Can't be happy with my grades

eharper · Nov 6, 2010

I say take it easy on yourself and don't beat yourself up over it! B's are really good grades! Especially taking into consideration the class load and whatever else you might have going on in your life. Hang in there, your doing great!

Now, I should also practice what I preach, lol. I am the same way. I start NS next fall and I'm sure the intense need to be the best that I can will only intensify, lol.

jjjoy, LPN · Nov 10, 2010

Have you read the threads by other students frustrated with their grades in nursing school? If not, I encourage you do to so; there are plenty of such threads already started in this discussion forum. You'll find sympathy and maybe even some good tips!

kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 10, 2010

2 things...C does NOT equal RN at all. A C=a C amount or bare minimum amount of competency. Especially considering you go straight from C to F..no C- or D+ anymore, just F. Second, why would you not expect to make straight A's? People have done it, and will do it again lol.

2ndyearstudent, CNA · Nov 10, 2010

2 things...C does NOT equal RN at all. A C=a C amount or bare minimum amount of competency. Especially considering you go straight from C to F..no C- or D+ anymore, just F. Second, why would you not expect to make straight A's? People have done it, and will do it again lol.

The OP is talking about Nursing School, where C does indeed mean RN and in the vast majority of cases does NOT mean a bare minimum amount of competency.

wldcard · Nov 10, 2010

I say... suck it up. :)

Really, I have quite a few friends who have already gone through nursing school all from various educational backgrounds who ALL are happy to get C's or B's. And while there is SOME correleation to your competency/studying and your grades, they are not as closely linked as you would like to think.

I know many outstanding nurses who finished school with C's. I have also known some who have had straight A's and they are people that I wouldnt trust putting a bandaid on my cat's paw.

happy2learn · Nov 10, 2010

2 things...C does NOT equal RN at all. A C=a C amount or bare minimum amount of competency. Especially considering you go straight from C to F..no C- or D+ anymore, just F. Second, why would you not expect to make straight A's? People have done it, and will do it again lol.

This is really rather rude. Not EVERYONE is capable of making A's and there is NOTHING wrong with that. For crying out loud. As long as the OP is doing their BEST, that is all that matters.

Some people just have issues with certain tests. My hubby (non-nursing) has test anxiety. He has a difficult time with paper tests. He gets B's and C's. But on tests where he has to perform what he has learned, he gets A's. You will never understand the stress he has with tests and nothing has helped. He knows this stuff, has been doing it for years, but just doesn't do well on tests. Don't sit here and tell me that he is doing the bare minimum or has minimum competency because that is BS.

pitaya · Nov 10, 2010

I think I need a dope slap. I am passing all my classes with at least a B but I'm disappointed in myself for a few of my grades. I know I shouldn't expect to have straight As in nursing school, but that doesn't mean I have to be happy just because I'm "passing", right? Yes, C = RN, but I'm not used to Cs and they make my tummy hurt.
Suck it up and be happy I'm doing fine so far or go ahead and have beef with myself and my grades because I made some stupid mistakes on a couple of tests?

I'm also disappointed when I don't get A's. I think it's good to set your goals high. I mean, try not to let it ruin your life if you don't get an A, but might as well aim as high as you can if a 4.0 is a real possibility and go for it! :)

It reminds me of when I was in middle school...one of my classmates signed my yearbook, "A 'B' is a good grade!" It's a fair statement. I had a 4.0 back then until I got into high school and B's became normal, but that crushing feeling I felt to get anything less than an A on a test or a paper back then is the same way I feel now in nursing school now that I'm also shooting for a 4.0. I know if I get a B, it's going to crush me, so I'm trying not to let that happen. The thought that a 4.0 is actually a possibility keeps me going!

Good luck to you! :)

pitaya · Nov 10, 2010

I have also known some who have had straight A's and they are people that I wouldnt trust putting a bandaid on my cat's paw.

LOL Cats are too special to trust with just anyone!

CuriousMe · Nov 10, 2010

This is really rather rude. Not EVERYONE is capable of making A's and there is NOTHING wrong with that. For crying out loud. As long as the OP is doing their BEST, that is all that matters.
Some people just have issues with certain tests. My hubby (non-nursing) has test anxiety. He has a difficult time with paper tests. He gets B's and C's. But on tests where he has to perform what he has learned, he gets A's. You will never understand the stress he has with tests and nothing has helped. He knows this stuff, has been doing it for years, but just doesn't do well on tests. Don't sit here and tell me that he is doing the bare minimum or has minimum competency because that is BS.

Except they didn't say EVERYONE....they said:

People have done it, and will do it again lol.

I'm pretty sure this is a true statement. They even put a lol at the end.

Lighten up.

To the OP:

If you're working as hard and smart as you can, and feel that you're making progress (and making B's definitely shows progress) then ease up on yourself. Getting down on yourself is unlikely to enhance your learning.

Instead of getting grumpy with yourself, focus on what you could be doing differently. If you want to continue to improve, look at where you aren't getting A's....is there a pattern? A specific kind of test question, your papers? Speak with your Prof's and see if there's anything you can change to improve your grades (and more importantly, your learning).

kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 10, 2010

The OP is talking about Nursing School, where C does indeed mean RN and in the vast majority of cases does NOT mean a bare minimum amount of competency.

I'm pretty sure I knew they were talking about nursing school, and on paper when you have a grading scale of A, B, C, F..a C is bare minimum is it not? Yes you can pass with C's, but I'm talking about that whole mindset that people have where they just aim for the bare minimum. So like I said, a C does NOT equal RN, a C means you passed with a C. I'm an RN and I didn't make any C's, so don't associate my title, job, degree or whatever with a C. Sure some people have anxiety, but on paper...all they see is the grade, not anxiety. How is that rude? Yeah lighten up haha, and no I did not say everyone. Sure some people make A's and are scary to see in a hospital, and some make C's and would be great in the hospital.

squirly · Nov 10, 2010

Wow...nurses really do eat their young!

Nursing school is hard. It doesn't come easy to everyone and if it does to you that's wonderful but no need to discount someone's feelings just because you can.

Your already an RN .... so why do you need to pick on someone who isn't yet but is doing the very best she can?

Snarky....

I would rather have a C student who has compassion, depth and a caring attitude take care of my loved ones than a straight A student who has a bad attitude.

C= Nurse. :nurse: True statement. Not many of us are AIMING for a C but sometimes you feel you were well prepared for a test, you take that test and walk away bewildered wondering WHAT WAS THAT???? :confused:

It happens. If it hasn't happened to you count yourself lucky.

Meawhile OP....

Your doing all you can. Just do your best and if a "C" in certain areas is the best you could do ...so be it. BUT learn from it. I just took a test and I really struggled on certain areas. I don't have my grade back yet but can say that the first thing I did was come home and go back over that area. I rewrote my notes, looked up some info from the internet. I studied the material, Made additional notes...and I can honestly say I'm quite strong in that area now. I learned from my experience and built on what I knew. If I get a "C", oh well....at least I know that those areas won't hold me back come my final exam or when it comes time to take the NCLEX.