My work is NOT paying off

[pnurseuwm]

So I'm taking my pre-nursing classes right? One class is chemistry for health majors. I'm having the general part this semester (just STARTING organic stuff) and next semester it will be all organic and biochem (same class, 2 different semesters).

I had dreams of going to Loyola for their accelerated BSN program (which begins in May), but I'm failing chem 101. If I retake it next semester, I won't be able to apply to loyola until next year (if this happens, I would just relinquish to go to my current school's nursing program- UW-Milwaukee- if accepted).

I get tutoring, but that's not really helping. The TA basically goes over the test, quiz or whatever that is on the table. NOT the generalities and overall rules to help me with ANY problem.

I study everyday. So far, I'm liking the O-chem stuff (but ofcourse we just got started). There's only 1 more test left, the final exam. I must get an A or I will be back for more next semester.

Not to step on any toes or anything, I've even been considering some ADN programs in the area (which are not big on chemistry). The only problem with that is that some are longer than the traditional second degree program at uwm (i.e. like 2 and a half years, UWM's traditional second degree BSN program is 2 years)! Let alone the fact that I will be spending MORE time earning and LESS advanced degree. Then would have to spend MORE years to get the BSN (if I chose to do so). It's really crazy. If push comes to shove, I know I'll repeat the course instead of going to a longer program for a different degree.

I know everyone is pretty stressed right now, with finals and all, but I would appreciate any encouraging words, insights, advice, etc. I have NEVER in my life had a subject where I studied MORE but continued to fail... am I doomed?:stone

[pnurseuwm]

woo hooooooooooooo!

I just checked my grade via internet, I got a C+ in chem!!!!!! I was screaming!!! I got an A- in A&P, and A- in cultural diversity in healthcare, and an A in health care perspectives.

I prayed that I would pass chem with ATLEAST a C, the + has really put me on cloud nine:D I studied like crazy for the final, which was cumulative, I did all of the old quizes, all of last year's exams, and all of this year's exams on my own as I studied.....

Next semester it's the Organic/Biochem combo- the second half of the required chem for pre-nursing students. I plan on getting another tutor. I'll also have a microbio class and the second half of A&P, I like A&P. Did anyone else have to take microbiology?

What exactly is it?

I can now breath, and enjoy my month long vacation, I passed CHEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LilRedRN1973]

In our ADN program, Micro is one of the co-requisites. It's the only co-req I have left to take, as I took all the others BEFORE I entered the nursing program. Why make my school life harder than it has to be?

I, along with about half of the nursing class, am taking a 3-week long Micro class this semester. It will be a killer course, having to learn all that material in 3 weeks, but I love the professor who is teaching it (had him for Nutrition 223 and both A&P classes).

Congrats on the grade in Chem. That was, by far, my hardest class. I remember in high school, it was the only class I ever had to study for and I still only passed with a C. Then, I found out that my nursing program only accepts those classes within the past 10 years. I graduated in 1991 and took Chem in my sophomore year. Obviously, I ended up having to retake the darn class. I struggled with that class, but because of all the extra credit this professor gave, ended up with a B in the class. I hope to God I don't have to go through that again anytime soon!!!

[Sheri257]

Originally posted by pnurseuwm

Not to step on any toes or anything, I've even been considering some ADN programs in the area (which are not big on chemistry). The only problem with that is that some are longer than the traditional second degree program at uwm (i.e. like 2 and a half years, UWM's traditional second degree BSN program is 2 years)! Let alone the fact that I will be spending MORE time earning and LESS advanced degree. Then would have to spend MORE years to get the BSN (if I chose to do so).

I understand, but ADN programs do have some advantages you may not have thought of. For instance, the ADN program in my area has a 10 percent higher NCLEX pass rate than the accelerated BSN program. The local hospitals (including the one I want to work for) also prefer ADNs because they have more clinical experience.

It may not be the same in your area, but you might want to find out.

A lot of people also assume that a BSN makes a big difference in salary when, in fact, it doesn't. In most cases, no difference at all.

And while it might take a little longer to get your BSN, it's also much easier since, once you graduate, there are many RN to BSN programs you can take online. No commuting.

Anyway, just some food for thought.