The following about to say takes a lot of courage to pull off, but I can do it. Here we go:
Last Spring 2010, I was attending a BSN program. I was a J2 at the time. However, I ran into problems that ended my run in that particular BSN program. I did not pass one of my lectures. It was my second strike. I, previously, did not pass one of other classes. Nonetheless, I became back that next semester (Fall 2009) to pass that particular class with a "C". Anyways, to continue with my story. Before my dismissal from that BSN program, I warned the college of nursing about me not passing one of my classes and that the college of nursing said that they would be able to help me in any way. Here's where it goes very bad. I was not passing one of my classes. All Spring 2010 semester long, I asked the college and instructor (of that particular class that I was not passing) to help me in order to improve my grade so that I can pass. Both (the instructor and the college) hung me out to dry and refused to help me in order to succeed. I asked the instructor, "What do I need to?" The instructor replied back, "You are on your own." I didn't pass that particular nursing course due to not receiving help from anybody, not even the students. I struggled in that course so bad it was not funny. My BSN career was done. One of the college administrators asked to leave the college and not show up for the final exam of that course. I left the college in disarray. Over the Summer 2010, I said to myself that I had a bad run with this nursing program and that I wanted to give nursing a second shot. I started to gain a lot of my confidence back about still wanting to become an RN.
-I got certified as a CNA
-I talked to a couple of other nursing programs my area (other than the one I got dismissed from).
-I told both programs how I got treated at my previous college of nursing and the end of result.
-Both nursing programs are willing to give a second chance. However, there are some things that I would have to follow:
One program is an ADN program and the other is a BSN program. The ADN program told me that I would have to do the clinicals by order of semester, starting with the Fall 2011 semester (basically, I would have to repeat the wholistic nursing course plus clinical all over despite being a licensed CNA) and go part-time in the program. As for the BSN program, they told me that I would start back as a J2 and go part-time in the program. I agreed to both.
The advantage is that I have no Gen-Ed's left to complete, but the clinicals for both programs. My question is should I go with the offer of: 3 semesters-receive an BSN or 4 semesters-receive an ADN?
Coriaa1-My prime goal is to get a MSN. I live in Peoria, IL. There is a local programs that offers MSN programs. So, I will attend that school after my BSN.
Icuuci-depends on where you live geographically.
Roser13-I studied my keyster for this course. I passed the clinical because my clinical instructor knew that worked hard at what I did. However, my course instructor was not pleased with me. I would ask questions just to make sure that I knew the material. I wasn't the only one who didn't pass the class. Nine other students didn't pass either.
go for the bsn because you'll have more job choices and more options in the future should you decide to go on for a masters or an advanced nursing position. how about using your university learning center this time around and joining a study group?
I've been told go to for the ADN because you'll have more clinical experience compared to BSN where the experience is less. That's just data I have gone off of.
That depends on the individual program, not the educational level. My BS program has far more clinical hours than most ADN programs.
Coriaa1-My prime goal is to get a MSN. I live in Peoria, IL. There is a local programs that offers MSN Programs. So, I will attend that school after my BSN.
Icuuci-depends on where you live geographically.
Roser13-I studied my keyster for this course. I passed the clinical because my clinical instructor knew that worked hard at what I did. However, my course instructor was not pleased with me. I would ask questions just to make sure that I knew the material. I wasn't the only one who didn't pass the class. Nine other students didn't pass either.
Working hard doesn't automatically mean you will succeed in class....I know my syllabi don't have a grading entry for "works hard." I agree with roser13, look at what happened and figure out what YOU can do differently.
Think of it this way, if it's all their fault....you're a victim, which means you can't do anything about it and your future is totally in someone else's hands. However, if you analyse what you did, and then figure out what you need to do differently....your future is in no one's hands but yours. It's your choice, are you a victim? Or are you going to take your future in your hands?
Coriaa1-My prime goal is to get a MSN. I live in Peoria, IL. There is a local programs that offers MSN Programs. So, I will attend that school after my BSN.
Icuuci-depends on where you live geographically.
Roser13-I studied my keyster for this course. I passed the clinical because my clinical instructor knew that worked hard at what I did. However, my course instructor was not pleased with me. I would ask questions just to make sure that I knew the material. I wasn't the only one who didn't pass the class. Nine other students didn't pass either.
That's exactly the defensiveness and "it wasn't my fault" that I'm talking about. As a previous poster so eloquently put it, you have a choice to make. Either others are in charge of your fate and your success or you are.Blunt but true. I do wish you the best @ your new school.
If all other things are equal or comparable including the cost, then definitely go for the BSN program.
If it's going to cost you an arm/leg/other body part to do the BSN while the ADN is far cheaper, however...you may want to reconsider. Granted, having a BSN will help with job opportunities but with the job market as is, there isn't much for any new grad no matter if you're an ADN or BSN. Do you really want to be out there job hunting with a ton of debt on your shoulder? I'm not saying you shouldn't take on the BSN if that is what you really want, but don't forget to factor in the financial aspects when making your decision.
And as roser13 and CuriousMe have said, you need to find out what went wrong and fix it so history doesn't repeat itself at the next school. A lot of people who fail nursing school were working hard and trying their best, so effort alone doesn't cut it. And if you feel you were unjustly treated at your last school (i.e., your "the instructor was not pleased with me") you do have the right to file a grievance.
where i live down here in the Inland Empire... i've found out its true.... they tend to go for those w/ ADNs over BSNs... i had like 5 friends w BSNs and were jobless for over a year where other friends w ADNs were not.....
It's the exact opposite in my area, so I agree that the OP should look at the local job market to see if there's a preference for one degree over the other, or more likely, if one program is preferred over the other.
To the OP: I agree about looking at what your role was in passing or not passing the classes. I believe there are programs that provide little in the way of learning support, BUT you need to do a very honest self assessment. What exactly is it that you struggle with? Test anxiety? NCLEX style? Understanding the material? Volume of material? Failing a course and then retaking it for a C is not exactly something I'd consider a success to be honest.
If the job market is the same in your area for ADNs and BSNs (and honestly, even if it isn't), I would look at which program will give you the most out of class support. Which has the better options for tutoring, staff lead study groups, practice labs for skills, remediation, smaller class size? In your case, the concern is not so much finishing the fastest but finishing, period. If the ADN has better student support, it might be worth it to spend the extra semester rather than trying the BSN and running in to trouble again. If the BSN offers the better student support, go with them. But pick the school that will give you the most support in your learning.
aflac381
76 Posts
Answering the comments
Caliotter3-True.
Coriaa1-My prime goal is to get a MSN. I live in Peoria, IL. There is a local programs that offers MSN programs. So, I will attend that school after my BSN.
Icuuci-depends on where you live geographically.
Roser13-I studied my keyster for this course. I passed the clinical because my clinical instructor knew that worked hard at what I did. However, my course instructor was not pleased with me. I would ask questions just to make sure that I knew the material. I wasn't the only one who didn't pass the class. Nine other students didn't pass either.