Are A's really not practical in nursing school?

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I am wondering if it is really not practical to expect to continue getting A's once I start the NS program in 2 months? As someone who received an A in all prereqs including intro to bio, both A&P, chem x2, psy intro, psy (human dev), humanities, nurse aid & tech, etc... I kinda find it hard to believe.

I have 2 kids, who are in elementary school/ preschool... but I do not have to work.

So I would like to hear from A students who either continued getting A's or those who were A students and now find themselves as B/C students.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply :) My biggest concern is this program is an ADN and I'm very interested in continuing beyond, so I don't want to apply to a BSN/MSN/NP program with a crappy gpa.

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GPA really is not that important important for continuing your studies. There are many for profit RN-BSN/ RN-MSN programs that will accept anyone with a pulse and a checkbook. Google RN-BSN and you will see many ads for such schools.

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Specializes in Junior Year of BSN.

A lot of MSN and DNP programs want a minimum of 3.0-3.25 gpa range to apply. So I suggest you try to keep your grades up. Some will just look at the last 60 hours of your BSN gpa, basically your nursing curriculum. If you are wanting to become an advanced practice nurse it is best to keep your gpa as high as you possibly can. If you are not wanting to become one of those I suggest that you still do the best that you can even if that means just passing. I had a 4.0 last year which was my first year of nursing school and I plan on becoming an advanced practice nurse so I am not looking to just pass the NCLEX but looking farther ahead into my next career goal.

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I wish allnurses had a "thumbs down" button or something because I'd like to do that to Donald11's post. lol

Grades are important if you want to become an ARNP, CNS, or CRNA. Not that you have to keep a 4.0, but try to keep a 3.5 at least, and definitely not below 3.0.

I don't know of ANY school that accepts "anyone with a pulse and a checkbook."

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
GPA really is not that important important for continuing your studies. There are many for profit RN-BSN/ RN-MSN programs that will accept anyone with a pulse and a checkbook. Google RN-BSN and you will see many ads for such schools.

Folks who say this sort of thing are usually students who are really struggling or who get A's easily. It's not a good strategy for those of us who consider nursing a calling worthy only of excellence.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I made one B and all A's and graduated with a 3.8.

I think if you were a straight A student before, and you're concerned about grades now I can almost guarantee with 100% assurance you will not graduate with a crappy GPA, because you're not that type.

I do agree with the above person that ADN to BSN/MSN programs aren't as competitive and that you're not going to need a near perfect GPA. There's plenty of programs and plenty of slots open to further your studies, so don't worry.

My sincere advice to you is to work hard, study hard, do your best. Take care of yourself and your family, and let the grades be what they may. Too many people unnecessarily obsess over grades to the point that anything less than an A is a failure...this is so detrimental emotionally, spiritually and physically. Don't be one of those people.

I promise you that your best, whatever it may be on any given day (and it does fluctuate) will be good enough.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
Folks who say this sort of thing are usually students who are really struggling or who get A's easily. It's not a good strategy for those of us who consider nursing a calling worthy only of excellence.

I took it to mean that the person was saying that high GPAs aren't as necessary to get into ADN to BSN/MSN programs as they are to enter into the program initially. This is true, as there are plenty of RN to BSN/MSN programs wanting students and they are looking for someone that has an RN and a funding source moreso than a 4.0. Many of these have the proper accreditations such as NLN, etc. The local community college here is an example...they take all of their ADN students that pass boards....regardless of GPA into their RN to BSN program and they are NLN accredited.

Many MSN programs do require a 3.0.......which for a person concerned about making a 4.0 and whom already probably has a 4.0...this really isn't going to be an issue.

There's no reason not to strive for excellence, everyone should, but not at the expense of your body and soul. If it is your "calling" then excellence (not necessarily straight A's) will occur naturally for you (not that it's not hard work).

Excellence in nursing can be described in many ways and one can be an excellent nurse without a 4.0 GPA.

See my "sincere advice" above.

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I have a NS prof who really wants us to think and apply what we've learned. All of our test questions, in various classes, are NCLEX-style, but this particular prof pulls stuff out of thin air, fully expecting us to know tidbits about everything. Her tests blow me away.

But I'm wise to her now and study every reference book, and then some. Never have I studied this hard - I am thrilled when I get above an 80%. When I get an A, I am ecstatic!

I will be glad when I no longer have her!

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Thanks again everyone :) If some of you are getting near straight A's, it must be possible! Which is good to hear.

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Specializes in Emergency, Pre-Op, PACU, OR.

Here is my take on this: I entered ns with a 4.0 in all prerequisistes and a 3.89 previous Bachelor GPA. I am in an accelerated BSN program and it is very challenging. To me, it is more important to focus on learning what I need to know and to do well in skills and clinicals, while still finding time for family and maintaining my sanity. This program is emotionally and academically challenging enough as it is, and I am refusing to stress myself about maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I study hard and give all I can, and if that earns me an A, I am thrilled. If it earns me a B+ or B, then so be it. This being said, I have so far maintained my As in my classes, but I don't enter a course with the expectation to continue this trend.

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"I don't know of ANY school that accepts "anyone with a pulse and a checkbook."

Schools like University of Phoenix and other for profit schools.

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My opinion and experience...A's are very possible and practical in nursing school. And no you don't have to shut off the rest of the

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