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Failed a course twice, what do I do?

I want to go back to school again. I didn't know or recalled after such a long time ago (more than a decade ago) I have taken a course twice and didn't quite pass to the grade that the colleges I applied to require.

I want to become a nurse. The passing grade in the colleges I applied to require C and higher for the pre-requisite courses. I had a minus C grade on psychology twice. I do not know what to do at this point. I feel I suck and I've been feeling this way since before last Christmas. It's getting hard to accept facts that I may never become a nurse now. I tried contacting and personally tried to talk to the nursing department at my school but I got bad news that I will not be accepted into the nursing program with a failing grade in psychology. I did not know that all nursing programs were this competitive. I began spiraling and got very emotional. In my head a month a later after feeling just a teeny bit better I started to think about what other careers I may study.

The reason why I am writing this post is for advice. Like what else can I do? Are there any other health professions that I can do other than nursing even with these two low grades? I do not know who else to talk to about this. I tried friends, coworkers, anyone at this point and they all say "I'm sure you'll figure it out.. just give it time" or something like that along those lines. I spoken to advisors of the college I applied and got admitted to, got my transcript evaluation, and came to bad news as well. I currently applied to another college. I am waiting for a response from admissions office to see if I got accepted or not and WILL definitely talk to an advisor there too. I still have hopes but do you guys think I should just drop it and just accept the fact that I will not be a Registered Nurse at all? I know that I should but that feeling of wanting to be accepted still lingers. I do not know what to do at this point.

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Thank you comment icon Hi Lorena, I'm truly sorry to hear that you're going through such a difficult time. Your feelings are important, and it's okay to seek help when you need it. Remember, you don't have to face this alone. If you want to talk through what you're feeling, here are a few resources that might be helpful: Kokocares (online chat service providing 24/7, free, and anonymous mental health support) or Reach out to Lifeline Chat by texting or calling 988, or visiting their website. You're not alone, and there are people who care about you. Sharyn Grose, Admin
Thank you comment icon Lorena, it is hard to be disappointed, particularly when it seems that you are trying to achieve an important goal--your future. You have received excellent advice from the above persons. I basically will reiterate the same. Stay focused if that is what you truly want and get the help needed as was recommended to you by all above. I wish you the best. Marisel Chibas
Thank you comment icon Hey Lorenna, I know you've been through a lot, but it's amazing how you keep coming back with such strong views. Your intentions are truly good, and they show how passionate you are. Life can be tough and knock us down, but your desire to become a nurse and help people is truly admirable. Keep strengthening your determination. Remember, failure is just a stepping stone to success. You've already made progress, and good things will come to you. Stay strong and keep trying! Mrinalini K
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Irelis’s Answer

I want to applaud to you that you are doing whatever you need to major into nursing and sometimes it is okay to fail or feel overwhelmed when situation might come up.

But you should never give up on your nursing dreams or goals you want to accomplish just because of one mistakes you made, there are many pathways if Plan A fails, you should always consider other options such as Plan B or Plan C to pursue your aspirations such as trade school or non traditional education pathway such as certification program or any programs/services that you can do online or nearby area that you could go to.

You got this, and you are more capable of making through tough times and it is okay to not have everything figured out just yet, keep moving forward and don’t let anything stop you from achieving something that you want to do in your life, so good luck on your nursing career journey.
Thank you comment icon Thank you. I won't give up. I will talk to my advisor next week. I already booked an appointment with them. I hope everything turns out well. Lorena
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William’s Answer

Lorena

I truly admire your commitment to becoming a nurse. It's important to remember that not every class will align perfectly with your strengths. Sometimes it's about how you learn, and other times it's about how the material is taught. I've been there, feeling like I'll never understand a subject after taking it twice. But if this is the challenge you face and you still want to pursue it, go for it! Consider focusing on that one class and find a tutor you feel comfortable with who understands your struggles.

Remember, there are many paths available to you. Think about why nursing appeals to you and what aspects of it align with your life goals. If helping people brings you joy, there are many medical-related careers to explore, like radiology, surgical assisting, or being a lab technician. Even beyond the medical field, there are roles in teaching, law enforcement, or ministry that may fulfill your ambitions.

