Unique Circumstance Applying to Accelerated BSN. Need advice and guidance..

[ruralmed101]

Hello everyone! I had some questions and did not know where to look for some guidance. I had an academic dismissal from an osteopathic medical school at the beginning of Year 2. I want to pursue rural medicine and that is my main goal. I know it may seem that a nursing program will sound like merely a backup plan but I just do not see my skills and knowledge translating anywhere else. I really want to work out in rural clinics and have an extensive resume that conveys that as well. I was wondering what my chances would be if I were to finish up taking the prerequisites I am missing and applying for an accelerated RN program.

I know I will have to do some explaining with regards to my situation in medical school. I have paperwork and all that documenting significant family troubles which ultimately led to my failing out. However, my school is more than happy to write a letter of good standing in all other classes up until the failure of two of my classes in the beginning of Year 2. I have since taken care of my life stressors and I am prepared to go on forwards with my education. I have the utmost of respect for nurses and I would like honest opinions if ya'll were in my shoes. Would I have a chance of nursing schools considering someone like me? All I ever wanted to do is be able to work in small clinics/hospitals that are very rural. Hence, I never view nursing school as a lower-level backup to medical school. I just want to be able to fulfill what I set out to do even if it means changing my profession within the realm of healthcare.

Apologies for the long post but I would really appreciate any and all input. If there are more personal questions I will be more than happy to private message or email. Thanks again for reading everyone. Hope everyone had a great New Year.

[paisling]

You need to contact the nursing schools you are interested in and ask them. Every school has a different policy.

[caliotter3]

Are you not considering reapplying to another medical school or even to the original one? Worth a try since you have dealt with the problem.

[ruralmed101]

I would consider that but the monetary investment is something I cannot do unfortunately right now especially with my loans I am paying back while I am working currently. I tried to appeal but they are taking quite a bit of time. I do not want to risk going to the Caribbean and honestly I never operated on those parameters of doctor vs nurse, etc. I always wanted to just work in the healthcare field in a rural location. I've compiled a list of programs and I will contact them directly but just feel ashamed of the stigma I will receive but I know it is what I want and I hope they can see over my previous past. I have plenty of hours in the hospital, and clinics so I am hoping they see beyond my shortcomings.

[Julius Seizure]

My opinion is that you shouldn't worry too much about any stigma that may or may not exist in some peoples minds. I think that an ABSN program would certainly be a possibility for you and it doesn't hurt to contact the schools to try. An alternative would be to get an associates degree in nursing (ADN), which will allow you to be an RN. If can sometimes be hard to get a job in a city without a bachelors degree in nursing, but in a rural area you are less likely to have that hurdle. After getting the ADN, you can start working and do a bridge program to a bachelors degree.

[ruralmed101]

Thanks so much for everyone's responses thus far! i was leaning towards the A-BSN route. I will contact the programs in my area and see if they would consider me! I don't see myself working in a city at all but more-so rural clinics so ADN could be a worthwhile possibility too. I just figured I am in an area that is prolific with A-BSN programs so I wanted to just have it done in one-go given my strategic location. I am thinking remote locations such as New Mexico, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Alaska, etc. Clinics off the beaten path is what I am looking for predominately so I am hoping I can make it into these spots. I have some shorter questions if you are available via PM it would really mean a lot. Thanks once again for the reply.