tnmater

I'm 49 and failed my 3rd semester of an ASN community college program. Last year I failed my 2nd semester and successfully passed the second time. The school has a "two-strikes-you're-out" policy. Without going into all the details, the main reasons for failures were family issues (major illness and family member who committed suicide). It just seems like bad luck dumps on me when I'm in school (so many other things). I've worked so hard to get this far. Both times of failure were by less that 5 points! Crazy to think that just 5 questions somewhere that I got wrong kept me from succeeding. (That's a whole different story; questions on exams that most of the class would get wrong but weren't evaluated). I've been very successful in my clinical rotations and have even had hospital staff say they wanted me to work for them after graduation. I've been accepted to other colleges in general, but the nursing programs all have the "two-strikes" policy even if it was at another college. Is this a state rule? I live in TN. Or another guideline? Is nursing simply no longer an option because I failed two semesters? Especially when circumstances where beyond my control.

When I was 19 I quit nursing school. My main reasons back then were the doctors. The ones I encountered were intimidating and jerks. Now, 30 yrs later and I'm back in school. I've found two things: 1) I have more confidence and 2.) Dr.s have more respect for nurses and value their experience with patients. I regret not finishing school when I was younger. So many things might have been better in my life. Examine yourself as to WHY you don't want to finish. If it's the clinical rotation, remember, there are so many avenues that a nurse can take their career. It doesn't have to be just in the hospital setting. Teaching, schools, insurance companies, research, lawyers, home health, businesses, or technology (hospitals really need tech. geeks who know the nursing process) are a few areas that need nurses. Look at what you can do beyond nursing school. I too have had clinical rotations that I just despised and others that even surprised myself that I loved them so much. Nursing school is stressful and tiring. If that's the problem, look at what you can do to ease it. If you just absolutely hate it, then look into majors that you can still use what you've learned this far. Just don't quit college all together! The best advice, I think, is to talk with your instructors or an advisor. Remember, they are there to help you and you might even be surprised that have had the same feelings as you.

I went back to school at 46. My last algebra class was 20 yrs prior, made a C back then. I found a used algebra book to review the basics before taking Probs & Stats. I grew up with the stereotype that girls are bad at math, so I was. But later, I told myself that isn't true and told myself I could do it. I took just that class in the summer to give my full concentration. Summer classes are smaller (more instructor attention) plus they cut right to the basics. I utilized the free tutoring service at the college. I also was lucky enough to have a friend who uses P&S for their work all the time. I made a B, took it and ran. Now I'm in my 3rd semester of nursing school. Sounds like you're a great student already making As in science. Don't hesitate, just jump right in. You can do it!

Don't let age play a factor. I started back at 46 yrs. old. I was able to get financial aid through fafsa which also gives your application to state resources. Maybe consider a community college to get an ASN/RN. They cost a lot less. Look into going part time. There's a myth that you HAVE to go full time for fed. financial aid, it's not true. Our state's unemployment office offers programs to help pay for expenses, even gas and childcare. Check what your state has. Check locally, like the Chamber of Commerce. Many businesses/clubs offer college tuition help. There are many options, you just have to really search for them and ask for help. If you're not getting the answers you need, keep asking! I had to go through 4 different people at our fin. aid office before I found someone who knew what they were talking about and could really help me. Don't give up!

I agree with feeneishia. Ds in A&P and Micro will not get you in any program. These subjects are the basis for everything in nursing. You won't survive nursing school without having a good understanding of those subjects. I find it hard to believe that you can't reapply for 5 years. Are sure that doesn't mean if you are ALREADY in nursing school and get Ds? Talk with the nursing school director or an adviser. Remember, the college wants you to succeed and they are there to help you do that. Don't get discouraged! You have to fight for what you want and the answers never come easy.

When I was in A&P and Microbiology I heard many people blatantly talking about cheating. Some exams were online. One person would take the exam while the others helped answer and they would snapshot the screen to have the questions for when the rest to take the exam. This was so frustrating for those of us who were honest. One instructors questions were so long and the allotted time was about 1 min. per question. If we complained about the time limit, he referred to the fact that others were able to make A's. Some were caught, some didn't make it in the nursing program and some did. I can tell you that EVERY ONE of the cheaters didn't make it long in the nursing program. They failed. What you learn in the nursing program is based upon what you learned in A&P/Micro. There might be real quick reviews of those basics, but you don't have time to learn what you should already know on top of the new more complicated material. Be proud of your honesty and hard work, it will get you a lot further in life.

I viewed a few of his free videos before when I was taking Anatomy. They did help me understand better. Now I'm in a RN program. I just purchased the highest package they offered. I wanted to view some more videos, but it won't let me access them. The support page just says "technical difficulties." I'm waiting for a response and plan to call them my next day off. Its only been three days since I've signed up, so its too soon to tell. I have a big pharmacology test in two days and will find out if what they offer helps me. I'll let you know.