Please help - failed NUR 230 so couldn't graduate ADN

Start this Summer session and get some credit hours out the way at the other CC. If you only need 15credits you could possibly be done as early as Fall or at the latest Spring. If this is something you really want and the other school can choose not to accept you I think that's the only definite option.

Yes, most colleges will not let you just take one course and graduate from their school. It's not worth it to them, moneywise. They will make you take a minimum number of credits before they will allow you to graduate, even if you only need one class. Good luck, whatever you decide. Your best option would probably take a few "fluff" classes and then take the NUR230. It will probably take an extra semester, but it might be worth it in the end.

230 is final practicum? You failed practicum with 5 days to go and no clue it was coming? You may have some grounds to appeal, have you attempted to work this out with the professor, department heads, or submit a grade dispute form? Or is there something you aren't telling us?

SummitAP:

Yes, I was within 5 days of graduation. The program had to be reprinted to remove my name for the pinning ceremony. I had to cancel graduation party and plane & hotel reservations for several out-of-town family members.

NUR 230 is Leadership Management Trends. We had to write a final paper on a patient from my internship. I had a wonderful preceptor from the hospital that helped me formulate an assessment, compile 5 nursing diagnoses, identify interventions and expected outcomes. The paper was also proof read by an English tutor provided by our school. APA format was correct. I also had a student from my class review my paper to get their opinion. My instructor failed my paper because she did not agree with my nursing diagnoses and interventions.

My preceptor wrote a wonderful letter of recommendation for my skills presented during my internship. However, because my instructor failed my final paper I failed the class.

I asked for a grade review from the director of nursing. She sided with the professor. I also spoke to the director of our grievance department and he told me I could file a grievance but chance was slim that the grievance committee (members of the college) would side with the instructor.

I have spoke to my state's Board of Nursing education specialist. She was no help.

At this point I have 2 options. 1) To apply back to the same college next spring, go through fingerprinting, background check and write a letter to the director as to why I failed the first class and what I plan to change in order to pass the second time. The director has the option, based on faculty opinion, to allow me the chance to re-take the class and graduate next May 2013. 2) To apply and get accepted into another college's nursing program, get my name on waitlist and retake NUR 230 (5 credits). All the colleges I have contacted require the student to take at least 15 credit hours at their school to graduate through their ADN program.

To date, I have successfully completed and passed 23 credit hours of prerequisite classes and 52 credit hours of nursing classes during the last 4 semesters. I was enrolled in a 2 year ADN program at a local community college. The total cost was approximately $16,000.00 and doesn't include daycare expenses for my children for the past 3 years.

Is there more to my story? Yes, especially after I found out I was not graduating! However, the above is an accurate and truthful summary of what actually happened. I am still struggling to believe it myself.

I really need to figure the best route to take to finish and get my RN license. I am not going to give up 3 years of my (and my families) life.

Any specific ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

*** but chance was slim that the grievance committee (members of the college) would side AGAINST the instructor. ***

Find 15 credits worth of class that can be applied to an RN to BSN program (right now you might not even be thinking about a BSN, which is fine. However, those credits shouldn't expire and should the time come that you decide to go for BSN, you are that much closer), and finish out your last class at the CC.

I'd also use every available appeal possible. The worst they can say is no, the very best...they side with you and you can get your degree. If it remains a no, I'd do what I mentioned above. Best of luck to you.

gina that's awful. I'd appeal even with the slim chance and seek advice on how best to with the appeal. If your preceptor thought you chose the right NDs, it really sounds like the professor disagrees with your preceptor, not you. If you win, it saves you a lot of trouble. If you don't at least you made them work harder to achieve their screwing you over.

At the same time, I'd follow the other advice in this thread, particularly Pixie's. However, I'd check closely with any of those other schools because if 230 includes clinical, clinical placements are limited and they might not let you in to 230 without first applying to their nursing program.

Best of luck for an awful situation.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

SummitAP: NUR 230 does have a clinical component/internship so I am thinking you are correct. There are 2 CC within 1 1/2 hours from my house that I am in correspondence with. They both require a Microbiology prereq that I don't have. Once I complete Micro I apply to their nursing program and get on a wait list. I will do whatever I have to but finishing my ADN will take another year or depending on wait list.

Pixie: Thanks for your advice. Yes, working towards a BN is my goal. So I will follow your suggestion & see what I can find out.

*** Several of you have said to appeal. I have already appealed through the college and lost. They rarely side with a student against a professor of their own institution. So, can anyone recommend other ways to appeal? Should I contact my State Board of Nursing? My college is also accredited through the National League for Nursing Acrediting Commision, NLNAC, headquartered out of Georgia. Or should I consult an attorney? Any thoughts/suggestions/ideas will be really appreciated! ***

I don't know if hiring a lawyer would be worth the expense. You said yourself that there is more to the story, so we cannot tell you if you could win or not, but your most practical approach at this point might be to take your necessary credits at a CC so you can retake your last class and graduate. By the way, I think Microbiology should be a requirement for ALL nursing schools, I can't believe they did not have it as a prerequisite for your school.. The credit hours spent on Microbiology are going to benefit you anyways, so don't feel bad about having to take the class. Maybe you can work in the field as a CNA or EMT while you finish school, that would benefit your employment chances later on and you will not feel like you "wasted" the next year.