Are grades/gpa more important than where you went for college to become an RN?

[KairisLei]

I care about grades a lot I'm not trying to take an easy route at the same time I don't want to be too competitive with myself, but I just want to know if it's okay to even attend a community college the first time then transfer to a university. I just feel down because all my friends who are majoring to become RNs started off at a university, they can pay it off and are naturally smart, or probably just have an easier time learning than me. I want to become an RN and get a BSN but I don't think I can attend university right away because school isn't for me, I just doubt myself when it comes to grades and learning so much. In high school I busted my butt every night to study for tests and exams and I always fail, I'm just not smart. University is expensive anyway, I can pay out of my own pockets for community college. But honestly if I HAVE to attend university just because I get more out of it and just looks better in general then I will do it, as much as it'll make my grades and health suffer...I'll do whatever it takes.

But right now if my plan is "okay," I'm thinking of attending community college to finish my prereqs (about 2 years) apply for the prenursing program at the community college (another 2 years which then automatically transfers you to university after to complete the final 1 or 2 years there) So I might be taking 5 or 6 years total to be an RN BSN.

But my problem is that if my grades even matter or if it doesn't matter and just depends where you're from?

So to explain it better in regards to the title of this topic...is an "A" nurse who started at community college better than a "B/C" nurse who started at university?

I mentioned that I don't do well in school but the above question is just an example. I will try my best no matter where I go whether its community college or university. but assuming that I get straight A's at community college anyway.

[RAndaRoo]

I think it doesn't matter where you go for pre-reqs. I did my pre-reqs at a community college then transferred with like a 3.4 GPA to a private university. I know many people who have started at community college and transferred to nursing school. For getting into nursing school GPA and entrance scores are definitely a factor so I think it's more important for you to get the best grades you can to better your chances!

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Basically the entire post is saying what you cannot do and that you are not smart. Usually that is a way to excuse not completing the task. "naturally smart" is not correct. There are some people who are very intelligent, but the vast majority of people achieve their goals through hard work. I studied 30 hours a week...I earned my BSN through blunt force studying. I am not anything special, but I knew what I wanted to do and I did it. You are asking if this person is better than that person. Focus on yourself. Success builds success. Iron sharpens Iron. CC....ADN...BSN.....just do it and do it to the best of your ability. I swear most people are their own worst enemy.

[crazydoglady89]

If you truly "bust your butt" studying and "always fail", you are studying wrong, have some sort of learning disability (which I assume you would know about by now, and would be receiving some sort of assistance for throughout your education), or have test anxiety. The good news is all these things can be addressed!

There are assessments you can take that will help you determine your study style. What works for a lot of people may not work for you. I am a kinesthetic learner, meaning I need to be physically involved with my learning. This can be fidgeting, sketching circles while I listen to a lecture, redrawing a picture, or walking while I read out loud. I do not learn a whole lot from reading a textbook quietly. I do this anyway (it helps jog my memory later when listening to lectures), but it is not my primary mode of learning.

I don't think this is the test I took, but there are a million out there. Maybe your guidance counselor/career counselor can help you with this, if you have access to one.

What's Your Learning Style? 20 Questions

If you experience test anxiety or any sort of anxiety in general, see a therapist. Often they are free or low rate at your local university. I used one in my first degree program and it helped immensely. I would often do poorly on exams because I would freeze up. I would write out the correct answer in the margin and question myself so much that I ended up picking the wrong answer. I had awful self esteem.

Nobody will care if you went to CC before a 4 year school. RN's all have to take the NCLEX. The BSN direct route has its perks for sure (such as not having to wait for a certain semester to start your program, it can be faster in some cases etc) but there is absolutely nothing wrong with an AS degree first.

I am applying to ABSN programs in my area as well as AS. I have to admit I never thought of the AS since I already have a BS in another field, however, given how competitive schools are, I have nothing against taking some extra time going that route if I don't get accepted to an ABSN program right away. I don't REALLY want to relocate, or pay more for a private uni (which tend to be verrryyy expensive!).

Long story short, figure out your study style. Stop putting yourself down. If you need help, get help. I am not a "science" person or gifted in any sort of way. I study 15-20 hours a week on top of my 50-60 hour/week job. It's pure hard work. I struggle with concepts, but I get through it and move on. Some chapters are easy to me, some are very hard. It's life but I get through it.