Elizabeth E.
Google
My First Program: RN
I was deeply disappointed by how the nursing program handled a personal tragedy in my life. When my aunt passed away unexpectedly, I was told I still had to attend clinicals because of strict attendance policies. While I understand the importance of meeting requirements, the lack of compassion and flexibility during such a difficult time made me feel like I wasn’t seen as a human being—just a student. In a profession centered on empathy and care, I expected better from those training the next generation of nurses. This was around 2017.
My 2nd Program: MLT
I was just three days away from graduating from my MLT program when I was dismissed due to medical issues that arose during clinicals. The school labeled it as “poor performance” without acknowledging the health challenges I was facing. Despite my efforts to explain and seek support, I was not given the opportunity to re-enroll. Instead, I had to start over at a new school (Halifax Community College) and repeat my entire final year. HCC took me with open arms and was a far better school. This experience was devastating and felt incredibly unfair as I had passed every requirement until this point.
I hope future students are treated with more empathy and understanding, especially when facing legitimate medical concerns. Despite being dismissed just days before graduating from my MLT program due to medical issues, I didn’t give up. I found another school, repeated my final year, and not only graduated—I went on to earn my CLS bachelors degree, as well. The way I was treated was unfair and dehumanizing, but I turned that setback into a stepping stone. To those who doubted me: I made it, twice over. Thank you for doubting me.