Need direction in starting over

Hi,

My first post into this wonderful group. I wish I was aware of it sooner!

I had attended an ASN at a community college where in my second semester (out of four) clinicals, I decided to audit because balancing work and school was too overwhelming. I repeated the class and although my clinical, papers, seminar assignments, etc... averaged to 93%, my test average after a brutal and confusing final left me short of the needed 75% average by 2 lousy points. I immediately found myself swept under the rug. Unregistered for 3rd semester in the summer, students only get one repeat chance.

I then discovered the Excelsior program which I wish I had found sooner. I live alone and have to work full time to cover my bills, and the online program would allow me to complete my RN without the crazy stresses of the program I just left. I have all prereqs done, and a BS in Business and Info Technology from my prior life. The barrier is the admissions requirement of having 50% of your clinical work completed. Although I had experienced and performed the 50%, not passing the second semester of clinical at community college officially keeps me from starting now.

Has anyone else experienced this? I know many of you were LPN/LVNs or of a healthcare backround prior, but I had to stick to waiting tables to afford rent. Does EC have any other policies? I started looking for a job at a local retirement community and a local hospital to gain more hands on, but don't know if this will be accepted by EC.

I know the most practical way would be to contact EC directly for guidance, but I wanted to get any/all input from students out there like myself.

Sorry such the long message; this past semester cost me a two-year relationship to a wonderful person and more than a few grey hairs...

Thanks in advance,

Paul