Any Nursing students out there who's had difficulty?

ybq2008 · Dec 12, 2009

Grades are somewhat important, but comprehension and application in the clinical setting is really what makes the best RN (from what I've been told). I feel you on the grade thing, but try not to beat yourself up about it. Bs are good and respectable grades. You've made it through your first semester and you should be very proud of yourself. In 10 years, your grades won't matter. But your comprehension and passion for the field always will.

Focus boosting your critical thinking and applying your nursing skills in clinical. If you get your CIs and faculty on your good side with your performance in the clinical setting, ICU is surely yours. But of course, you may find another specialty that peeks your interest. I know I have after my first semester Good luck with 2nd semester!

morte, LPN, LVN · Dec 12, 2009

make an appointment with your instructor and have an adult discussion, requesting assistance. i see nothing wrong with a B, but if you do, address it now and calmly.

matilda123 · Dec 12, 2009

most nursing students I know, and me too, can't get the A's we did in pre req's. that is because nursing school is hard! is is not for weaklings, and you have to be prepared to study your patooty off for an o.k. grade. better grades will come as your knowledge and applying techniques grow. hang in there! good luck!

healthcare4life · Dec 13, 2009

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

I guess I shouldn't beat myself too much about it, but it just gets to me every time I think about it. And again, the only reason for why I'm worrying so much is because of grad school concerns - the school I'm applying to - their admitted/accepted students' avrg gpa is a 3.7.

Anyways, I just have to try harder and get lesser sleep each night haha.

MissCharlieRN · Dec 13, 2009

I was in the same boat as you, getting pretty much all As for my pre-reqs. Now I bounce around between As and Bs for the nursing courses. What I find helpful: NCLEX books. With rationales. It helped me understand the content with a higher level of thinking. Just a suggestion. :specs:

healthcare4life · Dec 13, 2009

I was in the same boat as you, getting pretty much all As for my pre-reqs. Now I bounce around between As and Bs for the nursing courses. What I find helpful: NCLEX books. With rationales. It helped me understand the content with a higher level of thinking. Just a suggestion.

Are you referring to any NCLEX review books? Or a specific one that worked for you?

beth66335, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2009

Are you referring to any NCLEX review books? Or a specific one that worked for you?

Any NCLEX book will help you, but make sure it is divide by body system and gives a synopsis of the material before the questions, also get a really current one.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Dec 13, 2009

I have been the opposite, I didn't do that great in my pre reqs, as in barely passed my science classes and took a couple of them twice, but have done much better in nursing school with half the effort I put into my pre reqs.

For me when it comes to the exams I feel like FINALLY, a test that doesn't just involve memorization. Pharmacology incorporated a lot more memorization and so that one I had to put forth more of an effort but I finally feel like these are tests I can relate too.

I do terrible at self studying but I have found I really enjoy the CD's that come with the books and like I got the Fundamentals Success book. I am more of a kinetic and visual learner. I know that doesn't help a lot but I know some of my friends that were more like you did better by trying to "teach" it to me and others in our study sessions. They did a lot of reading but they didn't like the NCLEX type books, trying to teach it from the book and power points seemed to help them.

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2009

High gpa requirements and ICU experience - are you looking into anesthesia school by chance? If so, stop on by the SRNA forum and you'll see quite a few posts from nurses who had less than perfect gpa's but still were able to get into grad school. Don't feel like just because you had a so-so first semester (I certainly wouldn't consider it bad) that it is an indicator of the rest of your schooling or that you won't get into the program you want. Experience, interviewing skills and taking (and doing well in) grad level courses will go a long ways for you once you get to that point in your life. I'm guessing the same is true for those looking into becoming NPs or other master/doctorate level professions.

healthcare4life · Feb 4, 2010

High gpa requirements and ICU experience - are you looking into anesthesia school by chance? If so, stop on by the SRNA forum and you'll see quite a few posts from nurses who had less than perfect gpa's but still were able to get into grad school. Don't feel like just because you had a so-so first semester (I certainly wouldn't consider it bad) that it is an indicator of the rest of your schooling or that you won't get into the program you want. Experience, interviewing skills and taking (and doing well in) grad level courses will go a long ways for you once you get to that point in your life. I'm guessing the same is true for those looking into becoming NPs or other master/doctorate level professions.

Yes, you're right. I just worry about rejection, I guess. Thank you though.

jbjints · Feb 4, 2010

I did not read all the replies but have you tried tutoring? I sign up for it every semester regardless of whether or not I need it or not but in just about every situation I have needed it. I know time is hard to come by so I get my tutoring on weekends which ruins the weekend but the tutoring is well worth it. Good luck.