Trust in yourself and don't let others define your worth. Your determination shines through, and I am confident you will find your path and succeed.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Lorena
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Jim’s Answer

Schedule a meeting with your teacher and academic advisor to discuss getting extra help and finding a tutor. These are free options provided by your school. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Lorena
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Ashlie’s Answer

There’s phlebotomy, dialysis tech, radiology tech, or lab assistant. You don’t have to be a nurse to help people. All four of those ( and many other tech degrees) are very important in the medical field
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TRAVIS’s Answer

Ask them if they accept CLEP credits. Its is a test that offers college credits if you pass with at least 51%. On your transcript it wont show as a grade, only the credits will be reflected. Ask them if that is an option. It is affordable too. Good luck, you will do well.
Thank you comment icon Unfortunately, I do not know what CLEP even is but will find out for sure! Thank you so much! Appreciate it! Lorena
Thank you comment icon It is a widely accepted credit by test path. It is normally used for general study courses and is in my mind the biggest secret to saving lots of money and time with college courses. You cannot use it for all of your course work, but usually we can complete up to 15 credit hours for different classes. Ask you academic advisor about it. It usually costs around $100. Make sure it would be accepted for the program you are trying to get into before you take the test. TRAVIS UPCHURCH
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Kalebtina’s Answer

Hi Lorena,

You can take the Psychology pre-requisite class at a community college and get a tutor to help you get through the class (or utilize office hours and ask for extra help from the professor). It is okay to feel overwhelmed and also very possible to become a registered nurse. All the best in your nursing journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Lorena
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Jerome’s Answer

Have you tried asking the school for assistance? When I went to San Francisco State there was a department called the disability program resource center. Their whole premise was that they helped individuals who needed additional time studying or additional support with tests.

Honestly, you will only fail if you give up. I know taking a course for a third time may not be ideal, but if you do, I would recommend trying to join a study group or connecting with the teacher beforehand. Hope this helps some.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Lorena
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hi Lorena,

I understand how much this has been weighing on your mind. Having failed a course twice can make things seem final and depressing, especially if it appears like it's preventing you from achieving something you really want. But I want you to take a minute to realize that your story is not over. You're not "bad at school. "You don't lack the ability. Also, a C-minus from more than ten years ago does not in any way prevent you from becoming someone big.

At the moment, it seems as though the rejection set off a deeper reaction, such as guilt, remorse, or a sense of having lost out. This spiral makes sense. Receiving a "no" when we really desire something can feel like a judgment on our sense of self. It isn't, however. It is a policy choice that is based on a number from years ago, not on your current potential.

Since then, you've developed. You've grown up, worked, and lived. You are contacting departments, meeting advisors, and applying to different schools, showing your unwavering determination. Someone like this isn't "sucking." That is a person who doesn't give up easily.

Moreover, it is true that nursing programs are competitive. But policies differ. Some permit grade substitution. Some let prior coursework be renewed academically. Some place greater importance on recent performance. The door is still open because you have yet to hear back from another college.

There are still ways to go forward, even if this particular path needs to be modified:
- Retaking the course and earning a strong grade to prove current ability
- Starting in an ADN program and bridging later
- Exploring LPN programs as a stepping stone
- Looking at related healthcare roles that still allow you to care for patients

"Settling" is not what any of those choices entail. It means adjusting.

I would also like to gently point out that the fact that you still have a strong desire to become a nurse indicates to me how important it is to you. Any challenge might feel disastrous at times when something is that important. However, challenges sometimes indicate reorganization rather than impossibility.

No, you're not behind. You are not stupid for making another attempt after all these years. Actually, returning to school after a ten-year break shows bravery that most individuals lack. Don't base your decision on temporary discouragement just yet. Wait for the new school to respond. Gather all the information. After that, make a decision based on clarity, not suffering.

It's a difficult time, indeed. But difficult times are not destiny. There are still options available. Your strength is still there. You still can pursue a career in healthcare, even if it differs somewhat from your initial plan.

Please don’t give up on yourself.

Best wishes!
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