Need advice. Not sure what to do now!

[ryansmum]

I have all core classes done as well as nursing 1 and 2 complete. The only classes I have left are nursing 3 and 4 and I will have my RN. Here is the issue- I need a new school. I was a Great Bay Student. Here is the background:

I was admitted into the nursing program in the fall of 2009. I completed the first semester and continued on to the second semester. Three weeks into the semester my husband suffered a heart attack. A sextuple coronary bypass surgery was preformed. My husband was unable to drive, required cardiac rehab at the hospital and was on disability leave for 12 weeks. We also had 2 children at that time and he was unable to care for them in any way or to lift our infant daughter. I withdrew from the program. Once my husband was well I applied for reentry into the Nursing Program. I was accepted and began in the spring 2011 semester. Again, three weeks into the semester, my family was struck with another crisis. My 2 year old daughter, Olivia passed away unexpectedly while sleeping due to a fatal seizure. I was devastated and in shock but continued through the semester and passed the class.

It is the policy of great bay that readmission is only possible once. I attempted appealing the policy and was denied. I really do not want to redo my nursing classes and am desperately looking for a school where it is possible for me to complete my last 2 classes. Anyone know of any options? Any suggestions are appreciated!

Tracy

[ckh23, BSN, RN]

I'm sorry for your loss.

I think it might be hard to find another program that will accept the nursing credits you already have. I would also suggest that you appeal to the highest level. Write a letter to the President of the college and see what happens, you may just need to get a sympathetic person to listen. If this school receives a federal/state/local funds then I would also contact your local political representatives and see if they have any pull.

I hope you catch a break somewhere along the way. Good luck.

[Annachu512, BSN, RN]

I am SOOO sorry you had to endure such tragedies. Nursing school is tough enough without such heartache.

My advice is just start contacting the local schools. Explain your situation and see what can be done. My school is the same way and will only let you readmit once...which is silly because they get paid to teach you; why not just take that money? I understand standards have to be set to whittle out the non-nursing material students but you have a very extreme circumstance.

I hope you and your husband fast healing of the heart. Just know you have the sweetest of angels looking out for you. Good luck with everything!

[knittygrittyRN, MSN, RN]

I'm so sorry your family has been hit with such tragedies. I don't know the policies in your area but my school requires that your last 26 credits be taken at the school in order to receive their degree. There might not be a way around it without having to repeat courses (and most schools will make you repeat nursing and science courses because it's not 'theirs').

I would try to appeal again at the school you've gone to and get as high up as you can and explain what happened. It certainly isn't like you've failed out which could compromise your practice. It's rude to act like everyone's life is black and white and they should try to work with you more.