow nursing students, but don't do it at your expense.

Lastly, don't get so down on yourself. You didn't let anyone down...expect maybe yourself. You were in an accelerated program, it's not an easy program at all. The option is still there to still be in the program.

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