Failed first semester by very small amount...

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 14, 2013

Another former classmate of mine was extremely good in clinicals, however, she was unable to make the grade. To this day. I think she would probably have made a very good nurse if she was able to wrap her head around the classroom stuff that she had to learn. I suppose in a way I am hoping to eventually see her working as a nurse someday in the future. Unfortunately, I don't know if she will have an opportunity to return to nursing school for a while. I hope the opportunity knocks and she will open the door when it's time, and seize that opportunity and become a nurse. If she chooses not to become a nurse, that is her own deal and I would certainly wish her the best. Personally, I think that with time and some maturation, she'll figure out what it was that kept her from learning the material.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 14, 2013

HI everyone... I just failed by first semester of nursing school and I'm devastated. A few people in my class have failed by such a small amount I don't even see how they can do this... our program requires 80% so 79.5% is the lowest you can get to pass. There are people in my class that have 79.48 and they have failed. Has this happened to anyone else? Can they even do this?

Yes they can. As others have pointed out, at least they round up: most schools don't round and a 79.9% would also be considered failing.

Give yourself a short period to mourn, then see where you went wrong, learn from it, and get back into the fight.

Fearless_leader · Dec 14, 2013

I think you should try again before stepping down to LPN school. I don't think there is nothing wrong with being an LPN; however give yourself the benefit of the doubt and try again. I would. Besides you will know what to expect and you can change some things around like how you study, being focused more, etc. you can do it.

1hotnurse08 · Dec 14, 2013

Sorry to hear about you failing your first semester of nursing school. Unfortunately, the school does not have to round scores. My school does round. We always receive grading requirements/ syllabus prior to each semester. So I always was aware of what grade is needed to pass. I was in the same place last year, December to be exact. I failed nursing school not by a percentage, but by 2 points. I had a 73 but needed a 75 in order to advance to the 3rd- final semester. Rounding was not going to help me at all. I was a little bitter but not mad. I did not fault the school because I myself earned that 73 cause I didn't study like I should have , I was rarely prepared for class, never read ahead on my assignments and studied for test at the last minute. My effort reflected my grade. I know some may not agree with this statement but I was glad I didn't pass because I felt like I wasn't competent to be passed. You literally have people lives in your hand. This is very serious. It's more than a grade at the end of the day. If it's something you truly want to do , then I say don't give up. Re-evaluate your situation and see if there was something you could have done different to help improve your grades overall. Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do!

Stephalump · Dec 15, 2013

So out of 10 students, only one student will actually pass the program? What kind of statistics are those? You don't think more than just one student would change how they study?[/quote']
My program is part of a district that contains a few programs. Some are fall entry, some are spring.
If you fail, you can retake but you'd have to wait a year, or you can transfer to a different campus that started in the semester opposite of you. If that makes an sense.
Point being, we get people who failed out of other programs every semester. And we lose people who go other places.
Every single person who has transferred into our program has either failed out again or has been riding the line. No exaggeration. You'd think they'd be good to go for at least the semester they're repeating. But no.
The same goes for the people we've lost. It's pretty common to hear they're struggling elsewhere.

amanda.futureRN · Dec 15, 2013

I failed my first semester the first time I applied to nursing school. I was beyond devestated. Our passing score was a 78% and it did not round up.

I knew I wanted so bad to be a nurse...that I reapplied to the program. I was sad for being seperated from my classmates the first time around....but I kept at it. When I reapplied, rules changed...passing score is still a 78% but now its rounded 77.5%. I am now going into my 3rd semester of nursing school starting in January.

DO NOT give up. Use this as a time to recuperate, dont let failing a semester keep u from ur dreams. It doesn't matter how many times u fall, just ALWAYS pick yourself back up and push foward. You got this! :)

PCTerrific · Dec 16, 2013

For what it is worth, I disagree with some of the others on the thread that each semester is harder than the last.

Going to nursing school was a VERY big adjustment; you need to learn to think like a nursing student. Those first few NCLEX style exams are totally disorienting, and it really didn't click for me until second semester. On top of that, you are adjusting to a very physically and emotionally draining course of study, a demanding schedule, and changes to your personal relationships (even if things remain great, trying to balance family/friends and nursing school takes some time to figure out).

Yes, the MATERIAL is at a higher level, and the schedule gets busier, but hopefully you now know what to expect, how to study, and how to balance your time and take care of yourself.

Many of my friends has their worst semester first semester. It sucks to miss it by so much, it really does, but that's the reality of nursing school (and nursing!). I know someone who lost a 60k scholarship over literally 1 test question. She bubbled something wrong, as the the paper version of the test showed. But, as the professor said-- as a nurse, you don't have those excuses or that leeway. Nursing school is supposed to be brutal to start to toughen you up and get you ready.

So, it's ok to be upset, it's ok to cry, and it's ok to take a bit of time to lick some wounds. Don't let it make you bitter. You came very close, and you can use this as an opportunity to really nail the material and get a good solid foundation. I know many good nurses who have not had a perfect academic path, and they are great!

Best of luck!

RetrieverGirl, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2013

Is this an ADN program? If so, I highly recommend a BSN program. You really won't regret it. Don't second guess your education. You've got what it takes to become an RN. I had difficulty with an ADN program and nearly finished the degree and failed by 2 points on my final exam in my third semester. I made the mistake of taking too many credit hours in my first semester (which included my pre-reqs also). I was very depressed and disappointed, but I was determined to accomplish my goals and so I went for the BSN. I just graduated this week and it feels amazing! I was able to tolerate the BSN program because it wasn't as fast paced and I was able to still work outside of school. Good luck in whatever you choose!! Hang in there:yes:

cholleytcl · Dec 17, 2013

My school doesn't round up. You can have a 74.99% and you will not get the 75 needed for a C.

HappyWife77, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2013

You have not been denied, only delayed.

A wake up call to give it your ALL....if its truely your passion I would in turn apply a more rigorous application of my time and effort. Best wishes! :nurse:

LovinLife28 · Dec 19, 2013

I agree with the others. Dust yourself off and try again. You have to have a 75% in the ADN programs in my area. Anything less than that, you are out of the program. There is no starting again next year, you have to reapply with other people, basically starting all over with the application process. OP, good luck to you.

jcarrasq · Dec 19, 2013

I repeated a semester and I was a drag but it was necessary for me to be the student that I am today. I have found that while Nursing school is getting harder, my ability to pick apart that Nclex question is getting better. At times I look at my test and say WTH is this crap. I say that t you re evaluate your study methods and school habits. Dont give up (((HUGS)))