Is it normal for nursing programs to have alot of dropouts?

Question

I was in a 2 year RN program and every year they loose over half their students either through failure or students just quit like me(mostly it's for this reason). The program is intense but something must be wrong with it if so many people quits. Plus, alot of students complain about unhappy they are with it. Is this normal?

I found out nursing wasn't for me not merely because of the intensity but I just don't like the medical field period. Nursing school made boot camp look like a joke. Honestly, I can see why there is such a shortage of nurses in this country.

Answer 1

Most accelerated programs have a high failure rate. At our district we have an ARL program for teachers. In two years the person receives their teaching certificate. Every teacher I have met from that program resigns from their teaching position within 3 months. I don't think it is possible for some one to learn in two years what most people learn in 4+ years. I assume most or you are working other jobs while still taking classes. I think these programs are causing a lot more harm than good. All of the people, including you, who quit are not going to the RNs this country is in desperate need of. How many of us would attempt the program again after failing once?

Answer 2

Yes, it's normal. Many people who decide to go into nursing don't realize what they're getting into. They are familiar with the bedside and office nursing they've seen in their own experiences, but they aren't aware of the rigors of the basic education that all nurses have to have. They get impatient with all the classwork and decide it's just not for them. And then there are some who thrive on bookwork and classroom learning, but find they can't tolerate the hands on nursing during their clinicals.

I hated the first year of my 27 month program because it was all college classes. I couldn't wait to get into the hospital and do "real nursing". Thankfully I hung in there; it wasn't easy! I even went back for my degree, for some insane reason! :)

I hope you find something you really like, that will seem worth all the hard work, studying and temporary sacrifice! Good luck!

Answer 3

Most people have an idea
of what it is going to be like.
They become disappointed
when they have to deal with
the long hours and so much
hard work. Not to mention the
stress of getting everything
exactly right all of the time.
There is so much to learn and
you have to be quick on your feet
as well as quick witted, to get the
job done right. And it has to be right.
It is a true test of your character as
well as your stamina. It's nothing like
what you see on TV. It's the real deal,
blood and guts, pain and death.

Answer 4

yes it is
the nursing program is stressful, high anxiety , fear of failure,
overwhelming for many
realizing you have someones life in your hands is beyond words

It's decent pay, lousy hours, having to work weekends , holidays, lousy pension benefits , can be sued at any time kind of thankless job

Answer 5

Yes!