Here are my stats. I’m an older student (in my 30s). I hold a previous bachelors (3.025 GPA, yuck), all prereqs (3.59 GPA) and a masters degree in psychology (3.8 GPA). I’ve had to retake a statistics to achieve a A instead of my older C- grade. All of this will be seen on transcript.
I had no clue what I wanted to do in life so I’ve made some mistakes along the way. I started the nursing entry process in 2016 (ADN level) but hated the school so I withdrew, did not fail out. Then, I decided to go back in 2019 at the same two-year community college because it was the economical decision and they accepted my TEAS (big mistake) because the program was/is terrible.
In the middle of my program, the pandemic happened which totally lowered my motivation. In short, I was able to maintain a 3.27 GPA in the program until my last course. I received a failing grade because I bombed the final.
I’m devastated. I want to become a nurse. What are my options here? Do I have a chance at applying to accelerated programs based on my stats or will they reject me?
Thank you for telling me about the program I attended.
I am simply stating the facts (and correcting a rather common misconception): accredited nursing programs can not admit students, take their money, then fail them in the last semester to manipulate their NCLEX pass rates.
Accredited nursing programs can (and do) fail students who are unable to meet their academic or clinical expectations provided that more than 70% of their cohort is able to meet those expectations. These are usually clearly defined in the student handbook.
On your original topic, do you have a chance at an accelerated program? Sure you have a chance.
Will you be the most attractive applicant, probably not, but that doesn't mean you won't get admitted.
I have sat on an admission panel for a very competitive accelerated program for many years. I can tell you, if you are lucky enough to get an interview, that you should be prepared to answer questions about your past performance in a nursing curriculum. The panel is not going to be interested in external excuses, they are going to want to hear that you have evaluated your performance and have reflected on how to improve in a new opportunity.
I know the students who passed the program are now using supplemental material like UWorld to study intensively for the NCLEX. I think that says more about their drive to succeed than it does about the quality of the education the school provided.
How is that unusual? Prospective attorneys who graduate from law school still study for the bar exam. Prospective physicians study for the USMLE.
The NCLEX is a relatively expensive, high-stakes exam that determines whether or not you're able to practice as a nurse. It would be absolutely foolish to NOT "study intensively" for the exam that determines your license.
I had a relatively decent nursing school experience and still "studied intensively" using UWorld. The exam and board fees combined cost hundreds of dollars, and failure meant I would have to pay additional fees plus a waiting period to re-test. Failure would affect my income, when I have to wait longer to earn a better salary as an RN. Why chance failure, when I could spend a hundred bucks for a good review program to ensure that all the stuff I learned stayed fresh, with practical questions on how to apply the knowledge?
What nursing school wouldn't encourage its graduates to continue studying for the exam that makes their whole career?
I find it really interesting how most people who read this found it beneficial to nitpick every word I said, tried to tell me what my experience has been, and rarely offered any constructive advice (the thing I actually asked for).
I’ve decided to pursue a master’s degree in another field. Thanks to everyone who made me realize I’d rather be surrounded by less judgmental people!
Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.
On 6/2/2021 at 4:53 AM, ThursdayNight said:
Anyway, my CC's NCLEX score has been above 95%
Schools are not scored like this. Some people might misunderstand you, so for them, this doesn’t mean the grads of the school get a 95% (A) on their NCLEX, it means that 95% of their grads pass NCLEX on their first attempt.
Sorry to be late back at this party —been out having the ortho guys and gals hacking away at me. Ahem. sure has taken an interesting turn.
Schools are not scored like this. Some people might misunderstand you, so for them, this doesn’t mean the grads of the school get a 95% (A) on their NCLEX, it means that 95% of their grads pass NCLEX on their first attempt.
Sorry to be late back at this party —been out having the ortho guys and gals hacking away at me. Ahem. sure has taken an interesting turn.
Thank you for addressing this. Will be more specific next time.
Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.
Say whatever you like, and clarify that it doesn’t mean everybody got an A, LOL. 95 % of grads passing in the first attempt speaks well of the program and says exactly zero about any individual grad’s performance in a pass-fail exam where individual scores are not reported.
BostonFNP, APRN
2 Articles; 5,584 Posts
I am simply stating the facts (and correcting a rather common misconception): accredited nursing programs can not admit students, take their money, then fail them in the last semester to manipulate their NCLEX pass rates.
Accredited nursing programs can (and do) fail students who are unable to meet their academic or clinical expectations provided that more than 70% of their cohort is able to meet those expectations. These are usually clearly defined in the student handbook.
On your original topic, do you have a chance at an accelerated program? Sure you have a chance.
Will you be the most attractive applicant, probably not, but that doesn't mean you won't get admitted.
I have sat on an admission panel for a very competitive accelerated program for many years. I can tell you, if you are lucky enough to get an interview, that you should be prepared to answer questions about your past performance in a nursing curriculum. The panel is not going to be interested in external excuses, they are going to want to hear that you have evaluated your performance and have reflected on how to improve in a new opportunity.