I Failed Out of Nursing School! Now What?

First of all...go ahead and cry. That's right, cry and let it out. I mean it hurts to know that you've done all that you can do and it still wasn't good enough. You have a right to feel pained. Next, breathe. Take a big breath in and out...because what you're not going to do is GIVE UP!

Whether you failed by a few points or were way off the mark...now is not the time to beat yourself up. It happens...and it happens for many a reasons. Maybe you are just not a good test taker. Maybe you crammed the night before a big test. Maybe this or maybe that. A good thing to do during this time is to let yourself grieve for a few days. Take some time to reflect and feel all the feelings that are running around inside of you. Maybe you take a weekend...maybe you take a week. Don't take too long, but do take some time to gather yourself.

After you've taken time to absorb the shock and feel the pain of failing...it's time to get up and make a new plan. You will need to research nursing programs. You may reapply to the same program or maybe you find a nursing program at another school. Either way, plan to get back on the horse!

Here are some things to do in the meantime:

• Take other classes that will add to your admission score next time around or that will count toward prerequisites as you advance your degree.

• Retake a class as a refresher. For example, retake pathophysiology. See if you can get a better grade in the class, and it will also be like a review.

• Prepare your life for school this next time around. Declutter your life! School will be a sacrifice, but it will be well worth it in the end.

Remember...failing nursing school is not the end of the world. You can still make it with hard work and determination. Believe in yourself and do the work to give yourself the best chance at reaching your goal!