Getting over perfectionism

Nursing Students General Students

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So I just finished my 1st semester and I ended with an A-B-B as my grades and passed the HESI.

While I'm happy it's over and I passed I'm kind of annoyed I didn't end up with all As. Yes, I'm a bit of a perfectionist in other areas of life so it kinda bugs me.

I just needed to get that off my chest. I guess that gives me something to shoot for next semester?

I sounded so mean on that one. I was driving and "posting" so ignore that hahahaha

no prob

With my BS in Sociology, I got all A's. With nursing? Im in my last semester, and finally got a B in a med surg (and maternity). And it was a 79.5 that got rounded up and a 80.7. So clearly, I barely made it. And honestly? It is what it is. C's, B's... they all get degrees. I care more about the clinical aspect of things and being safe with my patients than I care about memorizing 20 symptoms of Maple syrup urine disease, but the test wanted me to know 23. Of course I study. Of course I get some people want to get Masters and they need A's. But for me, it is what is. I'll cross the bridge of having a 2.9 when I get there. Its been hard for me.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
With my BS in Sociology I got all A's. With nursing? Im in my last semester, and finally got a B in a med surg (and maternity). And it was a 79.5 that got rounded up and a 80.7. So clearly, I barely made it. And honestly? It is what it is. C's, B's... they all get degrees. I care more about the clinical aspect of things and being safe with my patients than I care about memorizing 20 symptoms of Maple syrup urine disease, but the test wanted me to know 23. Of course I study. Of course I get some people want to get Masters and they need A's. But for me, it is what is. I'll cross the bridge of having a 2.9 when I get there. Its been hard for me.[/quote']

^No worries!

I failed ADN nursing school-initial GPA was a 3.7 before entering...HORRIFIC test anxiety!

After dusting myself off from PAINFUL failure, I went to PN school, GPA 2.6 at graduation. Passed boards first time, Successful first part of nursing career for 5 years.

Returned to BSN program, GPA 2.6 from AA degree and PN school, with credits transferred and over 90% on entrance exam, I made it in, graduated, licensed two weeks after graduation.

Final GPA: 2.9.

I plan on getting a graduate degree, and I will be successful in getting it.

Painful is perfection for those who seek it as well as maintain it...I understand that as someone who loves to succeed (who doesn't? :) ), however, in perspective, being perfect in giving competent care and mastering critical thinking is going to matter beyond anything else, even your GPA. At least that is what has worked out for me, and countless others in the field. :)

Regardless of the GPA, considering passing as success, and review the subjects that you are struggling with, because they will come up, and you will find yourself investigating what your patients present, so that's where the critical thinking comes in...application trumps memorization anytime as a nurse.

Keep on trucking...and congratulate yourself each time you PASS...not just the GPA either! :)

I'm really trying to remind myself that - with EVERYTHING I have going on, a 3.4 GPA in NURSING SCHOOL is pretty darn good.

I read a thread somewhere that A lot of moms were posting on and they were saying how they "just needed to pass" cause family life can be hard and time consuming!!!! So... I just need to stay realistic. I'm not a single student who only goes to school and lives at home. Im a mother, wife, business owner, workout-a-holic, mega multi-tasking crazy woman. So f**k yea I'll take my 3.4 for 1st semester!!! :)

Specializes in Hospice + Palliative.
Im a mother, wife, business owner, workout-a-holic, mega multi-tasking crazy woman.

This made me chuckle, because you just described me to a T, lol! (and I'm a prefectionist, too) I've been peeved all day after taking my final yesterday. Needed and 88 for an A in the class...so of course, what did I get? An 87. Which gives me an 89.39 average for the class...a B :p I'm so annoyed.

No joke! That's pretty much what happened to me!

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