Need direction in starting over

[Paul in Pa.]

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

[traumahawk99]

paul, i don't think you can get in excelsior per their new admission standards. they are etched in stone. my suggestion would be to get an lpn or paramedic certification.

you do have a huge advantage, as did i. since you know what you're going to do, you can be studying for your excelsior exams as you go through lpn or medic school, and grounding your theory in the clinicals you do as a medic or lpn. this will help you greatly through excelsior.

best wishes to you.

[Paul in Pa.]

Thanks for the reply TH, the advice is much appreciated