still wanting to be a nurse after failing twice in an RN program

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2004

hi, I'm in my third year of classes at a local community college. I have wanted to work in the medical field for as long as I can remember. Our college has an RN program so I worked to meet all the requirements to get in and was accepted. I struggled in fundamentals and was on remediation about every time I turned around. By the grace of God, I made it through. I began medical surgical nursing this semester but just crumbled. I was so nervous, the teacher again had me on remediation. I was getting very upset and stressed out, depressed because I knew it was over and ultimately it was. I'm still taking other classes and plan to graduate with a general studies degree in December of this year. I'm just bored and frustrated now. I feel like I tried so hard but just blew it. I was prepared for clinical, did my paperwork, knew my meds, and was doing ok in the class. I felt very intimidated by the instructor and became anxious when she asked questions that I just didn't know the answers to. I was not even enjoying what
I was doing because of being tortured like that. And the staff didn't help either. I couldn't even talk to another student without the teacher having her sonar ears pointed in my direction! Nonetheless I am in a career planning class to explore other options. I have applied to an LPN school. The counselor at school doesn't think it's worth it because I'll probably not make it and they don't make alot of money. I'm working with OVR to set up funding to go and counseling. I just don't know what to do. Plus the school counselor wants me to get this general study degree but ridiculed my choices for courses. History and religion since they don't relate to nursing. I am getting my CNA license to get more experience in the healthcare setting. Does anyone have any ideas?

I can imagine how dissapointed you feel right now. Maybe you can attend another school for nursing, or go into something else like a surgical tech, physical therapist assistant, radiology, dental assistant, social work, medical records ect.

Don't give up, you'll find your self. Why would they steer you away from becoming an LPN? If your heart is truely in nursing go for it. I can't wait to become an LPN. Find another councelor or at least get a 3rd and 4th opinion :)

Katnip, RN · Apr 14, 2004

Being an LPN might be just the thing you need to build up your confidence in your skills enough so you won't be intimidated by instructors.

heatherbless · Apr 14, 2004

hi, I'm in my third year of classes at a local community college. I have wanted to work in the medical field for as long as I can remember. Our college has an RN program so I worked to meet all the requirements to get in and was accepted. I struggled in fundamentals and was on remediation about every time I turned around. By the grace of God, I made it through. I began medical surgical nursing this semester but just crumbled. I was so nervous, the teacher again had me on remediation. I was getting very upset and stressed out, depressed because I knew it was over and ultimately it was. I'm still taking other classes and plan to graduate with a general studies degree in December of this year. I'm just bored and frustrated now. I feel like I tried so hard but just blew it. I was prepared for clinical, did my paperwork, knew my meds, and was doing ok in the class. I felt very intimidated by the instructor and became anxious when she asked questions that I just didn't know the answers to. I was not even enjoying what
I was doing because of being tortured like that. And the staff didn't help either. I couldn't even talk to another student without the teacher having her sonar ears pointed in my direction! Nonetheless I am in a career planning class to explore other options. I have applied to an LPN school. The counselor at school doesn't think it's worth it because I'll probably not make it and they don't make alot of money. I'm working with OVR to set up funding to go and counseling. I just don't know what to do. Plus the school counselor wants me to get this general study degree but ridiculed my choices for courses. History and religion since they don't relate to nursing. I am getting my CNA license to get more experience in the healthcare setting. Does anyone have any ideas?

you know what--they should not be in their profession if they discourage you...you try for the LPN program and keep trying--if you give up then you have let your mindset tell you that you will not succeed--there is always a way to your path--maybe not at that school, but another--keep trying. You could get your LPN and some experience and then maybe go to Deaconess online for your RN--there are many options. best, hty/

Annabelle57 · Apr 14, 2004

Sounds like an uncomfortable situation... but don't give up! **hugs**

I went through a similar experience - I was working on my master's in vocal performance at the time. I was in school for something I knew I loved and knew I could do well, but the entire school (staff, faculty, and esp the students) intimidated me so badly that I sounded horrible when I tried to sing. Eventually, I left the school - it was just a toxic environment for me.

Was I a failure? Not at all, and neither are you, so don't you dare even think that about yourself! What it did was to make me reexamine what I wanted and who I was. Soul-searching ain't ever easy, but sometimes when we feel like we're hitting our heads against a brick wall, it's necessary.

Some things I would ask myself if I were you: what is it you love about nursing, or the idea of it? What part of school do you enjoy the most? The least? What is your motivation for going into nursing?

