Failed anatomy and physiology course...questioning my choices

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm currently a sophomore and I failed my human anatomy and physiology I course.

I ALWAYS have good study habits--I study every day and spend all my free time in the school library. I don't make time to hang out with friends or go to parties.

But this semester, I've been so occupied with my worrying of college majors and my future. I thought I wanted to be a nurse (my parents suggested it to me because of its good job prospects) and I really believed I could succeed and become a nurse since I was so confident that my academic ethics and study habits would help me achieve my goal. I knew that since I was sure of my goal to become a nurse, I would give it my all and WORK HARD to get it.

But when I saw how competitive nursing is and how there were so many other students who seemed so much brighter than me, I began to wonder whether I can really achieve this. I gradually lost my self esteem and ambition. Instead of using my time to study for anatomy, I would spend all my time researching other possible majors for me to go into and other careers. In the end, it cost me my grade.

So now I failed anatomy and physiology and feel like I've hit rock bottom. I'm sure I can't get into any nursing school now. I know I took this upon myself. :(

The only grades I didn't do as horrible in is Essentials of Organic Chem, which I got a B in...and PSYCH 101 and Human Development, both of which I got an A in.

JUST A LITTLE RANT THERE heh... If anyone has some advice for me, I would greatly appreciate it. Should I consider other majors and just drop prenursing? Thanks.

Specializes in Cardicac Neuro Telemetry.
olivia60 said:
My A&P instructor flat out ignored me, interrupted me, and told me I would never get accepted in any nursing program anywhere. In the first 6 weeks of class, he gave a fill in the blanks test on the names of every single bone in the body. I barely had time to breath in his class much less know that by the sixth week. So I thought it best to withdraw. I am wondering if the classes are too hard for me. I am not sure, I received an A in A&P some 30 years ago. I went on my computer the day I decided to withdraw and saw an email by him to all of the students, excluding me of course, that the skeletal system test was now only worth 20 not 150 points. This just left me so depressed. I am trying to snap out of it, but I haven't been able to. I don't want to do any other profession, but I guess I need to get over it and find a new career.

Are you KIDDING me? That is unprofessional, rude and incredibly deameaning. You need to report him to the Dean. Professors are supposed to set their students up for success; not tear them down. Not only would I have withdrawn, I would have demanded my money back. Consider rating him on ratemyprofessor.com to warn other unsuspecting people who are considering taking his class. Use this website to research BETTER A&P instructors. I am so sorry this happened to you. Do not give this man power over you mind or allow him to shatter your confidence and self image.

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Like other posts have mentioned, you need to decide if YOU really want to pursue nursing. If it is really what you want, then I would suggest that you retake the course and try again! Look into your college's policy of retaking courses and how they deal with replacing the grade. But, your parents are wrong in that there are not a lot of jobs in nursing, especially for new graduates - just the reality right now. I agree with volunteering or shadowing a nurse to see if this is really what you want. Good luck!!!

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windsurfer8 said:
because if it was easy everyone would do it (nursing).

I was of the impression that everyone *is* doing it.

Specializes in Inpatient & family practice.

To: Irish_ Mist

You know I never thought of that. Thanks for the idea! We are on break right now but there is a way to do this. I guess I just needed to find out from someone else that I wasn't exaggerating the experience with the A&P instructor. Should I do my A&P at a different college? Truthfully the whole incident was devastating. I don't even know what to do next, but I know this, your post really helped me. I am on break till January 17, which gives me time to do something about it. I think I am just going to file a complaint against him. I already got my money back, can I get my confidence back too? Unfortunately this is the only college to attend for the A.S. degree in nursing where I live. I was going to transfer to the university for the BSN program and I let that man took that from me. Now maybe I can just go ahead and take that class again. Right now I am hoping to find a college where I can do A & P online. Thank you so much for your post.

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Specializes in Inpatient & family practice.

Yes, it isn't over till it's over. Until the fat lady sings! Thanks for your post.

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Specializes in Cardicac Neuro Telemetry.

Olivia, I am so glad that my post helped you!

You don't necessarily need to do A&P at a different college. Check out Rate My Professors – Review Professors and Teachers, School Reviews, College Campus Ratings and research other professors at your school. If you know other students, ask around. Word travels fast about professors. If this professor is a jerk, I'm willing to bet a lot of students already know this. Many of them will be able to tell you who is good and who isn't because students talk to each other to get feedback and exchange stories. You should not only file a complaint with the Dean but ask to meet with him/her in person. Any good college/university values feedback from their students. It isn't goot PR to have a professor who bullies and belittles their students. Reputation is everything for a professor. If a professor has a reputation of being a jerk to his students, he will see a lot of drops, withdrawals and less and less students registering for HIS class. Believe me, the administration will catch on to that. Professors are paid to teach their students, not tear them down. It isn't up to this man if you are cut out for nursing school. That is up to you and the nursing school admissions committee!

