Can An Average Student Do It?

rntoben2008 · Apr 6, 2006

I am getting real nervous myself. Although I have made good grades in my pre req classes, I hear nursing school is just grueling. I know it will be packed with info that you need to learn in a hurry doing an AAS in Registered Nursing, but is it really awful in nursing school? I am middle aged and have a long background working in hospitals as an Aide. I know what I am going into, although I do not know anything about the paperwork and other skills nurses use. I know I really want to be a nurse, yet I get so worried that nursing school will be so hard. I hear horror stories about it. Can someone offer words of encouragement?? I know it will only be 4 semesters to endure and then passing the boards. Any tips on surviving nursing school? I will be entering it shortly. I am confident I will get in, don't know why, but I am. Would love to hear from you out there.

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2006

In most of the programs in my state, you need a B average for A&P, and C's are ok with the other pre-reqs. But if you're thinking of being an NP someday, then your grades will really matter then.
My clinical instructor told me that by 2012, the NP program will no longer be a masters program, but will be a PhD progam. I wonder if that's true. I was thinking of becoming an NP in the future as well, but I doh't know about the PhD part..

The degree will actually be a DNP, or Doctor of Nursing Practice. My impression is that the OP is primarily concerned with getting into a RN program, so you're probably jumping a little too far ahead. She can always go back and retake some courses if she decides later on to go to graduate school.

To answer the OP's original question, it depends on the program whether they will accept you or not. I would seek out a smaller program, because they tend to take more factors into consideration when making the admissions decisions. However, it is important to think about why you received a "C" in A&P. Is it because you have difficulty with the instructor/exams, or was it because you really didn't understand the material? The answer will have a bearing on how successful you are in nursing school, because many of the subsequent courses will build on A&P.

Good luck:)

smk1, LPN · Apr 6, 2006

I am currently a Pre-Nursing student looking for different Nursing Schools to apply to. I have A's in all of my non-science classes, but when it comes to A&P i've gotten 4 Cs!!! I am trying to get into some of more competitive nursing schools, so here is the quesiton: If I haven't done too well in A&P, but have a 3.7 GPA and other impressive experience, can I still get in? I have studied in Africa and did a 3 month internship in Kenya. I've volunteered in 3 different hospitals all 3 years of college, and had a 4.0 three semesters in a row. what do you all think? is it possible to get in with C's?

it really is going to depend on the admission system of the schools that you are trying to get into. You have a great overall GPA that would keep you competitive at many schools, but our school weighs the science GPA more heavily and therefore , you wouldn't be able to get in with 4 C's. Call the schools that you are applying to and see what the "real" qualifications are, not just the "as long as you have a 2.5 you can apply" info that you might see in their brocheure.

amy123456 · Apr 7, 2006

The school I go to requires a C or better in A&P 1 and 2 and Microbiology. The better the GPA does not matter. The school just has a list of courses and classes you need to take prior to starting the program. People who have these courses and classes done get to move up ahead on the list to get into the schools Nursing program. I waited about 2 years!!

GOOD LUCK