Are you contemplating dropping out of nursing school for a semester or two? Or maybe you’ve given up hope and no longer feel like you have what it takes, and simply want to wave the white flag of defeat and drop out.
There are many circumstances that can happen in one’s life that can cause them to consider dropping out of nursing school. Even the best students sometimes find themselves asking if it is all worth it, and if they are even meant to be a nurse at all.
And then still others drop out of nursing school, only to return a semester or two later.
If you are considering withdrawing from the nursing program, here are a few tips to do it successfully.
Dropping Out of Nursing School
First, I’d highly recommend you talk to someone about your situation. Many times difficult situations can be resolved without dropping out. For example, if you are struggling, perhaps a talk with the professor will help get you on the right track. Or maybe you should talk with a fellow nursing student about your struggles or problems. In other words, try to avoid dropping out if possible.
Second, if you decide for sure you still want to leave, withdraw from your classes using the appropriate method outlined by your universitiy. You never know what the future holds, and if you just simply stop going and get a grade of “F,” it can be very frustrating to correct down the line. Instead, most universities allow students to withdraw with a grade of ‘W,’ which usually doesn’t impact your overall GPA at all.
Also, by withdrawing properly, you may be entitled to a pro-rated reimbursement of tuition related expenses that you’ve already paid.
Third, you may need to speak with an adviser if you are changing majors, or if you have any intention of coming back after taking a break. Sometimes we can get stressed and overwhelmed, and by taking a semester off, it can help clear our minds and recharge our energy.
Last, I’d just like to offer a little advice: While there may be times that dropping out is in the student’s best interest, I’d like to encourage struggling students to really try to persevere and graduate with their nursing degree.
Even though nursing school can be extremely frustrating or difficult at times, it is a wonderful degree to have. Working as a nurse is a lot different compared to nursing school. Life gets so much easier, and you will learn your job and be able to do that over and over again on a daily basis. It will be as simple as riding a bike or doing the dishes.
Even if you decide you hate nursing, an ADN or BSN degree is a great degree that can open doors to all kinds of wonderful careers in the healthcare industry. You could be a manager, do business-related things, and much more.