Failing Pathophysiology!

[Callmesugahhunn]

I know it's the end of the semester, but I worked my butt off to study and had a 80% before the final. Finals week included 4 exams within the span of 4 days and I didn't study the new material as much as I should have-I was so stressed and worried, I was focusing on each exam in order of me taking them. Fast forward to use getting our grades, I made a 56% (113/200 comprehensive exam), and I'm scared because that dropped my total grade to a 71.5% and I need a 73% to pass. Only 9/92 students passed the final exam, and more than half the class failed in general. This is my first time EVER getting a D, and I am so frustrated because in my program, you get 2 failures and they kick you out, no chance for readmission into the program and last year, I failed Fundamentals because I was late twice to clinicals due to my hectic work schedule. I have to support myself financially and have two jobs to do so and go to school full-time. I can't fail this class because of this..I sent her an email asking if I could do an extra assignment for two extra points (I heard from a previous cohort that she'd done this for a few people close to passing...please, no judgment ). I guess I'm just freaking out and feeling very sad and depressed in general...I'm 23, and I would have to start over at a new school if I still want to be a nurse. I really, really want this and I guess I'm just looking for some encouragement/wisdom from the nursing community. I know what my passion is, but it seems like there's always something holding me back and I'm really starting to wonder if maybe God has other plans for me.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

It sounds as if there is a great deal going on in your life in general. If you have the necessity to work 2 jobs, maybe full time school is not for you.

I would make an appointment with your academic advisor. Spell out exactly what you have as far as credits, courses, and the rest, and see where you are. Do you have enough for an associates degree, can the rest be done part time or online for a bachelors--and can it be an ADN? Certainly if you obtain an RN, RN-BSN can be done online. With an associates, you could see about then going part time to complete your BSN.

There is no reason in the world you need to stress yourself ill trying to work 2 jobs and go to school full time. Is there a hybrid course of study that you could take?

First things first--go to your academic advisor for guidance. If you are unable to do extra credit for the course you need to pass, then you will have had your 2 fails. Before all that happens, you need to find out what your other options may be. There may be other schools in the area who only want a 70 to pass--so you do need a copy of your transcript as well.

Then lets talk about a state university. That will give you an education at perhaps not so much money that you would have to work 2 jobs. If one (or more) of the jobs have tuition reimbursement, use it. If you have access to scholarships, access them. You can even look this time of year at your high school alma mater for alumni scholarships. Sometimes local hospitals will have scholarships specific to nursing.

Best wishes and let us know how it goes!

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

If you really want this, you have to cut back on your work hours a teeny tiny bit and make do with less. I don't know your current life style but in case it involves eating out, movie/ball game tickets, designer items etc say good bye to that for a little while and work less til you get through school, then when you get that first nursing paycheck go on a splurge.