2nd time around..with a grudge?

Roxyann57 · Jun 21, 2009

Have you tried applying to another school? Maybe one that has teachers instead of advisors who will help you out if something does go wrong with family, friends, etc?

Student4Now · Jun 21, 2009

No... I already have all my books and materials to complete the program there. I'm actually doing all the book work right now so that when I get back in.,I can focus on studying the material and mastering the skills part. Although the lack of instruction is frustrating, my real problem is that they said my conduct was unprofessional in that I didn't have the exit interview. Maybe I am just being too thin skinned? On one hand I feel that I should have pushed harder for an exit interview, but on the other hand I feel that the advisors should have contacted me for one. All in all, I guess as long as I can get back in the program and get it knocked out, thats all that matters.

ZanatuBelmont · Jun 21, 2009

Last year around the beginning of July I was admitted into the LPN Program. Its a self-taught course, which basically means, there aren't any teachers, lessons, or lectures. We are given the material, we read it, study it and test on it. We do however have advisors that demonstrate lab skills and check us off on them as well as keep track of our progress. Anyway, around the end of August my mother had to have a very serious surgery. She didn't have anyone to take care of her so of course I breached on hours because I had to take a lot of time to attend to my mom. This of course is not my complaint. I understood that I had a monthly contract for hours and it was my responsibility to adhere to it. I also knew that I could reapply later and give it another go at a time when I could give the course the attention it demands. After breaching on my hours, I tried several times to contact my advisor and let her know that I didn't "drop out" but that I was dealing with a situation at home and would like to reapply at a later date. I could never get in touch with her, and I'm pretty sure that I did leave some messages as well. I decided to reapply and had a question about the new application process and left a message as once again, no answer. When she called me back, she was pretty curt and said that I have to adhere to "the rules" and said that another advisor brought to her attention that my conduct was unprofessional because I did not have an exit interview. I was completely shocked! I tried to contact my advisor several times to just chat with her about it and couldn't reach her, how could I schedule an interview with her when I couldn't get her on the phone? So now I guess my application will have points deducted from it. I am really kicking myself right now for not just going up there and waiting around until I could find her. Hopefully when I get back in the program, the instructors wont roll their eyes and think that I'm the one that "blew off" school. I just kind of feel like the advisors leave EVERYTHING TO US. But, alas, such is life.....Vent over :typing

Something I have noticed is that nursing instructors are an entirely different breed of educators. They are very particular, harsh, and serious (at least in my program). You may just have to "prove" yourself to them. You can only do that by doing what you are doing right now - studying and staying two steps ahead of the program. If your instructor says to jump, ask how high - then do it. You will be find and I commend you for going for it again, even in the same program no less!

Student4Now · Jul 10, 2009

Just wanted to post an update that I GOT BACK IN! :yeah: I am starting back on Aug 13 and I am so completely excited! Yess.....

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Jul 11, 2009

Congratulations on getting back into your program! I have learned in my previous career to CYA “Cover Your well you know”. Anyways, anytime I ever leave an instructor or counselor a voicemail message, I always follow up with an e-mail. For example, I would write in an e-mail something like, Mrs. Jones, I am sorry I was unable to reach you by phone today to discuss XXXXXXXXX. I did leave a brief voicemail message at 1:10PM requesting that you return my call so that we can discuss the above mentioned topic. At your earliest convenience, please return my call at: XXX-XXX-XXXX. Sincerely, Moe.

After the e-mail is sent, I go into my “Sent Items” and put the e-mail into a folder so that I don’t loose it. I continue to follow up with the person in the same manner. I leave a message and send a follow-up e-mail. Since the e-mail has a time and date stamp, it is really difficult to deny ever receiving any form of communication. Also, when I place the calls, I do so with my cell phone because the record can be printed and shown as proof of my calls. I can’t tell you how many times this has saved my butt at work and school.

Anyways, good luck to you!

Student4Now · Jul 11, 2009

Great idea. I will keep that in mind if there are any issues (Lets hope there aren't) :lol2:

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

I'm curious as to this program, why is it self taught? How do you get your clinical hours with live patients in there? Is it accredited by your state board of nursing?

Student4Now · Jul 12, 2009

The bookwork is all self taught- we are supposed to be able to ask our advisors if we have a specific question but they usually just say "did you read the material. What does it say?" :) Clinicals are done with our advisors just like they would be done in any other program. There are no lectures or "lessons". We complete the packets given with material provided (and there is plenty of material.) This program is supposed to help us to be self-sufficient and independent. We are checked off on all of our lab skills after we complete the module which correlate with that skill. We learn all the same skills and material as any other student would, we just learn it in a different way. It may not be the easiest way to do it but it is safe and effective. Yes of course the course is accredited otherwise I would not be attending it. We all have questions at some point but we do not need to be spoonfed the info. The course is also like any other in that the grading scale is quite strict. 77% is passing. :yawn:

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

Do you guys actually go to an acute care or nursing home to practice on real patients? I think it's good for someone to be self sufficient. I agree with that and also not being spoonfed is a good way to do a program because that's the way it's going to be in the real world. Kudos to you, and good luck in reinstatement. I hope you can get in and succeed!!!!! BTW, what state are you in? Here in California as far as we know there are no independent VN programs out there as yours.

Student4Now · Jul 12, 2009

We do our clinicals exactly the same as other programs do. As far as I know, we only go to hospitals and not LTC units. Thank you for your your well wishes, I appreciate them!