A's in nursing school

csmcj, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2013

It's possible. Not easy, but possible. My first semester, I got all As, second, I dropped to mostly Bs, just because the the workload increased and I wasn't able to put any more time into studying.

They told us at our orientation that if you were previously an A student, expect to be an A/B student in nursing school. If you were a B student, expect to be a B/C student, etc.

Swellz · Jul 31, 2013

Sure, but it is challenging. I knew a lot of people who got mostly As like me, and a lot of people who were constantly worried if that last test grade was going to be enough to keep them at a passing level. I learned how to study in nursing school, that's for sure.

I always felt like the first test in a new semester was a crapshoot, because we had new topics and sometimes new instructors. But after that first test, you had an idea of what future tests would be like and could study accordingly.

B's are good grades, so please don't put yourself down! If you are unsatisfied, maybe change up how you study? Are you using all of your materials to your advantage? Do you have a study group (if that works for you)?

whatdidigetmyselfin2 · Jul 31, 2013

Like csmcj said, it's not easy but it's possible. I made A's in every class in nursing school. In my experience, to get the grade you want, it takes sacrifice. I'm not saying you need to practically live in your books but you have to dedicate time to studying and might have to cancel other plans with people to get your work done.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jul 31, 2013

Yes, very possible. As PP has stated, some people maintain a 4.0 throughout the entire program. For most people, nursing education is very "different" from any type of previous courses. The study tactics that were successful in previous classes do not work anymore - YIKES! So it is not at all unusual for even 'high performing' students to experience a significant GPA dip when they begin clinical classes.

The key is to overcoming this difficulty and becoming a 'high performer' once again? You must realize what is happening and work to change your study/learning processes rather than just ramping up the intensity of your previous study methods. If you need help, ask your nursing instructors - they are the experts.

RShieldsSN14 · Jul 31, 2013

I think getting all As is great but I believe learning and understanding the information is more important. I had a 4.0 when I entered into nursing school but dropped to a 3.75. I think this was mostly due to me trying use the same study habits as I did in my Pre-reqs. I'll be totally honest-it doesn't work...at all!

RLtinker, LPN · Jul 31, 2013

Back when we had orientation we were told only 6 people in the last 4 years managed to keep their 4.0. It depends on a few factors.

1.)How dedicated and focused you are

2.)How much time you actually have to study

3.)How difficult are your teachers

4.)Your schools grading scale

5.) Do you tend to procrastinate or not

6.) How organized you are

7) Do have a background in health care

8.)Your ability to talk to complete strangers

9.)Your ability to think though a problem.

10.) What kind of support system do you have in place

All of these play a role in how hard or easy it will be to maintain an A.

melizerd, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2013

It is possible, but very hard. I think for me it was about re-prioritizing and knowing that a B was just fine if I worked my butt off then it was okay to get a B in a class. Pharm just about killed me and I was THRILLED to finish that class with a B. I put my best in and if that is a B then it is. Since then I haven't had a B but I think that has to do with the fact that for me pharm was probably the toughest class because I didn't really enjoy it either.

MissMoo25, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Aug 1, 2013

It is possible! Some subjects you may find yourself being stronger in! I so far have 2 nursing school A's with only 2 semesters left. One in pharmacology and the other in research methods. I acclaim that to having excellent teachers and really understanding the material. I finished Med-Surg with a C but due to the extensiveness and difficulty, I was so happy to see that C! It all depends person to person. But as we all know nursing school is NOT easy by any means. No one with A's will tell you they were easy As!

green34 · Aug 1, 2013

I think it depends on how much free time you have. If you have other responsibilities, you aren't likely to get all A's. The two or three people with all A's do not have children and do not work more than 8 hours a week.

finallygotit · Aug 1, 2013

Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. I am in class and clinicals 1 day a week (about 16 hours), I work 3 days a week (about 25 hours), and I usually spend 40-50 hours a week studying. I have 2 teenage boys that are busy with sports and clubs.I never spend time with my family or friends. I know its a huge sacrifice but it will be worth it in the end.

melizerd, ASN, RN · Aug 1, 2013

Don't do the "never spend time with my family or friends thing". You will burn out. It's okay to take an afternoon or evening to be with friends. I never study from dinner time to bedtime (for the kiddo). So from 5-8pm we do family stuff, watch TV, play games, do homework for him for school, read a book together etc.

It's more about finding a balance than studying til your eyes bleed.