B's B's B's discouraged with those illusive A's

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 11, 2014

For some reason your post repeats itself halfway down the message....you might want to edit that to make it easier to read.

Suggestions, at this point, would include finding a tutor to discuss where your weaknesses might be; it's not going to be easy because as a B student it's not like you're struggling. You're just not getting A's.

It's possible you won't get into the program you desire, but perhaps you can transfer to another school that will have room for you. Not ideal, I know, but if the school you want doesn't have space for a B student (they want A's) then you might not have a choice.

I'm sorry I can't be of more help, perhaps someone here has something more to offer. I WILL say that you need to change your userID; you cannot use "RN" in your name until you actually are an RN (terms of service for this site).

Good luck!

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2014

Good day, GodsHandsRn:

Wife, mother, and full time student puts you in a harder position than many of your fellow classmates; do not be so hard on yourself. I've found https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/how-get-any-846733.html to be helpful for every class I've taken. For me, getting an "A" (with very few exceptions) involved a lot of contact time. Microbiology and AP2 involved 18 to 24 hours per class (outside of class time) in studying per week; typically I would treat any science with a lab as two separate three credit classes in terms of coming up with an estimated amount of study time to budget. Our daughter is on her own; so it is just my wife and I. So I have the current blessing of being able to put aside a lot of study time.

What might help you (not sure) is if you ask permission to record lectures, and then re-listen to them as you drive, go on a walk, do work around the house, etc. Have you looked into your learning style? Maybe some alteration of techniques might help. For example, I'm a combination of auditory, kinetic, and visual. So for some classes I might say out loud (sometimes yelling) the material as I walk or listen to a lecture as I walk.

Do check in with any tutoring / learning center for help; I also found it helpful to try and help my fellow students. When it got to the point I could explain things as good as any tutor or maybe a professor, I knew that I knew the material well enough.

Now, based on your user id, may I reinforce something you may already be doing? Thank God at the start of the day, at the start/end of each class, and at the end of every day. Do continue to try and be better; but find a balance where you are not down on yourself.

Thank you.

RunBabyRN · Jul 11, 2014

How many classes do you have left before you're done with all prereqs and general ed? Can you slow down your path and take the classes one or two at a time? That REALLY helped my GPA (I took on way too much when I was younger and KILLED my GPA). I started with one class, then two, and built up to full time as I was able. I'm a mom, too, and that is a major factor! You have to find what works for you. What keeps you from earning As? Is it time management? Is it lack of understanding? Get down to the root of it, because it's even more intense in nursing school, and you need to have this stuff sorted out before you start.

I agree about looking at multiple programs. I applied to 10. Apply anywhere you could feasibly attend.

GodsHands · Jul 11, 2014

RunBabyRN I can't figure out how to edit stuff yet lol. I am working on it. :)

RunBabyRN · Jul 11, 2014

RunBabyRN I can't figure out how to edit stuff yet lol. I am working on it. :)

In the little box on the right with your name and avatar, click on the little wheel that says, "Edit site, About Me..." when you roll your mouse over it. You'll see a drop down menu at the top of the page that says "Edit settings". Click on the drop down part, and you'll see where you can edit your username. You can also upload an avatar if you'd like. :)

GodsHands · Jul 11, 2014

I have taken a minimum of 12 credits since I started. 9 Credit summers and this fall I will finish all general ed courses. This fall I am taking 15 credits. All but 1 are 300 level courses. I did however sign up for pottery. I have to take an art for gen ed requirements so I figured since I LOVE art it may relieve stress. I would SOOOOOO love to slow down. However, I have a husband and kids who are, already, ready for me to be done. This is adding a bunch of pressure to steam ahead. I also am limited on the places I can apply because my husband doesn't want to move. I am really praying for Gods will or a heart change in my family.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2014

I had mix of Bs and As. When I earned my BSN I had an instructor who had PhD from Yale and she said to be proud of Bs because I was working my butt off. You say you doubt you will obtain your nursing degree. Why? Bs are good grades! If only people with straight As were nurses there wouldn't be many. A hard worker in college can show how hard you will work as RN. I may not be "brilliant" but I will out work anyone. And I will make sure my patients receive excellent care. It isn't about perfection. And if you keep getting Bs and want As..then you will have to analyze yourself and possibly try different study methods. Workout more..eat healthy...spend more time studying...use different study methods. Learn from the Bs and adjust. Good Luck!

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jul 12, 2014

Oof!!!! Where to start. First let me tell you, B's are not bad grades. I hear that this is lower than what you expect of yourself but this can also be destructive. Take a moment and breathe a little. People do enter nursing school with B's, although they may at times have to wait a couple semesters. The key is not necessarily the grade, but are you understanding the concepts and information you are given? The pre-req's are really important for your future nursing studies. AP1 and AP2 as well as biology are absolutely necessary to understand and if it makes sense to you then it doesn't matter the grade (unless it is a failing grade).

As for the decision to focus on only one choice of school or program, I think you are too narrowly focused. There might be other universities in your area or even community colleges that you can gain your ADN (RN). Don't think that entry BSN is the only way to go. I could speak for hours about this but instead look at this post for more information (https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/nursing-school-worth-932256.html). There is always more than one way to obtain your education and eventually your first job.

Slowing down a little may be the shorter trip towards your nursing license. If you keep pushing yourself your grades might suffer and more importantly your understanding of the information might suffer. In this case you may have to retake classes which will delay everything. Retaking nursing classes can be tricky and/or problematic. Some programs only allow you to retake one science or nursing course and then you are dismissed from the program if you can't pass. This happened to two fellow classmates when I was in school and now they have to find a different program to get their RN.

So relax a little and plan. Figure out what works for you and do it. Don't require yourself to be at the top at all costs, just do the best that you can and become a wonderful nurse.