Is Nursing for me? Need Advice!

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Hi all -

I'm a current student with an RN major. I'm finishing up my prerequisites for admission into the Nursing Program & have hit a huge speed bump. Long story short ... I have been working on this for a year and I am just about to finish but I can't seem to pass A&P. I have worked my *ss off & still am failing. I'm withdrawing from the class in order to re-take, but I'm starting to wonder if nursing is the profession for me since I can't even pass A&P I. Any of you out there that has been through this please advise. Should I pursue a non-scientific degree or do you think it is worth the persevence to achive my dream of being a Nurse, even with the difficulties.

hangnon

70 Posts

Should I pursue a non-scientific degree or do you think it is worth the persevence to achive my dream of being a Nurse, even with the difficulties.

I think only YOU can truely answer that question. Is it worth it? Do you have a burning desire to do it? I've known plenty of classmates who had to re-take pre-reqs like A & P and Micro. Not everyone learns at the same pace. Those same students are doing just fine in the program now. Only you can decide what best for you, good luck! :)

hippienurse

105 Posts

I know lots of nurses who took A&P over. I have a friend who is a great nurse who took it, yikes, three times. It is a hard class. Some people have trouble with it, it is alot of memorization. In my opinion, it is harder than any nursing class! Nursing is more of a learn it then do it application of what you are being taught.. Not rote memorization like A&P. You will relearn alot of that same a&P stuff as you take nursing classes too, you don't remember it all!

I would take it over, and if at that time you still feel unsure of your decision and/or are still struggling then rethink things and make a decision then....Goodluck![/

Fraggle

125 Posts

$20,000 Question: Why can't you pass A&P?

Is it A&P I or II? Do you think you know the stuff? Or do you feel like you've studied and none of it is on the test? When you take the test, how do you feel? Do you enjoy the subject matter (despite the failing part?) You need to figure out if it's just a study skills issue, subject matter, or what.

Specializes in ED.

Remember that when you get into your nursing program, IT WILL BE NOTHING LIKE A&P!!!

A&P is alot more memorization than nursing is, so you don't know if you will be good at nursing based on that class. Just ask yourself whether or not you really want to be a nurse and be true to yourself.

grinnurse, RN

767 Posts

Specializes in Med/Surge.

You really should look deep into your heart and figure out why it is your dream? What made you want to become a nurse?

Is the reason that you are having trouble material, instructor, poor study habits, or outside things that are bothering you? Have you utiliized all the different things that the school has to offer such as tutoring, spoken with the counselor and the instructor? Or could it be test anxiety? Tell us a little more so we can maybe narrow down the problem cause there are lots of really knowledgeable and caring individuals that frequent these boards that love to help others in the same place. If you think it's how you study, if you PM I would be happy to tell you how I got through the sciences because I have never been strong in those areas. Tell us more.............

Don't rush into any decisions about changing your direction.

jb102

2 Posts

Hi all -

I'm a current student with an RN major. I'm finishing up my prerequisites for admission into the Nursing Program & have hit a huge speed bump. Long story short ... I have been working on this for a year and I am just about to finish but I can't seem to pass A&P. I have worked my *ss off & still am failing. I'm withdrawing from the class in order to re-take, but I'm starting to wonder if nursing is the profession for me since I can't even pass A&P I. Any of you out there that has been through this please advise. Should I pursue a non-scientific degree or do you think it is worth the persevence to achive my dream of being a Nurse, even with the difficulties.

A&P is tough for a lot of people. I use a program on my computer called Body Spectrum. I can't find it on the web, but my teacher in HS gave it to me. It's like a game, but it really helps you memorize everything. Maybe you should try a different study method.

Specializes in NICU/Neonatal transport.

You also may want to try a class that is taught in a different manner. I believe A&P is taught systemically, where you learn all the blood vessels at once, then the nerves, then the bones etc. While other places teach them as two different classes, not combined - and that's taught regionally where you learn everything about the lower limbs, then the upper limbs, then the head, then the thorax.

I think the why is very important, but I do know it's a hard class to get through (at least Anatomy is. I start physio this quarter)

Sheri257

3,905 Posts

Remember that when you get into your nursing program, IT WILL BE NOTHING LIKE A&P!!!

A&P is alot more memorization than nursing is, so you don't know if you will be good at nursing based on that class. Just ask yourself whether or not you really want to be a nurse and be true to yourself.

I disagree. It's true that nursing school is more critical thinking and less rote memorization. But you're constantly using physio knowledge for critical thinking in nursing school (and with your patients in clinical). If you don't know that stuff and don't have a good physio background, you're definitely going to have problems in nursing school.

:smokin:

lgrninmay

10 Posts

I am in the final stretch of an RN program - graduate in May 05. I too had problems with A&P. I was able to get a "C" in both A&P I and II. Most of the students that I am graduatinfg with had A's in A&P. I found myself referrring to my A&P books many times throughout my nursing courses. I guess that my point is that A&P knowledge is the basis on which you build during your nursing courses. Don't be afraid to re take the course - it can only benefit you! Maybe a different instructor would help. Also, the college should be able to offer you some assistance - note taking seminars, learning styles etc. If nursing is what you want to do - hang in there - Don't give up!

Hi all -

I'm a current student with an RN major. I'm finishing up my prerequisites for admission into the Nursing Program & have hit a huge speed bump. Long story short ... I have been working on this for a year and I am just about to finish but I can't seem to pass A&P. I have worked my *ss off & still am failing. I'm withdrawing from the class in order to re-take, but I'm starting to wonder if nursing is the profession for me since I can't even pass A&P I. Any of you out there that has been through this please advise. Should I pursue a non-scientific degree or do you think it is worth the persevence to achive my dream of being a Nurse, even with the difficulties.

kwagner_51

592 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Home Health.

Before I took A & P, I took Human Anatomy. It helped ALOT!!! Not only was it a one semester course, it also had a lab manual and a CD that really explained how the body works!

You might try that first. It really isn't the anatomy that is used in nursing; it is physiology.

GOOD LUCK!!

________________________________

In His Grace,

Karen

Failure is NOT an option!!

grinnurse, RN

767 Posts

Specializes in Med/Surge.

A & P is the whole foundation of your nursing career. If you don't know how a system works, chances are you aren't going to understand the disease process. I still think it is important to be in nursing with your heart and to be doing it b/c it is something you have a passion to do b/c NS is rough but to me has been worth all the blood, sweat, and tears. It wouldn't hurt to take the class again at all. To me, NS has brought all the A & P, and Micro full circle!!

Good luck and if nursing is your true passion-persevere and climb over one mountain at a time!! You can do it!!

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