How to stay positive about grades

RunBabyRN · Nov 2, 2014

I was you. I HATED all of the people comparing their grades (and TEAS scores and GPAs prior to nursing school). I PASSED. That's what matters. I am HERE. Now I am a NURSE. I PASSED the NCLEX (in 75 questions, but passing is passing, so WHO CARES??). I felt just as you described after EVERY exam, because inevitably, even if grades weren't handed out in class, it's always "Let's compare!" Now that we've graduated, everyone's posting the, "So where is everyone working?" posts. I was the ONLY person in my class who graduated with an offer (that I didn't tell anyone about for a very long time), but that offer was rescinded when the hospital had some stuff going on beyond the control of the manager. A lot of people in my class got hired by a local hospital, which sounds great, except that they are ALL MISERABLE (which is why I didn't even apply to that hospital). I am happy with the job I have (though I'm still looking for something better), but I don't even respond to the posts, because I'm not interested in playing, "Let's compare!"

Remember that you are STILL IN THE GAME, and let that be enough to keep you going. Just respond with, "I did okay," because that can mean anything, and it's nicer than saying, "None of your business." :)

mrshunt · Nov 2, 2014

Your grades will never define you as a person! Keep up the good work! Try your best ?

augurey · Nov 2, 2014

Let it go in one ear and out the other! Just keep up doing what you're doing. It's not going to do you any favors by getting discouraged by them. All you can do is look out for you. You don't have to be top of your class!

There's a lot of grade comparisons where I'm at. I have no problem with the "hey, the grades are posted", but I cringe at the grade sharing. I feel that grades are personal. It makes me uncomfortable when I'm asked my grade and uncomfortable when someone tells me their grade.

I think your situation is the reason it does make me uncomfortable, no matter which end of the grading spectrum I'm at. Just keep doing what you're doing. It sounds like from your post that you are doing well and are very well rounded and will make a great nurse whether you're at the top of your class or not! I don't think the grade necessarily determines what kind of nurse you'll be.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2014

how do I deal with people who brag about their 4.0 or that their 96 wasn't a high enough A (that happened yesterday...)? How can I keep my morale up?

You deal with these people by mentally tuning them out.

Learning to tune annoying people out without them realizing it is an art in its own right, but will save you and preserve your sanity.

allnurses Guide · Nov 2, 2014

do you understand the material? apply it in clinicals? know how to relate it to similar situations?

the actual grade isn't as important as comprehension, and if you are getting As and Bs, then you are fine.

It is the sheer volume of threads like this, that made me start telling my classes it is inappropriate to ask others for their grades; if you wish to volunteer yours you may, but others may be uncomfortable at being asked but don't want to offend by refusing. One very ... outgoing.. student immediately said, "oh no, we're all like family and we all share everything!" . I told her that was exactly the atmosphere that created the problem.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Nov 2, 2014

Honestly, I don't talk about it. What drives me nuts is after a test people sit in the hallway and discuss it. I go sit on the other side of the building because I can't stand to listen. I keep my grades to myself and if someone asks I say I did alright. People have stopped asking and they don't discuss grades with me anymore because they know they won't get anywhere with me. It's not a competition as far as I am concerned. If we pass tge NCLEX, we will all have the same letters after our name. RN. It doesn't say RN/A,B, or C.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 3, 2014

I graduated with honors. Considering that Nursing School is very hard and 4.0 students usually become 3.0 students, that's all that needs to be said. I don't put my GPA on my resume. All that's on there is my degree, grad date, and "with honors" and that's there because it's a way of saying "did good in school" without bragging about it. I'll answer truthfully about it if asked directly, but I won't volunteer it.

What I care more about is that I passed the NCLEX (75Q also) and now I'm an RN with ACLS & PALS certs. I don't need to state that I passed the NCLEX or how many questions I needed. My RN License numbers are proof enough that I passed.

ScrubGirl88, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2014

I am in my first semester as well and i completely understand where you are coming from. I am doing good in school right now I'm averaging B's and I'm happy about that but to hear the "i got a 98 and I'm upset about it" DRIVES ME CRAZY! I try and remind myself everyday I am here for me and only me. People in my cohort try to say we are in this together but, truth is we are not. Keep you head up and do the best you can everyday and that is what will make you a great nurse!!! Best of luck to you

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Nov 4, 2014

The only time I have been asked about my GPA was when I was applying to graduate school. I have never been asked my GPA by an employer. I have not been a nurse educator long, but I would much rather take a student who is able to demonstrate compassion and who can make a connection with a patient over someone who can spit out normal lab values. Don’t misunderstand me, the nursing process is the cornerstone of our profession and nurses need to know what to do in varying situations. But you will also learn that once you get onto a floor somewhere. Assessment skills are something that is developed over time, from experience. I had one friend from nursing school who was a 4.0 student. We both went to work for the same hospital upon graduation. He made his first med error three weeks into orientation. Although the medication was on the MAR, it was contraindicated for the patient’s current condition. Med errors do not discriminate, but I wanted to bring this to your attention. While someone may have a 4.0, it should not suggest they will become super nurse!

Just keep on doing what you’re doing!

nifty_n · Nov 5, 2014

Do not respond to those texts. If you feel the need to say something just say, "I did well," and leave it at that. If people ask you in person, just say "I don't share my grades," that's my go to. The only grades that you need to be concerned about are YOURS. But I know how difficult this can be when people are constantly comparing. It's best just to ignore them when they start talking about grades and it's perfectly okay to literally walk away if people are complaining about grades around you. I know that personally, I'm very empathetic and when I have people around me stressing about grades, I start to stress around grades. So I don't really hang out with those types of people or keep our contact to what's absolute necessary.