Unfairly kicked out of program?

I appreciate your efforts, but this doesn't make sense. I'm struggling to follow along, as it seems there's a gap in the information.

Let me give you my thoughts, and then I will answer your question.

Re-cap

You gave a med with a supervising nurse present. Are you saying you got in trouble for that? If not, how is it relevant to the story? Or is it a strict rule to not give meds without your clinical instructor present, and you did?

You adhered to safety procedures by seeking assistance with an unfamiliar device. Are you suggesting that your instructor then had an unrelated breakdown, lost control, criticized you for being inept, and expelled you from the program?

Next, you were allowed to repeat the third semester, and a different clinical instructor lied and falsely accused you of failing a simple lab checkoff that you performed excellently.

You made an error during medication pass, which you attribute to your angry instructor pushing you unsafely. As a result, you were once again removed from the program.

My Thoughts

You seemed to be treading on thin ice, for some reason, and your instructors were eager to find a reason to dismiss you.

You portray yourself as an exceptional honor student who selflessly shares your knowledge and who was unfairly targeted and victimized without cause.

I believe that taking a bit of accountability or even providing more details could help us readers grasp the situation better. Ultimately, this would benefit you, too, as you move forward!

Here are some things you could consider:

Address the Letter of Good Standing Issue

Since many accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs require a letter of good standing, and you're aware that your previous nursing school may not provide this, there are a few strategies you can consider.

• Contact the nursing school directly. Contact the nursing school where you were dismissed and explain your situation. You have nothing to lose. It's been five years, and sometimes schools are willing to provide a neutral letter (explaining that you are no longer enrolled but not necessarily detailing the specifics of the dismissal). Even if they don't provide a "letter of good standing,” they may provide documentation confirming that you were enrolled, your academic performance, and the circumstances surrounding your dismissal. 
• Personal appeal. If the school is unwilling to provide a positive letter, consider appealing to the department head or dean of the nursing program, explaining what you've learned from the experience, your academic performance, and your commitment to pursuing nursing again. If you have any other references or letters from clinical instructors, mentors, or supervisors who can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and character, that could help your case.
• Work with the school's ombudsman. Some schools have an ombudsman or a student advocate who can help mediate situations like these and might assist in getting you the documentation you need to move forward. The ombudsman could advocate for you if you feel you were treated unfairly.

Exploring Legal Options

While hiring an attorney could be costly, there are some alternatives you could explore:

• Legal aid. Some legal aid organizations or clinics provide free or low-cost services for individuals in situations like yours. If you feel that the instructor's actions were abusive or discriminatory, you might be able to consult with a lawyer who offers free consultations or works on a sliding scale.

State Nursing Board

Depending on where you are, you can also reach out to your state's Board of Nursing. Sometimes, they have resources for individuals looking to return to nursing after a dismissal or other issues. In rare cases, they may be able to help mediate or provide guidance if you are facing barriers to entering a new nursing program.

Look for Programs That Don't Require a Letter of Good Standing

Some accelerated nursing programs (ABSN) may have more lenient entry requirements or may allow for applicants with unresolved academic history if they can demonstrate academic success in other areas (e.g., your 4.0 in pre-requisites). You may want to research ABSN programs known for being more flexible or open to applicants who have faced challenges in the past.

Consider Online or Hybrid ABSN Programs
Many online or hybrid programs might not require as much documentation regarding previous schools, especially if they have a flexible admissions process. Some may be more focused on evaluating your current readiness and performance rather than your past. 

Tip: When researching programs, look for schools that have a more holistic admissions process. Some programs may consider your current academic standing and work history more than your past challenges in nursing school.

Alternative Pathways into Nursing

In addition to the ABSN route, there are other options for returning to nursing school that you may want to explore:

• If you haven't already, you could work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to gain more direct clinical experience. Some LPN-to-RN programs might be an option and may have different entry requirements or offer more flexibility if you're working while completing the program.

Mental and Emotional Health

It sounds like this experience has been incredibly challenging, and it's understandable if it has impacted your mental health. Focusing on your emotional well-being as you navigate your path forward is essential. Here are a few suggestions:

• Consider speaking with a counselor or life coach specializing in helping individuals bounce back from academic setbacks. This could also help you prepare mentally for the application process and future interviews. It could help you process your experience.
• Reflect on your journey. You've demonstrated resilience by continuing to pursue your dream despite these challenges. Be proud of your perseverance and the skills you've gained from your academic and personal experiences.

Final Words of Encouragement

You've shown perseverance and strength by continuing to pursue nursing despite setbacks, and that's a trait that many programs will value. You have a strong academic background and a desire to succeed, both of which will serve you well in the future.

Stay proactive, be teachable, accept constructive feedback, be open to different pathways, and explore various programs. Your dream of becoming a nurse is still within reach, and with the right approach, you'll find a program that recognizes your potential and allows you to move forward.

Good luck! 

Nurse Beth