Not being in your exact situation, I don't want to give you specific advice since I don't know all the details. However, if you feel intimidated and uncomfortable where you're at, I don't think it's a good idea to stay. Nor is it a good idea to give too much credit to one person's opinion (including mine!). Are there other community colleges in your area? I know that where I am there are about 3 programs within a 20-30 minute radius of where I live, but that may not be the case where you are. Having a supportive environment can make all the difference! Also, you didn't mention if you had spoken with the professor privately about your anxiety - sometimes they may seem like Attila the Hun, but if you brought your concerns to him/her, they might be able to ease some of that frustration/anxiety and help you feel more comfortable. Professors are, after all, human beings themselves, and if you're uncomfortable, they may be too, especially if they feel like they're failing you as an instructor. Talking honestly and candidly with them may be just the thing. Or, they may still be a jerk, but at least you tried... and you know not to bother yourself trying to please the unpleasable.

Also, Tanzanite made an excellent point - is there anything else medical besides nursing you might have a passion in?

Don't give up! A lifelong "heart tug" is not something to be taken lightly or ignored. Your path may just be different than other students, that's all. I would still check out LPN/CNA programs, too - I know someone on another forum mentioned that an RN's duties are quite different than a CNA's, but it will at least let you flex your nursing muscles and perhaps lessen your anxiety a bit.

Hang in there, and don't be so hard on yourself, either. In my experience, nursing tends to attract the "tenderhearts" like myself (yes, I know there are scary people, but humor me here...) who also tend to be extremely hard on ourselves as well. You are obviously a very dedicated, hard-working, determined, and sensitive person, and that is exactly the kind of person a nurse should be. There are lots of options and lots of different routes, so check out all your options - especially programs at other schools where the faculty are more compassionate.

MissBerry · Apr 15, 2004

I am going threw the same thing right now. I had to change my major to community health after failing nursing classes but doing well in clinical. Now that I have decided Nursing is what is what I want to do, I plan on LPN school once I graduate. I think that if you want it LPN school or another nursing school may be right for you. I know that the nursing school I attended was not right for me and that is probably why I struggled with instuctors not offering the help they should and could have. I know you may not want to her this now but Keep your head up!

sabine_rn · Apr 25, 2004

I know many people that are in the same situation. I applied to both RN and LPN and got into the LPN program. I see this as a blessing, since MANY students flunk the RN program--they seem to weed out badly... I rather take baby-steps gracefully than running, just to fall on my face :coollook:

Confidence comes with experience and successes, so if you start small, get really good at what you are doing, you can take on more challenges, right?!

Your love for nursing is what really matters, btw. I see so many students that are only in it for the $$$... that's so sad I think.

Best of luck to you!

sabine_rn · Apr 25, 2004

I know many people that are in the same situation. I applied to both RN and LPN and got into the LPN program. I see this as a blessing, since MANY students flunk the RN program--they seem to weed out badly... I rather take baby-steps gracefully than running, just to fall on my face :coollook:

Confidence comes with experience and successes, so if you start small, get really good at what you are doing, you can take on more challenges, right?!

Your love for nursing is what really matters, btw. I see so many students that are only in it for the $$$... that's so sad I think.

Best of luck to you!

Yolie · May 4, 2004

It is not coming easily. I have gone to school before and gotten A's. Ths surgical nursing semester is like pushing a wounded animal up a muddy hill. Finals are this week and next and I'm a point away from arranging flowers for a living. (that's a joke- I'm not artistic) I like taking care of people. I always have. I envision myself working in a nursing home. But I need to get enough money for doing it to live. Otherwise I wouldn't mind volunteering.

People who say they think people are getting into nursing for the money by the way - - - that's not possible, from what I've seen there isn't enough money to pay someone to do what nurses do!! Unless they like taking care of people.

But back to my school woes. Anyone out there who failed it once and then went back and succeeded???

Torachan · May 5, 2004

Keep focused. Some people have an easier ride than others. When (note I said when) you achieve your dream you will appreciate it so much more. Uni sucks IMHO, filled with "12 years ago when I last was in a hospital" to the "I have a PHD in Nursing but only have 2 years experience in a clinical setting".

If you want it don't let anyone hold you back. Life is far to short to settle for second best

Keep true to yourself

Torachan · May 5, 2004

Ohh yeah. Here is a tip that keeps me going when the going gets tough at uni. Remember that you are not only a customer but also the CUSTOMER. It is the lecturers JOB to ensure that you pass. If the lecturer is not up to scratch let them know. If they get upset lay down the law. "You are paid to teach me to be a safe competent nurse. If you can not do that then watch out"

Yolie · May 7, 2004

Thank you!

Ohh yeah. Here is a tip that keeps me going when the going gets tough at uni. Remember that you are not only a customer but also the CUSTOMER. It is the lecturers JOB to ensure that you pass. If the lecturer is not up to scratch let them know. If they get upset lay down the law. "You are paid to teach me to be a safe competent nurse. If you can not do that then watch out"