Kicked out of nursing school b/c medical dx! Wth? Really?

Succubus · Jul 22, 2010

Kind of curious why you refer to yourself as a woman in your last post but use the male symbol in your post headers.

Wow...thanks I honestly didn't know that was there, rarely do I post I usually browse topics etc. I will change it tho ((whew))

Yes I am all woman LOL

Succubus · Jul 22, 2010

I agree with this wholeheartedly.
To the OP
If the your manner of posting is any indication of how you communicated with your school, I can fully understand the school's concern about you.
Your having Bipolar disorder (and I believe that you also indicated ADD) is most certainly your school's concern. It affects whether you can be licensed in some states, and perhaps where you do clinicals. In the admission to nursing school process, there is usually a form that asks about whether there is anything healthwise that might affect how you perform in school.
And please do not throw race out there.....whether you think that it is a factor or not. My sister is bipolar - the disease knows no race. Nursing Schools are used to people that toss the race out there as an excuse, valid or not, and that will make anyone that is even remotely sympathetic to your cause, shut down completely. If they were that biased, you would not have made it this far.
A question, why is the proof that they need, this prescription bottle, several years old, and why are all the records in another state? If you have bipolar, and are going through something as stressful as nursing school, plus working and are a single mother, you should be getting treatment on a regular basis, as well as a local MD/psy that monitors your condition and therapy. For someone that has this disorder, to not have a current script or local health provider, generally indicates that they are not being closely managed and/or compliant with therapy/meds, and that is a problem that the school is going to be rightfully concerned, especially in light of your anxiety attack.
If a diabetic student missed clinical because they went into DKA, and those trying to ascertain whether they were safe to attend NS - found that they did not have a local provider and didn't have an updated (less than several years old) script for their meds... there would be serious questions about their ability to continue. Same thing with a student with epilepsy.
And even if the school is okay with it, clinical sites are less sympathetic. Any chance of a student being impaired by ANYTHING, and they will be hesitant to allow them to practice there.

Actually, I didn't speak to anybody at the school. I filed an appeal in student affairs and that was that. When I was told I was dropped from the program the next day I attended clincals. Sigh...smh if I come across a certain way my apologies...Just b/c I was dx with those disorders doesn't mean I have to actively seek help or spazz out lots....maybe if you understood my culture you would understand why the script is old. :crying2:

Succubus · Jul 22, 2010

Some schools seem very arbitrary in whether missing a clinical day results in failure or not. I'd like to think that the reasoning behind those different responses were fair, but sometimes it seems like it's more a matter of whether or not the clinical instructor "feels" that the student is good nursing material or not.
Whether or not the school/instructor was consistent in applying it's attendance policy, you'll be best served by being very calm and professional with them as you work through your grievance. If you get very upset and seem to come unhinged while fighting it, it will just make the instructor look justified in not allowing you back in clinical.
It might not be fair if you have to wait a year to finish the course, but given how competitive it is to get into nursing programs these days, it might be worth it to you to do your best to show the school you want to what it takes (which might mean maintaining a respectful and professional attitude to an instructor/administrator even if they aren't behaving that way towards you).
If the school is THAT bad, then you'd be better off applying to finish up somewhere else where you'd get better training anyway.
And while I agree that telling the instructor the reason you were missing clinical was due to an anxiety attack probably wasn't a good call, I can appreciate that you were trying to be honest as well as taking patient safety in mind by not going to clinical when you didn't feel you could provide your best.[/quote
It was not a good call and I regret and thanks choosing another schools is another avenue I am pursuing as well. My grandmother used to always tell me, "One monkey don't stop no show." So life goes on its just a minor setback. Things happen..........

happy2learn · Jul 22, 2010

Actually, I didn't speak to anybody at the school. I filed an appeal in student affairs and that was that. When I was told I was dropped from the program the next day I attended clincals. Sigh...smh if I come across a certain way my apologies...Just b/c I was dx with those disorders doesn't mean I have to actively seek help or spazz out lots....maybe if you understood my culture you would understand why the script is old.

It's hard to really tell someone's attitude over the internet, but you will get used to saying things a certain way so that it doesn't come off another way. I just thought you came off as PO'd, but I would be too. lol.

I don't know what your cultural background is, and I really don't need to know. But my grandma was a firm believer against medication of any sort. She believed that God can heal everything. She wouldn't even go the doctor or anything. Now I believe this too, but I also believe that God uses people in the medical field to help others out. I also believe that God has blessed certain researchers to come up with these medications (though I don't believe He intended the pharm companies to profit so much, but that's what happens with greed.)

