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Specializes in on the fence about nursing.

I am literally 'on' and now 'off' my third nursing school, and I am contemplating not returning to get my RN at all. I didn't flunk out. I left my previous school with a 3.14 GPA with 4 nursing classes underneath my belt: B+, B, B+, and B-. I left my first nursing school on amicable terms. I work full time, and I had other options as far as colleges to go to. I have withdrawn from my most recent attempt to go to school due to the fact that the Student Guide Book does not contain the signature of the Dean, is not dated, and the students are in turn required to sign that they have read the book, agreeing to the statement that: The student has read the handbook and all of the student's questions have been satisfactorily answered. I have an incredible amount of unanswered questions regarding the transfer of a course I took at a local college to this institution and I was trying to obtain the grievance procedure from this college as I complained to the NLNAC. The Guide Book was delivered approximately 48 hours out from the start of class to the students for review unannounced...meaning that there was no email from the professor to give us a 'head's up' to let us know that we had to review and then sign the guide book. The instructor told us on Saturday and we were to sign and return the form on Sunday. I did not return the form on Sunday and withdrew this Monday. This handbook also indicated that I could petition to have higher placement although I was told by the Admissions department that I could not. The other college I applied to, well, they just decided at one point that it was not okay to release information to them. Is everyone dealing with this? I do not want to go back to the school I started at. As of this semester my science courses will begin to expire. I am not going to list the school that I was dealing with here. Both schools were in Pennsylvania.

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Specializes in Home Care.

Maybe its all a sign that nursing isn't for you.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You quit school because of a handbook?

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I don't think the poster quit the school because of the handbook, it sounds like they quit due to a lack of professionalism in what would be expected to be a professional institution.

However, it seems as if there may be a bit more to this story. I would suggest doing further research on any schools you choose to apply to in the future if you do choose to do so. Review student policies and handbooks before beginning (all 6 of the schools I applied to had theirs available online, as well as my undergrad institution). Talk to counselors and professors, get everything in writing, and ALWAYS save emails with answers to questions regarding policies, credit transfers, questions about exams, assignments, etc.

If you are frustrated with the professionalism of your institution, remember that even the most professional places have unprofessional people working there. Your job is to find the people who are professional and able to help you. Identify your resources and learn to utilize them. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

I would worry that s/p three attempts at school the admissions people will start holding it against you and you may have difficulty with acceptance as time goes by.

The handbook scenario seems strange to me: is there more to it then what was mentioned? I would have thought you would have figured out transfer credits prior to the first day of classes.

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Specializes in on the fence about nursing.

Runforfun is exactly right, and is the basis for my decision. Yes, there was a larger issue behind the post...it had to do with the transfer of a non-nursing course....which I was advised about at the very last minute. I would not have made such a fuss if there had not been any extenuating circumstances or reasonable explanation from the college I was applying to or from the college the course in question was being transferred from. Anyone who thinks that signing the receipt of a handbook is not a contract or an acceptance is naive. It should always indicate the typed name with a signature of the Dean and a date that the handbook reviewed and updated. Better yet, it is available for viewing by the general public. This handbook did not meet that criteria. Yes, always keep a very detailed record of the people you speak to via phone and email. I kind of wished I got away sooner than I did. There was a lot of dishonesty here. There came a point where I would have accepted them saying to me that the reason we cannot release the information you are requesting due to our privacy policy. I was very enthusiatic to go. At any rate, I will not sign a receipt for a handbook that states that my questions have been fully answered to my satisfaction when it has been made fully clear that they have not, and when the maker of this agreement/contract cannot sign to it.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Hmm - I can't recall that I ever placed that much weight on a student handbook for any university I have ever attended (2 undergrad, 1 graduate & 1 post-grad degree). The OP must have a logical reason for giving so much importance to this issue, but I just don't understand it.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

It kind of sounds as though you don't really want to be in nursing school. If that is the case, don't BE in nursing school!

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