Reinstated to Nursing school letter

[Mamilipana]

Hello all, 

I was failed during my clinical (complex health)for missing 3 side effects on my medication log sheet. I appealed for a late withdrawal which was approved. It’s been very hard on me especially knowing that another classmate had done something very similar (missing some components on the medication log sheet and she’ll be graduating in 2 months) but her clinical instructor vs mine were completely different. Anyway, even if my heart hurts that won’t make any difference and I’m trying to stay strong. I’m now in this dilemma and I’m determined in not giving up.  My school advisor said that I had to write a reinstated letter to Nursing Leadership (I didn’t even know I was out of the program but apparently a “W” does not guarantee my spot). Plus this is the second “W” I have for the same class.

So, she’s telling me I have to write a reinstatement letter to ask for another opportunity.  I have read many different type of letters and I don’t want to write one that will make them think I don’t deserve another opportunity to continue my nursing path. Some people tell me don’t write up a bunch of excuses and some others tell me just be honest-  I need help! This is what I have so far 

warning: I have been through rough moments and I’m sharing some delicate information 

[JKL33]

Sorry to hear what you have been going through.

My personal opinion is that your letter does include more detail than necessary. Your short, introductory paragraph is fine. Second paragraph needs to be limited to the sentence about "personal circumstances that impacted my family;" you could add something like, 'including the death of my father' if you wish.

Third paragraph which describes your mistake is pretty good, important to acknowledge what went wrong.

Last full paragraph needs to be cleaned up and condensed. Remember to eliminate unnecessary words in a situation like this. You don't need to start off with "I would like to disclose." Just get to the point, "I am committed to my goal of _______" [helping others, succeeding in nursing school so that I can care for others professionally, or something of your own wording]

Check carefully for misspelling and grammatical errors, I wasn't counting but I noticed at least a few/several, starting with "I understand that not completing the nursing programmed..."

I'm sure it's a lot of stress but you do want to present your very best writing in a situation like this.

Good luck to you ~

[mtmkjr, BSN]

My thoughts are the same. I would not include details of your personal circumstances, it will come across as making excuses and everybody has one. (I'm sorry though for what you went through) 

I also recommend doing a spelling check followed by a grammar check. Even better, If you know someone who is a good writer/communicator have them review the letter before sending. 

 

[airy]

Agree with all above.  Your grammatical and misspelling errors would reflect that you still don't have time for them.  So PLEASE make sure you get someone to review what you've written and advise you on that.  

I think that stating you are still going to work as a PRN is a mild red flag.  Your reasons for leaving are because life around you was falling apart.  As a nurse, you are going to face incredible challenges and they are going to have to see that you can meet those challenges.  

In my opinion, I think your larger mistake here was not recognizing that you needed to take off from the school and you tried to be "superwoman" despite the death of your father and other life changing events. Part of learning to be a nurse (or an advocate in any position) is knowing when you need help and knowing when you need to take a step back.  Self care is part of being an excellent nurse.  Perhaps that's the lesson you have just learned?

If I were sitting and looking at your letter to ask for reinstatement, I want to know what you did wrong, what you did right and how you will fix it in the future.  I do not want to hear that you will not make mistakes again becuase that is simply not true.   I would focus on being more self aware and knowing when to ask for help and when to step back in the future.  I would also want to see that you are 100% committed to the end result and seeing yourself throught the program.  I would quesiton that when I see that you're still going to work PRN.   I think you are better off keeping that out of the conversation.  I do think that it is valuable for you to state that you currently work in a hospital, want to support your current colleagues and work extra (while you're not in school) to help with the nursing shortage.  That shows commitment.