Need some guidance

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Just like many others on allnurses.com, I need some guidance/advice. In December of 2014, I finished my last 3 courses at a BSNprogram. In order to fully complete the program, it is required to pass an exit exam. After several attempts, I was still unsuccessful. The last exam I took, I scored a 72.56%. The school required a 74% to pass. At that time, I was required to re-enroll for the two senior semesters of the program. Due to financial reasons, I was not able to do this. I finally saved enough money and enrolled in the first senior semester (two Med Surg Courses) August of 2017. That semester I applied myself more than ever in the past. It was hard due to the time that had lapsed since I had been in school. Unfortunately, I failed both either courses and was dismissed from the program. Now I am stuck with $65,000 plus in student loan debt with nothing to show. I’ve been a medic in the Army national Guard for 19 years with two overseas tours under my belt. It’s not that I didn’t know the material, I’m not a good standardized test taker. I am great with hands-on skills. It all is just so depressing, and I feel hopeless. Any guidance/advice would be wonderful. I just don’t know what to do. Thank you in advance!!

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

Why did you fail the 1st senior semester?

Maybe you could try a LPN program.

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Three years had past since I took those classes (Med Surg 2 & 3) originally. I took Med Surg 1 five years before. I had to take a year off between semesters because I had to go to Afghanistan. I had to continuously go back and refresh on the material from Med Surg 1 to apply the information to MedSurg 2&3. Also, I had to work full time. I am single and have to support myself. Between working and refreshing on material, it was just too much. So you think my best option is to go for LPN?

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Specializes in Adult Primary Care.

I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. I agree with trying an LPN program for now.

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My advice do not give up from what I have read you do have something to show for yourself you have been a medic for 19 years, you probably may have text taking anxiety and need help in test-taking skills. I would seek help and invest in any educational services in your area or any programs online to see if this your problem. I would apply for another program of nursing. Are you someone who studies alone or in a group setting? Short story, someone that I know went into a ADN Hospital based program did not make it grades failing was dismissed. Ended up going into a LPN program and passed then went into a ADN program not hospital based and passed and now has his associate degree in nursing. The moral of the story do not give up keep on trying, good luck...

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I am also not a good test taker but very good hands on. My professors saw that but of course couldn't do anything for me as I failed my last semester final and could not graduate. So I too am in some debt because of many different issues that came up while I was in school. The rule here is if you fail out your done and cannot go into another program for 5 years which would mean all my pre req's will have expired and I would need to start from the beginning. Are you a veteran? I am thinking perhaps so since you worked as a medic so you should be able to get funds for school from the military. MY only choice is to go to work at something for 2 years and save to take a lpn program.

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If you suspect you have a learning disability, I recommend contacting your school to find out if you qualify to get additional help with the testing i.e. having someone read questions aloud, etc. Based on the tuition rate, it sounds like you went to a private school. You may want to check out a local public college/university and see if you could transfer your units from the private college to a public college (cheaper tuition) and finish up there.

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Does the army cover any of your debt with the GI bill or like. Not familiar with national guard benefits. Possible to go active duty and get some coverage and more experience? Does any of your medic experience transfer into civilian experience or credit?

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I don’t know about other states, but I think I’m Ca you can challenge for LPN licensure since you’re a medic in the military. I would look into it.

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