Anyways, she believed this until her husband got prostate cancer. That was the first time they went to the doctor in many, many, many, many years. Now she visited and she has diabetes, so she takes meds! I guess when you're life is pretty much at stake, you kind of change your opinion.

I'm not trying to tell you to believe in medicine. But you may need to be open to the idea that you might have to keep your script updated to get a license. I wouldn't see this as going against your beliefs or anything. It's just business.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2010

Actually, I didn't speak to anybody at the school. I filed an appeal in student affairs and that was that. When I was told I was dropped from the program the next day I attended clincals. Sigh...smh if I come across a certain way my apologies...Just b/c I was dx with those disorders doesn't mean I have to actively seek help or spazz out lots....maybe if you understood my culture you would understand why the script is old.

Culture has absolutely nothing to do with it. And if "culture" prevents you from getting appropriate monitoring, then you are going to have to get over your "culture".... if you expect to make it in nursing.

No excuses.

Bipolar disorder is a serious issue and must be monitored. Just as someone with high blood pressure, epilepsy or diabetes. And many of those people don't think that they are sick or need to be monitored......until they end up in and accident or in crisis. As a nurse, you will deal with people that are bipolar, or depressed, or have these physical disorders, but don't think that they need to do something for it...the meds are inconvenient or make them tired....just annoy them so they stop them. And then things happen...and then end up in ICU or the psych unit or occasionally jail ...or getting suspended from nursing school.

And these pts will talk about how culture/race/friends/family/religion/etc. told them that they did not need meds or monitoring.

Bipolar is a condition just like diabetes or epilepsy. It does not make you a bad or weak person to have appropriate treatment.

Succubus · Jul 22, 2010

It's hard to really tell someone's attitude over the internet, but you will get used to saying things a certain way so that it doesn't come off another way. I just thought you came off as PO'd, but I would be too. lol.
I don't know what your cultural background is, and I really don't need to know. But my grandma was a firm believer against medication of any sort. She believed that God can heal everything. She wouldn't even go the doctor or anything. Now I believe this too, but I also believe that God uses people in the medical field to help others out. I also believe that God has blessed certain researchers to come up with these medications (though I don't believe He intended the pharm companies to profit so much, but that's what happens with greed.)
Anyways, she believed this until her husband got prostate cancer. That was the first time they went to the doctor in many, many, many, many years. Now she visited and she has diabetes, so she takes meds! I guess when you're life is pretty much at stake, you kind of change your opinion.
I'm not trying to tell you to believe in medicine. But you may need to be open to the idea that you might have to keep your script updated to get a license. I wouldn't see this as going against your beliefs or anything. It's just business.

You my friend are absolutely right! I learn something new every day. If I didn't know this before I know now!!

Succubus · Jul 22, 2010

Culture has absolutely nothing to do with it. And if "culture" prevents you from getting appropriate monitoring, then you are going to have to get over your "culture".... if you expect to make it in nursing.
No excuses.
Bipolar disorder is a serious issue and must be monitored. Just as someone with high blood pressure, epilepsy or diabetes. And many of those people don't think that they are sick or need to be monitored......until they end up in and accident or in crisis. As a nurse, you will deal with people that are bipolar, or depressed, or have these physical disorders, but don't think that they need to do something for it...the meds are inconvenient or make them tired....just annoy them so they stop them. And then things happen...and then end up in ICU or the psych unit or occasionally jail ...or getting suspended from nursing school.
And these pts will talk about how culture/race/friends/family/religion/etc. told them that they did not need meds or monitoring.
Bipolar is a condition just like diabetes or epilepsy. It does not make you a bad or weak person to have appropriate treatment.

Actually my bi polar is mild, very mild. Usually misdiagnosed as depression ((wink))

Succubus · Jul 22, 2010

Actually my bi polar is mild, very mild. Usually misdiagnosed as depression ((wink))

I can't "just" get over my culture, sorry its ingrained. I just have an open mind and deal with other cultures but never forsake mine:smokin:

criticalRN10 · Jul 22, 2010

If it is so very mild, then why couldn't you have made it to clinicals anyway?

racquetmom · Jul 22, 2010

What is the school policy as you say you only missed once in one year and you believe it is not your fault and you worked so hard. Noone is questioning your hard work whatsoever, but if the policy is one absence then you have it and therefore, it would be your fault.

