Left after 1 quarter of nursing school, now having second thoughts...

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Before you read on, please know that I did do a thorough search of this site to see if there was any relevant information for my particular situation (I came up empty). :D

I was FINALLY accepted into a local ADN program last Spring. I got through the first quarter okay (with a 3.65 gpa), but I had some reservations that kept creeping in on me about the nursing field (this program does not require volunteer/shadowing experience - and I don't have any). When introduced to care plans, I was much more drawn to medical diagnosis's, instead of focusing on nursing diagnosis's (I love to put the puzzle pieces together). After being told repeatedly that I was not "thinking like a nurse," I got discouraged (shame on me!). We had the entire summer off, and after some soul searching, I left the program thinking I might try my hand at pre-med instead.

So, here I am, having second thoughts. :confused: I am by no means a "spring chick," and while I considered all aspects of my life in my change to pre-med, I still find myself wondering if there might have been a place in the nursing profession for someone like me. I know it's not an option to return to my former program, so here are my questions:

Is it possible to gain entry into a BSN program (I've completed all the pre-req's), even though I have left an ADN program? How do nursing programs deal with an applicant whose voluntarily left another program?

Do I even have a shot at explaining myself? (and, do you have any advice on this?)

I would really appreciate any information and/or advice any of you might deem helpful. Thanks for your time!

:)

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I would apply and see what happens. You were in good standing when you withdrew so there should be no more problem other than having an explanation should you have to interview. Good luck.

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Thanks for your reply, caliotter3 (cute name & pic, by the way!). The plus is that the BSN school I will hopefully be applying to is the 4-year school I started at out of high school (but never finished), some 20 plus years ago! I guess I'll find out if they can see their way to giving me another chance (which would truly be bittersweet for me). I appreciate your input. :)

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

You have to go with the flow when in school. They really focus on that nursing diagnosis stuff etc but you won't use much of it after you leave. I am like you. I think of putting a puzzle together and that is OK because you have to be smart enough to keep up with things because it is all a team. The doctor is not a captain of the ship and you are with the patients more than the doctors are. You have to be on your toes. Go back to school. You will love it. Just roll with the flow.

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Before you read on, please know that I did do a thorough search of this site to see if there was any relevant information for my particular situation (I came up empty). :D

I was FINALLY accepted into a local ADN program last Spring. I got through the first quarter okay (with a 3.65 gpa), but I had some reservations that kept creeping in on me about the nursing field (this program does not require volunteer/shadowing experience - and I don't have any). When introduced to care plans, I was much more drawn to medical diagnosis's, instead of focusing on nursing diagnosis's (I love to put the puzzle pieces together). After being told repeatedly that I was not "thinking like a nurse," I got discouraged (shame on me!). We had the entire summer off, and after some soul searching, I left the program thinking I might try my hand at pre-med instead.

So, here I am, having second thoughts. :confused: I am by no means a "spring chick," and while I considered all aspects of my life in my change to pre-med, I still find myself wondering if there might have been a place in the nursing profession for someone like me. I know it's not an option to return to my former program, so here are my questions:

Is it possible to gain entry into a BSN program (I've completed all the pre-req's), even though I have left an ADN program? How do nursing programs deal with an applicant whose voluntarily left another program?

Do I even have a shot at explaining myself? (and, do you have any advice on this?)

I would really appreciate any information and/or advice any of you might deem helpful. Thanks for your time!

:)

When we were doing all the super touchy feely, fluffy bunny nursing stuff in the first quarter of nursing school, I was afraid I'd made a huge mistake. But it got a LOT better once we got in to adult health and away from the intro principles stuff.

I think you should go ahead and apply to BSN programs.

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A BSN program or entry level MSN program would probably be better suited to your mind set. But still be careful in school. It is always better to be quiet as much as possible!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

You should go back... maybe even possibly get your NP. But I think you'll enjoy nursing because you do get to put the pieces together. You are with the patient all day, you're watching them heal, react to meds, and will be able to catch if anything is wrong with their progress, reactions to meds, lab values get funky, etc and tell the Dr. and even suggest what might help fix it and then start the process all over again.

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Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and advice. I'm going to be doing some job shadowing at a few area hospitals over the next few weeks/months to see if I can get a better idea of what to expect in a career in nursing. I think I will apply to the BSN program - hopefully the fact that I have done more research on the profession will help to mitigate my prior ADN program departure.

Thanks! :)

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