Can you get your confidence back? Absolutely! A favorite quote of mine is one by Eleanor Roosevelt: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent". Since this was a professor, a man who should be setting you up for success and encouraging you not to mention fostering a harmonious learning enviornment for all students, I can certainly see why you allowed him to make you feel inferior. Start by noting all of the positive qualities your possess. Remember, if this man weren't an unhappy, bitter sap, he likely wouldn't behave like this. Don't let other peoples' issues become yours. Be assertive and firm. You have a right to be treated with respect and you have the right to love and believe in yourself.

Feel free to message me at any time.

P.S. If I can do A&P, ANYONE and I mean ANYONE can do it. ;)

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I was in the same boat as you. Im a good student with great study habits. Two semesters ago I took A&P 1 and FAILED. I was devastated and discouraged. I couldn't comprehend what my professor was teaching and learned nothing. Last semester I retook it. I got an A and was exempt from the final because my grade was so high. Sometimes its just the teaching methods of the professor. Im a visual learner and my first professor just sat there and talked. My last one was fun, energetic, had lots of visuals, group activities, case studies and everything. She really broke it down and I learned so much! I loved it after that. DONT GIVE UP! Unless you dont think nursing is for you.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You need to be sure that you really WANT to be a nurse. It sounds like you are just doing this because it's what your patents suggested. That is not a good basis for being a nurse.Plus your parents are convinced it has "good job prospects? Have you read the threads on here about new grads not finding work a year after graduating? The job market is not rosy everywhere.

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I'm probably going to get flamed for this, but here we go:

I don't know that I have a passion for nursing. I like to help people and I have always worked with people and vulnerable populations (kids, mentally and medically ill). I toyed with the idea of being a nurse when I was younger, but lacked confidence. I am older now, more confident and I have a family to provide for. I'm not running through a meadow, dancing and singing because I'm finally pursing my passion. My family is my passion. I think nursing is a smart career choice for me, especially considering where my life has taken me.

I know a few people who are passionate about nursing. Who wanted to do it since they were kids. And you know what? I would run screaming from the hospital if any of them were my nurse. They have this "Grey's Anatomy" fantasy idea of it all--if they're not working on something interesting or intense, they don't care. One of these people is a family member and she said some pretty terrible things to me in regard to an elderly woman she had to "baby-sit" for hours during her shift for monitoring purposes. And "nursing" is her passion? I KNOW that this is just one person and I am in no way trying to generalize or stereotype anyone. I am certain there are many nurses out there who have had a passion for the profession for years and are wonderful at their jobs.

The bottom line is that no one can determine what is right for you except you. But just because you haven't wanted to be a nurse since birth doesn't mean you can't be a good one. And just because your parents suggested nursing doesn't mean it wouldn't be a good career choice. You need to really think about what you want out of life and a career and then decide. But people saying that this needs to be your "passion" are wrong, IMHO.

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\ said:
I'm probably going to get flamed for this but here we go: I don't know that I have a passion for nursing. I like to help people and I have always worked with people and vulnerable populations (kids, mentally and medically ill). I toyed with the idea of being a nurse when I was younger, but lacked confidence. I am older now, more confident and I have a family to provide for. I'm not running through a meadow, dancing and singing because I'm finally pursing my passion. My family is my passion. I think nursing is a smart career choice for me, especially considering where my life has taken me. I know a few people who are passionate about nursing. Who wanted to do it since they were kids. And you know what? I would run screaming from the hospital if any of them were my nurse. They have this "Grey's Anatomy" fantasy idea of it all--if they're not working on something interesting or intense, they don't care. One of these people is a family member and she said some pretty terrible things to me in regard to an elderly woman she had to "baby-sit" for hours during her shift for monitoring purposes. And "nursing" is her passion? I KNOW that this is just one person and I am in no way trying to generalize or stereotype anyone. I am certain there are many nurses out there who have had a passion for the profession for years and are wonderful at their jobs. The bottom line is that no one can determine what is right for you except you. But just because you haven't wanted to be a nurse since birth doesn't mean you can't be a good one. And just because your parents suggested nursing doesn't mean it wouldn't be a good career choice. You need to really think about what you want out of life and a career and then decide. But people saying that this needs to be your "passion" are wrong, IMHO.

What is wrong with those who knew at a young age what they wanted to be? I have known since I was about ten that I was meant to be a nurse. Not all people need years to know what they are meant to do. I find it awesome that your passion is your family.

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PurpleLover, I'm confused by your response. If you read my entire post, I clearly wrote that I am aware I am talking about one individual and that there are nurses out there who have wanted to be nurses forever that are wonderful at their jobs. I never said there was anything wrong with it. I just think this idea that you need to have a fiery passion to be successful and happy is just not true.

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Personally, I need passion in order to be happy at a job. If I do not have the passion, I do not give my best. It feels like a chore and I will slowly but surely fade away. Nursing is taxing mentally, emotionally and physically. It would be hard for me to accept those things if I did not have a passion for it.

I misinterpreted your initial comment. This is why I should not comment with Nyquil in my system, lol. W

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