Be Prepared

I just got 100% on my fundamentals. However, I studied all that was assigned to us including the chapters and power points. hard work pays off...so am waiting for the crickets to say C's get degrees

Bit over dramatic. I experienced almost nothing you speak of, its actually been a relaxing ride for the most part.

I think it varies by program and if you are in an ADN vs. BSN program due to the difference in the amount of classes each semester. But the OP is pretty much spot on on being prepared and studying your butt off. The instructors do keep tabs on who is there all the time, where you sit in class, if you take notes or just play with your phone, how you do on tests. One of my theory instructors is also my CI. She walked up to me after my last test (first exam of med/surg in block 2) and fist bumped me saying "you did good, keep it up" (I got an 87.8 and it was the hardest low B i ever earned lol, a lot of people failed it). I was excited about it, but also thought, "oh crap, shes watching me" lol. Anyway, so true on study study study and be prepared. I did quite well in fundamentals in block 1. I missed an A by mere points and its because I got cocky and studied less before exam 3. I got a high C on that test and then a high B on the following, but couldnt quite catch that A by the end of the semester. I know that C's get degrees but not for me because I plan to keep going on to MS and want a competitive GPA to get into a good school. If you want good grades and dont want to have to calculate what you have to get on the final just to barely pass the class, then heed the warnings. Take some time for yourself each week or you will go crazy, but plan to devote a lot of time to studying, homework and stressing about tests.

I just completed my BSN at a major university....I did not do anything the OP stated above, I graduated with a 3.8gpa. Its is all about the individual, not everyone has to study as rigorously (spelling) or turn into a hermit to pass their classes. Find what works for you....for me it was establishing a few hours a week to casually study and prepare....I am by no means a "perfect" nurse, but I was just wanting to state my opinion on the subject :-)

This is very program specific. Not all programs have these rules or run this way, obviously. So you can't make a blanket statement.

Do not get anything less than 93% if you want an "A". Do not get anything less than 86% if you want a "B."

I wish that was our grading scale!

I wish that was our grading scale!

A is 94 and C is 77 in my school. it is a bsn program!!

I wish that was our grading scale!

Me, too. We're on a numerical scale and to get a 4.0 you must score above 95%. Quick decline from there.

We must get a 92% to get an A. I have not become a hermit nor do I devote every second to studying. I know people in my program that do that and they are driving themselves crazy right now. Seriously, they are. I make sure I am at school on time with homework done and have myself prepared for either the lecture or lab that day. But I have a life outside of school. I have a son who needs me and my boyfriend likes to see my face sometimes too. And my grades are just fine.

My professor used to say that every patient is unique and the same thing goes for every nursing student. We are all different and our study habit is different, what works for you might be different from others.

That is one of the things that bothered me my first week of class, most of the professors saying that you cannot possibly work full-time and complete the program. Well, I have rent, car note and other expenses and I HAVE to work. If that was the case I would have applied to Chamberlain and got my BSN and rather than going the LPN route, but due to my work schedule and money issues not working is NOT an option for me and neither is the BSN at this point. Rather, than discourage how about ENCOURAGE those of us who have the tenacity to work full-time as well as go to school full-time. I am a true believer that Nothing is Impossible....Good Luck!!!!!