Toughest Decision I've Had to Make (Nursing School)...

[pjgarrett1388]

I recently posted that I had been accepted into my Nursing program, but I am not going to be able to accept. I have had ongoing knee problems for a few years and finally had my left knee fixed last October (after 2 surgeries on it). Well my right knee decided within the last few months to start dislocating and become increasingly unstable. I went to my doctor last week to talk about my options. He basically told me it was my decision, but warned me my knee could only get worse and cause a lot of damage to the joint.

I decided to have the surgery because I do not want to have to worry about taking off time when I do start working or something happening to a patient because of knee. I am going to talk to the nursing director on Monday, but this was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make. I'll be able to finish up classes in the Fall and Spring for my BSN degree, so that will be good too.

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

I'm sorry about your knee. I hope the intervention makes it much, much better. But not all nursing schools require you to be totally physically able. You might still be able to go...

Do I understand correctly that this is putting your program off a year, not giving up on it all together?

Take care of yourself, good luck and keep us posted!

[pjgarrett1388]

Yeah, I am just putting the program off for a year, so once I go back to school in the fall I plan to try and finish pre-reqs for my BSN. Right now I am at a CC. I want to be as physically able as possible. I know it will take a while to build my quad muscle back up because this will be my 5th surgery in less than 3 years.

[justme1972]

I would ask if there is an option to delay your acceptance by one year. This is a very common practice with colleges if the reason is medically related.

It's worth asking about...that way you won't have to stress about the application process again.

[Wsmith16, ADN, BSN]

You may be able to attend the school next year. You should totally advise the school of your predicament. Good Luck your health comes first. I too am about to have surgery but I think I gotta do it because without good health I wouldn't make such a good nursing student.

[badgerstudent]

It's not over yet! Many students choose to defer for 1 year, and to me, it sounds like you will be able to defer with no penalties because of your surgery.

[pjgarrett1388]

Thanks for all the advice. I am going to talk to the nursing director tomorrow and find out if I can defer. I will keep everyone posted.

[pjgarrett1388]

So, I was finally able to talk to the nursing director and she basically said that we don't start clinicals until November and that I should reconsider my decision. I've also talked to my doctor and he doesn't see why I wouldn't be able to start clinicals. I just have to follow all doctor's orders post-op. Which of course I will anyway. I have one exam left (Anatomy and Physiology) and then a week off before my surgery. Thanks everyone for the advice.

PJ

[*Blessed2BaNRS*]

Sorry to hear about your knee and surgery. At least you got to talk with your director and find out your options. November is quite a ways off, so surely you will be much better by then. I would definitely reconsider not accepting. You can always drop out for the year if needed, but what if you do decide to wait, and come November, you are physically able enough to have made it through the program. You will forever be upset that you didn't go. I think taking the director and doctor's advise is the way to go. Good luck with your surgery and recovery and nursing school if you do in fact accept!!

[ceraleigh]

I agree with Laura. If the nursing director thinks you'll be OK, then I would stick with it.

[pjgarrett1388]

I am pretty confident that I am going to accept and if something does happen I can go back the next year. I don't want to regret my decision of not going! Thank-you for all the advice.

PJ

[rnmomtobe2010]

Good Luck and I am so glad that everything started to work out for you.