Nursing Program, should I just not even try?

I would talk to an advisor at the college/university where you want to attend. When I was looking into nursing programs, I selected the ones that interested me and called/emailed each nursing department to answer my questions. I, then, decided to pursue one program based on my lifestyle and needs. I was all set and ready to apply to only BSN programs but an ADN program is what actually worked better for me.

What I can say, is that most colleges/universities have so many applications that they can afford to be picky if they want to and your past may hold you back. You'll just have to talk to the nursing department of where you want to go and see how your past will affect your application.

Also, TWU (the weekend program) looks at first attempts or at least that is what the coordinator told me last fall.

I recall reading about a Texas program called "Fresh Start" or something like that -- where you had a once-per-lifetime ability to throw out ALL past college grades and start over. Sort of a college-credit bankruptcy, if you would. But you can't cherry-pick which classes to expunge -- it's all of them or nothing. I don't know if this would help you in your situation, but if it's still available, I'd leave it as a last resort. Sorry I can't give you more details, I just remember seeing it a couple years ago. And check to make sure the colleges or programs you are looking into won't still look at your prior grades even with Fresh Start grades.

Some schools have academic bankruptcy, where, if you have had at least a 3 year break from college, you can get a clean slate with your GPA/Transcript. Don't lose hope!

I recall reading about a Texas program called "Fresh Start" or something like that -- where you had a once-per-lifetime ability to throw out ALL past college grades and start over. Sort of a college-credit bankruptcy, if you would. But you can't cherry-pick which classes to expunge -- it's all of them or nothing. I don't know if this would help you in your situation, but if it's still available, I'd leave it as a last resort. Sorry I can't give you more details, I just remember seeing it a couple years ago. And check to make sure the colleges or programs you are looking into won't still look at your prior grades even with Fresh Start grades.

I looked into this program as I qualified for it and was in a similar situation the original poster was - here is the best information I can recall.

It is called "Academic Fresh Start". You are able to claim this for classes that are 10+ years old, and yes they are basically erased. You can only claim the fresh start at the time of application and only as a new applicant to a new school; guess you kind of burn the bridge with the original school. I believe this would allow for you to retake classes, earn better grades and ignore grades that meet the 10+ year mark. Until then you carry that with you.

My recommendation - look into LVN (LPN) and ADN programs. The BSN programs have the luxury of have a 3:1 application to seat ratio (or higher). Some ADN programs are more forgiving and look at completion of coursework (not grades) and entrance exam scores. Then again there are plenty of programs that allow for LVN -> RN.

I would agree that your best option would be to meet with a health program/nursing school advisor and then complete all of your future studies with your best effort. Most of the transition programs (LVN - RN, ADN - BSN) look at the grades from your last achievement/license/degree. This may mean a longer road, but kicking butt in a program may lead you on to your eventual goal.