A&P 1 not going so well...

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 8, 2017

Have you met with your instructor to discuss strategies to improve your performance? He/she has the information needed to suggest solutions - we can only offer advice.

Nursing education is not an accommodating curriculum. Everyone is held to the same rigid standards, no matter what their personal situation. I understand your frustration, but if your personal responsibilities are interfering with your academic progress, you may have to take a break from school until things are more stable for you.

On another note, there is no standard method for calculating GPA. Even if you re-take the class and receive a much better grade, it doesn't mean that the first grade will just disappear. They may average the two grades to derive your course grade. Some programs also have a hard stop or limits on re-taking courses. Make sure you know those GPA 'rules' beforehand so you don't accidentally make a mistake that can't be undone.

Wiggly Litchi · Mar 9, 2017

If you're working full time, going to school full time AND have a young child then I am not surprised that you are so overwhelmed. I agree with what HouTx says about checking with your advisers - it might be worth lowering your course load so you can cope but honestly if you could retake the course without it biting you in the ass later, I wouldn't see it as a bad thing.

You could always do your major sciences one at a time and spread them out a bit instead of trying to cram some very demanding courses onto your plate while it's already over-full. Passing the class is one thing, but you've got to really retain the information too.

FutureNurseStone · Mar 10, 2017

I'm in the same position. I got a 46 on my first test which occurred the week my grandmother died, full class load, full time job, and 15 month old baby. I know I can do this but am concerned about bouncing back. We can do this my plan is to study a few hours this weekend. Master the questions and learning objectives for each chapter by being able to explain and teach it. I bought a recommended study guide and am going to use quizlet.

FutureNurseStone · Mar 10, 2017

We can do this ...I know you like myself do have time that isn't being utilized to study due to being tired. unfortunately, this is where discipline has to kick in and work despite the fatigue. In addition, go to tutoring.

Beckylydon · Mar 11, 2017

Yes! I appreciate all of this advice. I have decided to power through. I am definitely concerned but I am going to continue to go to every open lab (which have been very helpful). And, I'm going to go to office hrs every week. I'm hoping that I do qualify for free tutoring. But, I agree I can't be treated special just because I have a busy life and lots going on. And, it's weeding out the weak. If I can't do it now, what makes me think I can do it when I'm full on in nursing school. If this is my passion, I need to treat it that way. Or, I make it through this semester take the class again and keep on trucking. Or I take a break until I am able to fully commit. It's not ideal, but it might be my reality.

I think youre right Futurenursestone, being able to teach the material is a great way to ensure you understand the material. I get frustrated because I feel like I know and understand the material but then I do poorly on my tests. Again, if I can't figure out how to take an exam and do well, I am not going to make it through school!

jamienora · Mar 13, 2017

I was you last semester! My first exam I got a 68% and I was so discouraged, and like you I knew I had to get an A in the course. I work 40+ hours a week, and was actually considering changing my career path because I didn't think I could pass this course. I'm also a poor tester, my nerves can get the best of me. I ended up getting up earlier during the week to get so me extra studying time in. For lecture I made note cards and memorized them front and back, those cards went everywhere with me. For lab I actually copied pictures out of the book and would black out the names and constantly quiz myself. For me repetition is how I get things to stick. All my free time went to studying and I ended up with an A. You can do it, it's all about finding what works best for you. It's so hard with so much going on in life but it's not impossible.

littleboyboo · Mar 14, 2017

I KNOW how you feel, but my struggle isn't A&P, it's Chemistry. Oh, how I hate this class with so many passions lol. My first exam was a 51! Alarming, isn't it? And I studied for two hours a day / 3 weeks before taking it. No one in my Chemistry class made an A on the exam. Many of us failed it! Period! It's not that we didn't study or care, we tried the best we could, just to get a failing grade.

Let's face it! Sometimes, it's really not the students! Sometimes, it's the professor! My chem. professor is hard! It's almost as if, she doesn't want us to succeed. Yes, she goes over the material, yet her tests are not really consistent with what she tests us about! It is, but it's like she throws curve balls to confuse you, which makes it this inconsistency. And god forbid! If you don't know chemistry, you can't be an RN *rolls eyes* . . . ridiculous, isn't it? A&P is different, which you have to get down. However, how many RN's do you know, that sit around trying to convert a mole, or looking at the periodic table for an atomic number? LOL! Soooo irrelevant!

If you do by any chance fail the A&P course or don't get the grade YOU deserve and study for -- try doing this course online, if that's an option. Like I said, sometimes it's the professor, NOT us! I still have four exams to go including the final. If I happen to fail, I'll just do it online! I have a friend that says online was easier for him, and I believe that!

Hang in there! Don't be so hard on yourself. Easier said than done -- I know!

FutureNurseStone · Apr 5, 2017

I just want to post an update. I just took 2 lab test yesterday which was intense and required me to memorize 30 slides inclusive of facial bones, pelvic girdle. tissue, joints, etc. Although, I haven't received my grade. I know I got a 100% on one test and 80% - 85% on the other due to fact I missed a slide. A comeback can be had.

I will post official test results.

Beckylydon · Dec 2, 2017

I finished with a B. It was the hardest B I've ever earned! There's no going back now. But, I may need to retake it to get into a nursing program. I'm pretty close to finding out. Hope you made it through with an A!

FutureNurseStone · Dec 2, 2017

Congrats!!! I knew you could do it. I ended with an A-

FutureNurseStone · Dec 2, 2017

Start applying before retaking