failing anatomy-- new member

a_clay · Nov 11, 2003

These days, with the economy the way it is and with no job security in just about every field, nursing has become so attractive to alot of people who otherwise probably wouldn't have chosen nursing as a career. There are also fewer programs (in past years) due to the fact that to be an intsructor, one would have to take a huge pay cut to teach and the decline of enrollment due to lack of interest. Now there seems to be a shift the other way...there seem to be programs popping up IF THEY CAN FIND INSTRUCTORS and applications into nursing programs have skyrocketed. Just like in the program I am trying to get into. There are 110 slots and until the economy got bad they had late registration because they never had classes filled but last semester there were 600+ applicants. So, as it stand now, you must have all A's or nearly all A's to even get into a program due to the shear number of applicants. Knowing this, if nursing is what you trully want to do then you will get focused and retake the class. That's what happened to me...I had mostly B's and then reality hit about the # of applicants and now I have all A's in my prereqs. Plenty of people have gotten A's in Anatomy...and youcan too...but the burning desire to be a nurse is what's going to get you there. Also, most CRNA programs state you must have a minimum of a 3.0 to get into there program...which pretty much means you need all A's & B's to get into a CRNA program. I have kept that in mind the whole time I have been in college and it has made all the difference in the world...I have the desire and I'm willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to reach my goal. If you get to that mindest you shouldn't have any problems.

lanitra · Nov 11, 2003

Amy,

It's pretty sad that I needed you to tell me that...but I did! I knew that it would take some sacrifices, but I wanted to pick and choose what I was willing to sacrifice. Now, I see that it wasn't enough.

Thank you!

srna04 · Nov 11, 2003

In my undergrad, I failed A & P, retook the class and went into an ADN program. I finished that program and finished a BSN completion program and got a 4.0, and later applied to a CRNA and got in. I want to emphasize showing improvement as you go through school which is very important.

Euphrosyne7, MSN, RN · Nov 11, 2003

From what I gather, it is different everywhere. At my school, you are allowed to retake any cognate you fail once and then after that, if you fail again, you are OUT of nursing; however, at another school just miles away, you can just keep taking your cognates and then once you pass with at least a C, you are put on a waiting list. The requirements are different as far as getting into a nursing program everywhere. At my school, there doesn't seem to be a waiting list and supposedly if you have at least a C in cognates with a 2.50 GPA, you are accepted the semester after you apply ( I just applied so I will know if this is true at the end of December ) while at another school over here, the waiting list is so long, they are waiting a minimum of 2 years no matter what their grades are.

Chemistry is a cognate where I am and I took it over the summer but found it to be much too accelerated so I actually spoke with the instructor and he gave me a W for withdraw and after talking to my advisor, she suggested that if I was going to fail something or get a low grade, it would look better if I just withdrew and then took it again because then I wouldn't have an actual grade on my transcript (just a W) and could just say that I had a family emergency or whatever that semester..........I wouldn't make a habit of doing this though but it might be better than a failing grade.

In any event, good luck with Anatomy. It is a class where you have to really study and so if you find you are having such trouble with it now maybe you could just take it alone next time and the trick is to maybe try to find a good study partner...that can help a lot ! Also there are a lot of good websites listed on this board to help with everything from Anatomy to Microbiology.

Don't get discouraged yet !!! .......and Good luck!!!

Carla

tmiller027 · Nov 11, 2003

I think a lot of it depends on where you're at. I'm in Indiana, and here you have to take an exam before admission to a nursing program. They determine admission strictly on your score on that exam.

"Doll" · Nov 11, 2003

I didn't do well in anatomy either. I actually ended up with a C at the end of the semester. But hey don't worry about it. It is a very hard subject. You will know that to expect you next time around and you can start over with a clean slate. Thats the way I look at things.

LaurieCRNP2002, MSN, RN, APRN · Nov 11, 2003

Lanitra

If you aren't doing well in anatomy, consider buying the "Anatomy Coloring Book". I have it myself and even as a practicing nurse, find it helpful. There is also a physiology coloring book for when you get to that class. Good luck to you and don't give up, if nursing is what you really want! :)

Laurie

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Nov 12, 2003

Lan -- A / P can be a killer subject! I'm taking it now and pulling a B, though I'm an A student (with a masters degree). In this program (10-week trimester), it's used as a "weed out" course. We started with 25 adults (evening class), and half-way through are at 12.

Depending on the demands of your program, teacher, and other personal factors it can be a lot easier or even tougher.

If you're truly serious, then definitely don't let your past stop you.

All the best!

jdpete · Nov 12, 2003

As a CRNA, I will tell you that all school is hard. Its not as if you breeze through Anatomy, Micro, and College algebra and it gets harder as you go. It is hard at all times---look at the big picture, its like a roller coaster ride, hang on and get through what you are in now. I personally thought CRNA school was easier than Nsg school because I was more focused and the school is designed to center around Anesthesia. There are highs and lows, keep focused, study hard and look forward to breaks. Good luck

Jdpete

beamer · Nov 12, 2003

Lanitra,

Do not give up. I refuse to. I made a "D" in undergrad A & P and am retaking them both before applying to CRNA school next Fall. The program director of anesthesia school recommended this to me. You may want to talk to a school you are interested in. They welcomed me and answered all of my questions. Hang in there!! If you set your mind to it, no goal is unattainable.

Soon2BNurse · Nov 12, 2003

lanitra,

I so know how you feel right now. My midterm for A&P was a few days ago and I have 2 tests and a final to pull my butt out of the water I'm trying my hardest and I agree, it is a hard class. Lots of information to be absorbed. If this is the only class you have to retake, then you should be fine especially if your GPA is high anyways. Good luck!