To worry I’ll be kicked off university course (NHS) due to this

[cantcopewithlife]

I’m studying an NHS course, and the Christmas break I’ve been struggling a lot with my mental health (anxiety and depression). It’s now week 3 of term and I’ve been unable to go in for my lectures and seminars, aside from on one day in the first week. I’ve managed to submit my assignments on time though but it’s taken every last bit of motivation. I’m a mature student, and have gone through this before in a previous job a couple of years ago.

I’ve emailed my lecturers each time, but feel like I’m going to be kicked out. I feel too embarrassed to email them again today as they must think I’m so unreliable and flakey and uncommitted. I’ve just contacted my GP to ask for a fit note as I realise I can only self-certify for a week. Our lectures and seminars are mandatory to attend and attendance is taken.

I’m on anxiety medication, and my university are aware of my anxiety but I haven’t needed any reasonable adjustments.

I’m sorry you’re feeling so bad, OP. if you’re signed off, there will be a team that you can speak to in your university who will be able to give you advice. It might be that they ask you to take time off and resume at the same point next year but I highly doubt they will remove you from the course.

You need to contact your university tutor and tell them how much you’re struggling. They cannot help you if you don’t tell them what’s going on.

I think there will be steps before you being removed from the course -it won't be just bam, you're off. I'm sure it can't be making your anxiety any better by sitting and worrying about this; I would email the college and ask to speak to someone who can guide you around this issue. Best of luck.

Is there someone else you can contact? Like head of course/ head of school or well-being services?

Given that you’ve submitted your assignments and the lecturers haven’t responded I really don’t see how they can kick you off.

All the best x

Speak to the inclusion team at uni if there is one

Thank you all. I’ve been reading my university’s policies and they’ve made me terrified as they talk about not being fit to practice, and having to have meetings where you can bring a representative from the students union. So official and scary

ive received a doctors note and will send it in

Your course will allow you to take sick leave if you need it. If you drop under the percentage of hours you need for qualification then they will look at your options with you.

But, not showing up without making contact is a bad idea, and definitely could endanger your place, it will be seen as an issue of professionalism.

You wont get kicked off if you communicate with your link lecturers about missing placements etc, and your main tutor about missing lectures. You can't just vanish though and expect it all to be ok. Communication with them is vital.

I went through this exact same thing when I was also doing a healthcare course. I had a few meetings with Occupational Health, and was declared unfit to practice. It did not mean I had to leave the course, it just meant I had to take some time out for the rest of the semester. I kept in touch with my link lecturer (who was amazing, she in visited me when I was in hospital), and she was happy to enroll me back on the course when the new year started. Of course, it would have meant resitting some things and I would be behind my peers.
In the end, I decided against it, and didn't go back.

Exactly this.

Remember fit to practice isn't something the uni imposes for shits and giggles.
It's really important - for you AND future patients. If you're not currently fit, then you need to address this. Take a break in study and focus on your MH. Only return when you can realistically manage.

Keep the uni in the loop always. Otherwise yes you will just be terminated.

I think legally you have to complete so many hours to be allowed on a professional register.

They may allow you to retake the year.

I think if you don’t complete the mandatory hours you will be unable to be put on the professional register even if you pass all your assignments.

You need to talk to Uni as I don’t know if this is correct for your course.

I’ve emailed my student support department, I’m only signed off until the end of this week and then I hope to be able to return to university on Monday. I’m not sure how serious it is as I don’t know what the threshold is for when attendance flags up fitness to practice concerns and whether me turning after my fit note ends means I’m now fit to return or if I’ll need to see occupational health?

I’ve not had any placements yet, it’s just the lectures and seminars that I’ve missed

Try not too worry (I know that's easier said than done though!)
Your university should have a well-being or student support or pastoral team you can talk things over with.
Do have a chat with your student Union, they will have a lot of experience in supporting students who've been through similar situations.
These types of things always sound scary, but from the sounds of things, being done to make sure you have all the support you need if you are having difficulties.