Typical drop/fail rates for RN programs?

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Aug 22, 2003

They told us at orientation that typically one out of seven will drop out, but I'm finding it's way higher than that. In my first semester, we started with 30 at my campus & ended up with 6 dropping out long before the semester was over......not sure how many failed out as I haven't seen any of my classmates since the final exam...I think there was at least 1.

Also, my school has 4 campuses....30 nursing students at each campus = 120. Now we have less than 80 starting second semester. So in reality from my experience so far...it seems like 1 in 3 drop out at my school.

agent · Aug 22, 2003

honestly i always like it when ppl drop out. makes things easier on the rest of us..

nursing 101 · Aug 22, 2003

Agent,

Why does it make easier when ppl drop out?

I want to hear the rationale behind it? lol!

memphispanda, RN · Aug 22, 2003

We started with 70 something people in my class. We are now down to 29, and about half of those are people who actually started the semester before us but either failed a semester or took a semester off or something. A very few of the people that started with my are in the class behind us. It's unbelieveable how many dropped/failed.

agent · Aug 22, 2003

The reason I say that is I like working in smaller numbers, plus I dont like having ppl around that either are just dead weight or aren't pulling their weight. I like to havbe more instructor attention if possible and with a bunch of half-hearted ppl in the way that constantly need to be handled, you dont get as much instructor interaction.. hell id be fine with it if there were only 10 (highly motivated) ppl in my class..

is that wrong?

Ortho_RN · Aug 22, 2003

I don't think just b/c someone drops out or fails out, that they are dead weight.... All nursing programs are different.. Mine you must make a 75 on EVERY test, you fail one test you have to do a retake and if you don't make a 75 you are OUT!!! We have had people who failed out b/c of test anxiety, not due to the fact they were lazy.. And we have had people drop b/c of personal issues... Just b/c someone drops don't assume they are lazy or just dead weight..

We started with 48, and are down to 23... Had our first ICU test yesterday... I passed :)WOOHOO.. But we had several (6) that didn't, so they have to retake on Monday, and if they don't pass they are gone... Sux especially since this is the final semester..

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Aug 22, 2003

Gosh you guys is it that hard that so many people drop out or flunk out??? I will be starting nursing school next fall (maybe this spring if I am super lucky). I can never imagine myself just dropping out. How many people flunk out completely though???

Marilyn

fnimat1 · Aug 22, 2003

I am shocked to hear the drop out rate also. But I guess people have their reasons, whatever they may be.

Fatima

geekgolightly, BSN, RN · Aug 22, 2003

our entering class was 150-something

our exiting class was 48

PJMommy · Aug 22, 2003

We also have the rule about a 75... but it is a 75 average on the tests. If you can't make a C average on exams (before project/paper grades are factored in), you are OUT. I'm in an accelerated program -- started with 55 back in January and have lost 5. Only one "dropped" because she was headed to med school. Four were out due to grades.

I'll humbly submit my theory on this.... I think the nursing schools deliberately take more than they can handle, knowing they'll weed out. Remember, they are concerned about their NCLEX pass rates. If they see someone struggling, they are gone. Yes, exams are objective (multiple choice) grades but the people we've lost were sunk on subjective grading (papers, projects, etc.). I've also noticed the opinionated (bad attitude?) ppl who consistently challenge the instructors are more prone to getting canned. Don't get me wrong...I believe it's okay to ask questions and request clarification but *some* tend to be very confrontational and disrespectful. Instructors also hate to hear "well, that's not how it really works on the floor". Doesn't matter...you are learning the "ideal" and being groomed to take the NCLEX. The fact that it makes no real-world sense to do the things that are the "correct" answer on the test is...in a sense...irrelevant to nursing school. (Sad but true.)

Honestly, I tend to agree with Agent from a different angle. The ppl I've seen lost to grades/dropping out would have been my last choice for nurses to care for one of my family members. I guess that is always my standard of "measurement".

For all the folks asking if nursing school is "that hard". Well, yeah...it's hard but not that hard. You are losing ppl like I've mentioned above and you are losing ppl who never really wanted to do this. Ppl who thought nursing was a quick and dirty way to get a salary and earn a living if you don't have the smarts for something "better". If that is what I were looking for, I'd never choose nursing!! :) It's hard work and a difficult study. If you are looking for a good salary and a cushy job, try something else.

essarge · Aug 22, 2003

After two years of actual nursing courses (freshman year is pre req's) we've lost over 50% of our students. Started with 45, now down to 18 original and 5 that failed earlier and are now with us. Nursing school is very tough and a person considering it cannot consider it "normal" college. They have to know that studying is a top priority and be willing not to be in the "norm" of things like parties, dances, going out with buddies etc. They also have to realize that there are added expenses beside books and tuition like uniforms, transportation (have to get to clinical sites on their own with no school help), etc.

Would I have done this when I was younger. Absolutely not! Am I happy that I am doing this now...sometimes...sometimes not. But in the end, becoming a nurse is a great accomplishment for anyone at any age!