Life got in the way............How do I move forward?

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Specializes in medical assistant.

Hello everyone,

I need help/advice with a dillemma. In Jan. '09, I enrolled in a LPN program; if all went well, I was scheduled to graduate in Dec. '09....Needless to say, I didn't make it. I got 2/3 of the way thru and had to withdraw; this was basically due to "life" getting in the way of my studies. I was 1st dismissed from the program in the early part of the 2nd semester for a failed clinical (which I successfully appealed, d/t the fact that I wasn't given the opportunity to correct deficits-nor was I told beforehand what the deficit was). Then @ the end of the semester, I was told that I was not going to pass clinicals again (different reasons from the 1st time this happened though-incl. problems with an instructor for 1 clinical, and getting lost while going to another-thereby being late to an out of state clinical). This, coupled with problems @ home (no support from spouse, lack of study time, household duties that no one else would attend to, etc) forced me to withdraw from the program.

While I could have appealed to be re-admitted to this year's class (I would have started in the 2nd sesmester, since I successfully completed the 1st), I opted not to do this; my experience @ that school was not conducive to my having a "good" feeling about attending there again. I didn't feel as though the atmosphere gave a positive "vibe" for many students who experience difficulty, yet there was a "vibe" of favoritism for certain students that was felt thoughout the program.

Now, with my UC benefits about to exhaust, I know that I must rtn to work as a M.A., yet I still have a longing to complete my education to become a LPN. Unfortunately, my past troubles completing the program have me terrified to try again; I still don't feel as though my immediate family would provide me with the support needed to successfully function in a nursing program. I do know it would have to be a part-time program (not full-time as the last 1 was), since I'll have to rtn to work, but I'm scared to try, only to fail at my goal again. What to do/where do I go from here?

***Sorry for the long post, I needed to get this out***

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Don't give up if this is what you truly want. I became very good friends with one classmate. This was her THIRD time trying to finish the LPN program. She had to drop out each time due to life circumstances. Everything that could happen to her did happen.... from a child being in a bad car accident to other issues. Her car tore up right before we finished and several classmates and her husband all chipped in to get her back and forth to class and clinicals. We graduated in June 09.

Good luck to you and have a great day!

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Specializes in medical assistant.
Don't give up if this is what you truly want. I became very good friends with one classmate. This was her THIRD time trying to finish the LPN program. She had to drop out each time due to life circumstances. Everything that could happen to her did happen.... from a child being in a bad car accident to other issues. Her car tore up right before we finished and several classmates and her husband all chipped in to get her back and forth to class and clinicals. We graduated in June 09.

Good luck to you and have a great day!

Wow, her husband supported her??!! I wish mine had did that for me when I was in school...maybe my confidence wouldn't be skaken to the point that I'm afraid to try again. It's the fear of not having a good support system WITHIN my home that has me scared. I'm happy for your classmate, though. The fact that it took 3 tries for her to achieve her goal shows what a great nurse she is!!

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Even if you can only go back part-time go for it. Don't let anything undermine your confidence whether it is a spouse or just a casual acquaintance. As far as household chores I did just what had to be done during the year I was in school. Did I live in a pig sty?... no... but could ya eat off the floors?... once again a resounding no lol. Maybe your hubby is scared of you gaining independence is why he isn't supportive. I think sometimes this is the case. My husband isn't the most supportive person in the world either, but he has realized when I set my mind to do something or get something I will.... and he sure doesn't mind the paycheck I am bringing in now either! ;)

So... keep your chin up and do what your heart tells you to do and you won't go wrong.

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My mother (retired LPN instructor) was telling me the other day about a male LPN student of hers who would leave 3 hours before clinical each day just to make sure that he made it because of a bad car. He graduated.

My point is that I believe you will make it if you decide to do it. Part of gaining your spouses support is sticking to your goals. (My wife wasn't always supportive but she did come around whe she saw the successes start to happen.)

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I know how you feel. I am enrolled in a 15 month full time LPN program.. I start in September of 2008. I made it almost 1/2 way through in Mod 3 (out of 5) and dropped out right before the end of 3. Like you, life got in the way. Well i dropped back in May of 2009. Was supposed to start back in September of 2009 so i would be graduating this June. My application wasn't complete for the September term so i just re-started this month. It's tough going back but it's so worth it. If it's something that you really want to do then go for it. The hard work will pay off in the end!!

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Be your own support system. Make up your mind that you are going to accomplish this and then take steps to see that happen. When you look around for support from outside sources you always run the risk of being let down. It is better to stand on your own.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

You must make sure that everything is in order to be successful. You need to make a plan and stick with it. Study time is very important! If you have household chores that get in the way- leave them! You don't have to neglect everyone and everything to achieve your goals, you just have to compromise. A sink full of dishes, a basket of unfolded laundry, here or there, isn't going to hurt anyone. Plus kids really like McDonald's for dinner a few times a week :lol2:

You have to know what the priority is and when it will fit into your life. Its not the end of the world to wait until all your ducks are in a row to finish the education you want. If you start at another school they may make you repeat the whole program again anyway.

Oh and as for those "vibes"... you are going to get them anywhere. But sometimes a fresh start allows you to let go of the past and succeed. Try not to take too much of the issues you had with the other program with you to a new one though, the clinical fails etc... I had a classmate do that and it nearly crushed her.

Good luck!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I still don't feel as though my immediate family would provide me with the support needed to successfully function in a nursing program.
Is it possible for you to become your own support system?

I have no immediate family since I'm single with no children. My parents live more than 1,400 miles away from me. I have been living alone for years. During my time alone, I completed an LPN/LVN program in 2005 and an RN associates degree program a couple of weeks ago. Keep in mind that I worked full time while attending school, mailed in the monthly mortgage, made car payments, kept myself fed, paid tuition out of my pocket, and met my other obligations. It is doable if you learn to depend on nobody else for outside support.

My parents and some of my extended family members have very different attitudes about school than the ones I hold. Other women have completed nursing programs with families who don't support them in their efforts. It can be done.

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They will be eating their words( or lack there of ) when you walk the stage at pinning, at graduation, and at your first paycheck. Keep your eye on the prize. My spouse is not thrilled with my going back to school either, and guess what, she is a NURSE!

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Please don't give up. I am entering for my third time due to unfortunate circumstances and this time there is NO stopping me! I am also almost 40 yrs old with 2 teenage children and a great hubby. Like you mentioned maybe part time is better for you, but if that is what it takes, THEN DO IT!!!!

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Specializes in medical assistant.

Thanks to everyone who replied thus far. I appreciate all the good thoughts and encouragement given in this thread...but I must admit--------I'm still terrified of the thought of failing again. I wish there were more schools for me to choose from; I feel like that would help in my decision, but in my area (Phila., PA) the accredited LPN schools only have full-time programs. I have only found 2 part-time programs-1 isnt very close, and the other is not eligible for federal/state grants and scholarships (and I can't afford a private loan for the tuition-which is what that school recommends). So, where do I go from here?

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