I need a second (or third, or fourth...) opinion

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Sep 26, 2013

Those grades are no reason to drop out of nursing school. Why would you waste your opportunity just because you won't have a 4.0? VERY few people ever finish nursing school with a 4.0, you need to prioritize. You are in NS to learn to become a safe and prudent novice nurse. Not to get perfect grades. You will get the hang of it.

schnookimz · Sep 26, 2013

I agree that these are normal nursing school grades. If you just don't want to do this anymore, then quit, but don't blame the grades.

And who knows if you'll even get into a BSN program. No guarantee there. At least you're currently in a program.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Sep 26, 2013

You are only 3 weeks into the program. You need to get used to critical thinking questions. All of your experience is in knowledge based questions (What is the definition of ...?) instead of Application questions (What is the priority nursing intervention?), pick the best answer, and SATA (select all that apply). Starting over is not going to solve your problem, you will encounter the same types of questions at the next school.

zzbxdo · Sep 26, 2013

You'll get used to it and usually learn each professors style after the first test. I usually bomb the first rounds each semester then make up for it later. It'll be fine, it's all about being flexible and adapting. Nursing schools is nothing like the prerequisites where it's just memorization and stuff.

Stephalump · Sep 26, 2013

I'm kind of mind-blown that you'd drop out of entire nursing program because you aren't happy with your grades. The point is to become a nurse, and that's hardly in jeopardy 4 weeks into school.

You may not be an A nursing student. Even with a do-over. Most people aren't, even though most people were before NS.

Or you could become an A student at your current school now that you know a little bit more of what's expected of you.

Either way, I promise jumping ship and starting over won't make a difference. This is going to be a long, bumpy journey. You're going to have everything you're awful at shoved in your face and put on display (along with the great stuff, of course.) Time to suck it up and trudge on forward. :)

yedwards42, BSN, MSN · Sep 26, 2013

Hi ~

I read your post and totally empathize with you. I saw myself in your letter. I'm going into my fifth month of nursing school, and honestly it's the hardest thing I've ever done. This is my 2nd Bachelor's degree no less. Anyway, if you truly want to be a nurse, I would NOT drop out over getting B's and/or a C or two. Nursing school is super intense. I'm a straight A student as well, and I've had 6 classes so far (accelerated program). I got a B in one class and I nearly freaked (MCA I). The class was super hard and I cried nearly the whole 5 weeks in the class. The tests were wickedly tough. Anyway, I told myself that while grades are important, my health and sanity are more important. Passing is important.

Another thing that may be helpful is checking your organization/study habits. I'm very disciplined, however, I've fine-tuned a few things. You have to work better - prioritize and become efficient. Not necessarily work harder. Also, studying in advance for tests, recording and/or writing notes down and regurgitating facts/information to others will help the information sink in.

Use your support systems - friends, family, faculty, other students in the program, etc. Very important!

Reward yourself for taking a test or finishing a project, etc. Sometimes that could be a nice, extra-long shower, going out to eat or extra sleep! Maybe a pedicure! Then, get back to what the next priorities are.

Again, I had a few days "quitting" came to my mind too... Then I thought about all the prereq's I took and the hard work I've put into it so far. While I agree with you the amount of time put in (and not getting the high grade or A) is disappointing, don't let this define you or think you are less. The program will test your endurance and strength like no other, and you CAN DO IT!! :)

EuropaRN · Sep 26, 2013

Don't quit! Nursing school isn't easy. Critical thinking questions are something that everyone has to get used to. Now that you've taken your first round of tests, you'll know what the instructors are expecting. Hopefully they are willing to meet with you to go over your tests. It took me until med/surg 2 to really figure out what NCLEX style questions were and my grades drastically improved when I started going over my entire test and going through the rationales with my instructor. In all honesty, it doesn't matter if you get straight As or straight Cs. Once you pass your NCLEX you are on a level playing field with all other new grad RNs.

Take some you time and don't psych yourself out. It will get better.

krisiepoo · Sep 26, 2013

I fail to see how getting your lactation cert will help your grades IF you get into a BSN program. YOu need to learn to think and answer questions critically. Nursing school is HARD because it's likely the first time you've ever had the style of questions you have. It's the first time you don't have to regurgitate answers based on memorization. If everyone who had a hard time at the beginning of nursing quit, there wouldn't be many nurses!

I say suck it up and stick it out

Marsha238612 · Sep 26, 2013

Quitting this program you're currently in and enrolling in a different one should not make a difference. If anything it'll make your journey longer :/

Stick to your program. Ask questions to your instructors/ classmates. You're in!! You know its a struggle getting accepted to nursing school. Don't throw away the opportunity you have

Best wishes

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