Dug myself in an academic hole

mommy2anangel · Dec 2, 2014

If getting back in at the next term is a guarantee, then I would drop and use this time to evaluate what exactly is causing you so much difficulty. In the grand scheme of things, 10 weeks really isn't that long and you truly might learn something about yourself and your study habits. If you haven't taken an NCLEX review class then I highly suggest taking one. Mine was taken right before I graduated and I learned so much from it. I wish I had taken it at the beginning of my classes because it taught me how to answer those horrid nursing questions. One thing I learned was when answering questions to imagine that you have all of the resources that you could possibly imagine, but can only do one thing for the patient and then leave. It helps with those questions where you get it down to 2 questions.

RN403, BSN, RN · Dec 2, 2014

I would go with option 2. Take this time to do some self evaluation and then give it another go next term.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 2, 2014

I would have to say that if you can drop without penalty and if re-enrolling in the next term is a guaranteed thing, then your only truly viable option at this point is to withdraw. For whatever reason, something isn't quite gelling inside your head this term, so you should try to figure out what that is so that when you start again, you're good to go and will do a whole lot better the next time around.

As I see it, you're getting roughly 70's on your exams and you now need two 80's or better to pass. Unless something radically changes between now and the next exams, you're not likely to pass. Since that equals bounced out of the program for you, you should seek academic pathways that prevent the 2nd failure.

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Dec 2, 2014

A couple of questions:

First, is your final exam cumulative? Have you discussed this with your professor? I still have no idea why students do not come to us to discuss these concerns. When students do not come to me, I assume they aren’t interested in being successful. However, those who have come to me improved their grades exponentially. About the final, if it cumulative, you should make it a point to review all of your exams prior to the final. Only because you are saying that you need an 80% on both exams, I would say stick it out and make those scores! If you needed 95% on both, I would say withdraw.

However, the decision is up to you. Whatever you decide, good luck!

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 2, 2014

Withdraw. Do NOT listen to the previous poster. I had the choice of withdrawing or receiving an "E." I withdrew and was able to return without having my gpa screwed up.

MusicEMT · Dec 2, 2014

Thank you all for the responses!

I am leaning toward option #2 as well, I think the main reason that I have been struggling is my Time Management skills are horrendous. I have always had an issue with this.. I have moderate-severe ADD, and so its a huge struggle to manage my time and stay focused. While, I am on medication, I feel like it is not enough. If I do end up taking option #2, I plan on going to therapy to correct those problems while I have the rest of the term off.

I emailed my professor to schedule a meeting with her this week, to get her opinion on things as well. I also feel burnt out as well because I work 24 hours a week, (I did cut back my hours a bit this term) on top of school. Most of the time I am so tired from lecture and work that I just want to sit and relax and watch movies or play games and before you know it I've wasted all my time... so I definitely need to seek help for that

caliotter3 · Dec 2, 2014

To me I see an easy decision, drop and survive for another term. You know what they say about those who run away, live to fight another day. You will have all this time between now and the new term to go back and restudy everything that did not come to you quickly this term. Good luck.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 2, 2014

Drop and join the class behind you. Don't risk failing out. It's easier to withdraw and re-take the class than fail out and not be allowed to return.

10 weeks is a very short amount of time in the long run. :)

KatRNStudent · Dec 9, 2014

Drop! Do NOT risk it. Try again next time with a better understanding of what you struggled with in the class and how you can improve. It is NOT worth it to risk.

haliib · Dec 10, 2014

I had the same situation as you, and I chose to try to get the grade. Unfortunately I failed. While I think that we can do anything we put our minds to, I wish I would have just dropped the course. It looks better on the transcript, and I am now one step closer to being dropped from the program.

I am also thankful that I retook the course, I understood the material much better, and feel I will have no trouble with that come NCLEX time.

MusicEMT · Dec 10, 2014

So I took everyones advice and I dropped it, I felt the risk was too high to continue.. Im not much of a gambler anyways, especially gambling on my future LOL.. I really appreciate everyone's advice and input on this topic.. at least next time around ill be way more prepared and hopefully will get a higher grade