Okay so here's my story. I graduated HS at 16 years old. I applied for the nursing program and I got in, which I was very happy about. I went through a lot just to get in. Unfortunately, this morning, the dean and two other professors informed me that there is a high possibility that I will be asked to withdraw from the program because of the fact that I'm still a minor. They said that according to the law, I can't go to clinicals as a minor. I'm not sure but I think it's the clinical agency's policy. They suggested me to take the CNA program and my general studies instead while waiting until I'm old enough to be in the program. They said they overlooked my age because of my grades. I mean, it's not my fault that they overlooked it. They said it never happened before. They did the background check, but they still let me in the program. Half of my tuition was paid through financial aid, if I drop the nursing class that I'm taking right now, I would be down from 16 to 7 credits so that will affect my financial aid. I also bought all the books that was required for the classes. But those are just minor things. I expected that I will graduate in two years, but they are asking me to wait for another two years to be allowed in the program. They're not kicking me out, they're just putting me on hold until I turn 18. I need some advice and opinion about this matter. I'm very frustrated..
Specializes in Med/ Surg/ Telemetry, Public Health.
Congrats on getting into the program. I am sorry to hear that they took you out. In my school you have to be at least 17 by the time clinical starts. If I were you I would have them put it in writing saying that you temporarily out until you turn 18, and then you have a spot and can retun. Also I would suggest having them contact financial aid and get that situation fixed, so you don't have to pay for the credits you had to withdraw from. I quess the rules are the rules but I do wish you lots of luck so think of this as a minor setback, not the end of your nursing journey.
As a hospital educator I can tell you we do not allow minors here for clinical rotations. For one thing, we ask people to sign HIPAA and Security agreements. A minor's signature is legally invalid. Another issue would be in giving medications. Sorry, but you are a little ahead of the game at present. I do think you could work till you are 18 and learn a lot that will help later with your chosen career.
I haven't read all of the responses. But I went to an LPN program at a vocational school my junior and senior year of high school. We did all of our clinicals at the local hospital and a few at a nursing home. I was 15 my first year in the program. And I passed my NCLEX-PN when I was 17.
I would research the laws and such in your state. Granted this was 17 years ago for me. But I know for a fact that that program still runs around here.
At our hospital you have to be 18 to work on the floor and pass meds. Most people may start classes when they are 17, but aren't in clinicals for a year. I would take classes towards your BSN and go from there. Good luck!
mzrainydayz, BSN, RN
364 Posts
Congrats on getting into the program. I am sorry to hear that they took you out. In my school you have to be at least 17 by the time clinical starts. If I were you I would have them put it in writing saying that you temporarily out until you turn 18, and then you have a spot and can retun. Also I would suggest having them contact financial aid and get that situation fixed, so you don't have to pay for the credits you had to withdraw from. I quess the rules are the rules but I do wish you lots of luck so think of this as a minor setback, not the end of your nursing journey.