What I find interesting or odd, you only needed a TB test....so this school doesn't care about varicella, tetorifice/diptheria, Hep B, MMR or at least show proof of titers? This can't be right. Okay, they didn't require a physical. So, you state it is not uncommon to not be on these so called meds you once needed for three years. I question why you haven't been to the dr. in three years period for just a physical. You are going into nursing so you are aware of the importance of preventative medicine/care. So, in the last three years and you go to the dr. just for routine check-up - they would have indicated in their notes past medical history so they would have that you once were seen for this whatever and have been on the medicine whatever and you are currently not taking it. There is your proof. I don't want to hear this is my culture so I didn't go to the dr. It is everyone's responsibility to try to take care of themselves even if 100% healthy. Do you take your child for yearly visits and necessary immunizations?

They are asking for some kind of proof and I don't think it is unreasonable. I think you said you didn't talk to anyone...whY?

I find it all very unfortunate, but reality is it all comes down to that little school policy we all end up signing that we will adhere to it. I just printed out my school's handbook as I start next month and haven't read through all the pages like about 40, but something happen to catch my eye on the page and it is if you miss some type of orientation regarding clinical assignment...you are dropped as in out of the program. Doesn't matter if you have 4.0 gpa or never missed or you show up to clinicals the next day. You miss this whatever briefing (my understanding) then you are gone. It may make more sense once I read through all the pages in order and go to actual orientation regarding the entire program, but my point is there are strict guidelines and we are signing our names that we understand them.

I would say start with your signed school policy (how many misses can you have and is a note from Dr required immediately on return) and then get the info they are requesting. Many of the experienced nurses on here have indicated it is more of a safety issue now and perhaps not really the absence making it more complicated.

Chapis · Jul 22, 2010

"ksrgonnabn19"=she said her bi-polar is mild, and she actually missed clininal due to a panic/anxiety attack the morning of.

i think some posters are being rude rather than to bring support for her. some of you are drilling her with questions and the school is acutally doing that along with asking for proof, why can't we be more supportive of each other. she also mentioned that she could think it could be 'race' since no aa has graduated their program before, she didnot say, she was sure it was becuase she was aa.

anyways-i'm sorry you're going through this. when you called that morning what did they tell you over the phone?

i have no reason to doubt that what you are saying is the truth & if i didn't believe you i sure wouldn't be drilling you with questions, and if i'm not here for support i'll rather keep silence.

best of luck

Cherish · Jul 22, 2010

Actually, I didn't speak to anybody at the school. I filed an appeal in student affairs and that was that. When I was told I was dropped from the program the next day I attended clincals. Sigh...smh if I come across a certain way my apologies...Just b/c I was dx with those disorders doesn't mean I have to actively seek help or spazz out lots....maybe if you understood my culture you would understand why the script is old.

What do you mean understand your culture? I am a black female with Bipolar Disorder and ADD and a 4.0 GPA in a predominately white university and currently in the nursing program. I understand there is a stigma about Bipolar Disorder in the black culture but you know what there is a stigma about mental illness IN ALL CULTURES! So please STOP using the race/culture/ethnic card. I know this culture trust me honey you are NOT taking your medications and NOT seeking help if your scripts are from 2007. You are to blame for NOT controlling your own illness. If it has to do with money issues on why your script is so old there are FREE or REDUCED medications that are provided by MANY non profit health organizations.

There are also some organizations that have free or reduced psychiatrist that you can talk to many are Christian or Spiritual based non-profits so if this is about money on why you didn't seem to want to control your illness then I ask you were you proactive enough to see these sources? I don't mean just calling once but weekly trying to then honey it is your fault for not wanting or feeling like you needed to be under physician guidance.

You may say your disorder is mild but I guess I could claim that too since my last manic attack was in '07 but guess what I take a daily preventative medication and have been for the past 3 years. I will not stop that medicine until my psychiatrist says it's ok. I hate being manic even though I haven't experienced it in years but I don't know if its the med or me but I am not risking it to have another manic episode while I am in nursing school. I used to get panic attacks around the same time that I was manic but haven't had one in years too so for me the best thing is to be controlled by meds. I can't say that if you were under the meds that you wouldn't have had the anxiety attack but maybe if you were this would not have been an issue.

You can't go into the past but look forward to the future. PLEASE seek some medical guidance. If you are looking into another program please look from the mistakes you made and learn from them, seek medical guidance and use those meds as a preventative measure and make sure the schools disability office has on file that you have whatever illnesses and state them. They can help and it could cover you in the future.