Current students or grads - How's your progress in Nursing school?

Nepenthe Sea · Feb 14, 2010

I am currently in the third semester of a five-semester ADN program. In my pre-reqs, I earned a 4.0, and fully expected to lose that upon entrance to NS. The first semester, I still retained my 4.0, but last semester I got my first B since I have been back in college. Believe me, I am NOT complaining. The B was in my first clinicals, and I am glad I did that well since I have no previous health care experience. It was awkward and took me awhile to find my ground. I am hoping I may someday make an A in clinicals, but if I don't, it won't be the end of the world.

I will tell you, though, that the A's are getting harder and harder to come by. I study TONS and feel like I know the information but I still average an 88 on my exams. I wouldn't even have A's if it wasn't for the nullified questions, so I don't feel like I'm really earning them. The important thing is to pass, of course, and to know as much as you can, so you don't inadvertently hurt someone.

Again, I am not complaining, because ALOT of people in my program are struggling just to PASS.

Psilant · Feb 14, 2010

I'm in my 4th and LAST semester (for my ASN). I was also an A student going into the Nursing Program. Since then, I've made B's consistently... but I kind of had rollercoaster grades last semester. I either made A's or F's on my tests. Luckily enough, it worked out to be a B in the long run. I passed my final with a high B. It all depends on how you study, staying organized, and not changing your diet halfway through the semester. (My F's came around the time I quit drinking sodas... go figure.)

HealerWoman · Feb 15, 2010

I'm at the end of my LPN clinicals, and I'm in an accelerated program, so we cram the hours in. I had a 4.0 up until my first month of clinicals, then got a B. I have an incomplete for last month b/c I have one clinical day to make up, which I'll make up the first week in March (have an A in there so far except for my one make-up clinical day). This month so far I have an A (barely). In our program, a 93% or above is an A (vs. a 90%, which is an A in the gen ed classes).

70% of our grades (in the nursing classes) is our exams/quizzes. I generally get about 83% on my tests, but my quizzes and other assignments I usually get at least 95%.

Hopefully I will get an A for last month and this month, but I'm not counting on it!

dudette10, MSN, RN · Feb 15, 2010

My husband and I used to grab a beer/glass of wine on weekends and watch a rented movie after the kids were in bed. Now, all I do is study, but I manage to give a quick kiss and hug to my family on study breaks.

I miss my husband. I miss my kids. I miss my sofa. I miss movies. I miss alcohol. :clown:

ncsportsfan · Feb 17, 2010

I was a lazy student, C student all the way just enough to get by. I was great in clinicals, did great on ATI's, passed the NCLEX first time PN and RN with the minimum questions.

I was A/B student in prereqs because I knew that was the only way I getting into nursing school. But reading a Nursing textbook is the most boring thing I have ever done in my life. I studied by answering NCLEX review book questions, not textbooks, and maybe glanced at powerpoints. There were times I was borderline and I'd kick it up near test time to make sure I got through. Near the end of my studies I realized I was close to getting B's and tried but I ended up less than half a point off twice.

Nursing school didn't scare me, I was able to work two jobs, I was able to go out with friends and family. I'm not saying it was easy but I wasn't stressed like many others are. I've seen so many people study daily for hours end just to bomb on a test. They over think, second guess, and don't realize what the questions are asking. If you are lucky enough to have the same professor in one semester you should be able to understand their tests after the first one.

I say all this to say if you were an A student before you can still be one. It takes hard work, but if it you don't make that A but you still pass thats all that matters. NCLEX is pass or fail, no grades are given out. However in this job market some employers are using grades as a weeder so try to do your best.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2010

In my second quarter now. I was a 4.0 in prereqs until Statistics (evil, evil Statistics!), so my grades have dropped a bit in nursing school but not significantly. After Statistics (evil!) I had a 3.93 in the prereqs and had a 3.82 last quarter. This quarter is MUCH harder, but I'm still doing well. Not as good as usual, but after I was convinced I'd failed two midterms, I really am not going to complain!

RhodyGirl, RN · Feb 17, 2010

I was an A/B student before entering the program, and have continued to get those grades.

I'm in my 4th semester out of 6 and haven't scored anything below a B (the B was in my psych/mental health rotation which I HATED, and therefore didn't put ample effort into).

It's possible to get good grades in nursing school!

citylights89, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2010

I just made my first 75 on a test in Art and Science. I had a 4.0 going in and managed to make all As and 1 B my first semester. This was a shock. And the instructor said it was going to be "easy." Hah! I did make a 94 on a presentation.

Another question. How many days did people miss in NS? I know they encourage you not to, but just wondering. This is my first day missing this semester. I missed a total 4 last semester (different classes). I don't encourage it myself, but when you take Midol on an empty stomach and end up shaking like a junky with nausea or have an endlessly runny nose b/c of allergies, sometimes it's best not to show, for everybody's sake. Although on day was for a U2 concert....not a good excuse, but good enough for me. Those are all day ordeals if you got floor seats and want a good spot (I got front row and made a B in my hardest class that was scheduled that on that day...woo!)

healthcare4life · Feb 18, 2010

Thanks for the responses, everyone. As for me, I kinda have difficulty with Theory courses.. I don't know if I just over analyze the problems or what... any tips studying for theory.. anyone?

Thanks!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 18, 2010

The first time around (ADN) I got only one B and finished in the 3.9s.

The second time around (BSN), I think they are actually counting the grades of some of the prerequisites I took 10-15 years ago (i.e., when I was young and stupid)...if they are, there goes any chance of a 4.0. Also, I'm more relaxed about school this time around--after all, I've already survived NCLEX, got the license and the nursing job--so while I'm going to try my best to do well, I'm not going to stress over grades as much as I had to with the ADN.

I found that studying every day is what helped me keep my grades high. I also grabbed 5-10 minute chunks of time to study/review: often they added up to an hour or so study time under the belt, and that was before my official "study time."

CBsMommy · Feb 18, 2010

OP: You are not alone with the theory classes. I haven't failed a test yet but I haven't been doing as well as I want either. Theory is just such a broad, nonspecific thing that there are many possibilities of the right answer on a test. I guess just practicing NCLEX questions would be a good place to start. If all of you A students out there wouldn't mind, I would also like some study tips. Thanks!