Feeling defeated.. need some hope

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Hi all,

I am currently in my first semester of an ABSN program that lasts 18 months. This program is very front-loaded so we have 8 classes this semester and I must say it has been incredibly difficult. I went into nursing school knowing it would be hard and stressful, however I wasn't prepared for how defeated I would feel.

It feels like no matter how hard I study I can only manage a grade in the 80s and i'm just making it through one day at a time. There is no way that I can get ahead.. the amount of work I know I have this week is already stressing me out.

I guess I just need some hope from those who have graduated or those who are almost done that it does get better.. We start clinicals in May and I'm so excited to start with actual patient care instead of sitting in classrooms all day. Right now though I'm just feeling so down and really lacking motivation in all parts of my life because it feels no matter how hard I try it's not good enough. I must say this program is really getting to me and that was something I didn't expect.

Thanks in advance for your input and understanding :)

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

If you are getting 80s then you are doing very well. In nursing school, unless you are a genius or a cheater, Bs are the new As. Many people are happy to get a C. You are in an extremely condensed and intense program and are managing to keep afloat with Bs. This is something to be proud of!

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

I agree with lev. 80s are good. Also remember you are learning time management and how to solve problems as they occur. I did my BSN 10 years ago and I can't remember what was on page 365 of my patho book, but I do remember what hard work gets me. Also having been a nurse now 10 years give me a hard working co worker who got Bs over a lazy co worker who got As any day.

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

I agree with PPs...getting 80s is pretty good in nursing school. I can't say that it will "get better" because, in hind sight, first semester (though it was busy) was the easiest. But most people do get through it. I do a ton of NCLEX questions on top of reading the textbook, and that helps me a lot.

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Thank you all for your input! I think i'm just struggling because I had higher expectations for myself so I feel like i'm constantly letting myself down. I'm really trying to look forward and take one day at a time.

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Specializes in Pre-hospital Critical Care.

Hey Stategrl, I am in the tail end (28 days left!!!) of my 12 month-ABSN. Its very stress inducing and frustrating but in an ABSN program you gotta just be happy your passing. With 80's you are doing just fine and much better than many. There will always be someone better than you in life so don't let those who seem to just be floating through (I doubt there are many) deter you. I wrote this in response to another student who was interested about grades in our ABSN This program will turn 4.0 students into 2.8 students. There are a lot of people in my classes who had honors and 3.6-3.9 gpa in their undergrad and in this program scrape by with 2.9-3.1 and they are perfectly happy because they are passing.” Take it day by day, each day and each clinical is just another box you can check. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and looking back now it was a hell of a rough ride, but I am so glad I did it and it was 100% worth it. You will be so glad you did it.

Don't let the program beat you down, it's designed to be tough and weed out those who don't want it bad enough. I expected to feel stressed and demotivated but nothing like what happened, my stress actually started to cause health issues, so be sure to take some time (no matter how short) for yourself, and find strategies to cope with stress and anxiety. It will really help. You can do it, 1.5 years is nothing and you'll be done before you know it.

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You know what they call a RN who got Cs in nursing school? A RN. [emoji6] You will have plenty of nervous breakdowns that involve crying in your bed/tub/car/study group, but it'll be worth it! Good luck and try and find time to relax!

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