Feeling down and out about Nursing school

WaitingonMyMoment · Dec 17, 2013

First of all, I'd like to say congratulations for completing your first semester of nursing school. Even though, you did not pass with the grades you may have wanted, still, you passed. I think you should assess the situation and see what you did wrong that you could do differently in your future classes. I think all nurses classes/schools have the people who want to be the ''center of attention", but that is okay if it seems that they know more answers than you do or understand the topic a little better. Take that as a stepping stone and move forward...start reading the chapters before the lecture or getting in a study group with the classmates who seem smarter or the ones who really understand the material. Nursing school is a team effort. You have to work with your peers in order to successfully pass (in my opinion). They may understand something you don't and vice versa. Do not let anyone or anything discourage you or deter you from your goals. Personally, I don't say much in the lectures but I excel in the clinical area of the class and my test grades are awesome. So, just because someone speaks out more doesn't necessarily mean that they are smarter and because you don't speak out as much doesn't mean that you are dumb. Make an appointment with your instructors and/or academic advisors and see if they have some pointers for you. After all, nursing school takes hard work, dedication, and commitment. Therefore, I don't think you would have started and completed it if you did not feel passionate about it. So, to answer your question, everyone has had those days where they feel like giving up, but take a step back and realize that it is not going to be easy and you have an ultimate goal that you are trying to obtain. Good luck on your future endeavors and I wish you the best!!!

Fearless_leader · Dec 17, 2013

I agree with OP. & Congratulations as well. You still pass. C's are still passing. Atleast that is what I hear. God Bless.

angelhearty15 · Dec 17, 2013

Thank you for your word of wisdom.... It's just frustrating because I put so much effort into studying and it did not show on my exam scores. I received excellent feedback from my clinical preceptor but our clinical is not graded. I will cheer up and hopefully gain confidence to move forward. Thanks

gonzalal · Dec 17, 2013

Thank you for your word of wisdom.... It's just frustrating because I put so much effort into studying and it did not show on my exam scores. I received excellent feedback from my clinical preceptor but our clinical is not graded. I will cheer up and hopefully gain confidence to move forward. Thanks

I'm in the same boat, I busted my tail off and barely get a 77 average.... I'm speechless! From being an A student to a C? My clinical where amazing, in fact the head nurse of the floor where I did my clinical experience told me to apply for a job in that hospital as soon I'm done with school, she will recommend me for the position, that was very good for my ego but my grades....I just hope they allow me to stay in the program.

On a positive note, I need to improve my notes and test taking skills, is this your case too? I've heard some crazy stuff that some of my classmates do, it might help!

Let's keep going, we can do it! It was too hard to get it just to gave up!!!!

wayward_pitbulls · Dec 17, 2013

This can be a hard time of year -- school is so demanding, and it seems like all the non-students in the world are pouring themselves into their personal lives. The fact that you've "been down for a couple of months" can't help either. I hope you can give yourself some good self-care over the winter break, and can talk to someone you trust about how you've been feeling. Are there advisors at your school who can help you with study skills, or work on school/life balance?

I think we ALL feel dumb compared to our classmates at some point. From what you say about your preceptor, it seems like you excel at the hands-on stuff, rather than book learning. Those skills are really important, despite the fact that you don't get a letter grade. Stay strong. You can do this.

angelhearty15 · Dec 17, 2013

@gonzalal I also have troubles with test taking. I'm not used to this new way of test taking. Any pointers will greatly be appreciated. A lot of people told me to get a few books but I do not have time to read extra books. Also reading the textbooks were a struggle. I will keep going. Maybe this short break is what I need to regroup. Thanks for your comment

angelhearty15 · Dec 17, 2013

I also have troubles with test taking. I'm not used to this new way of test taking. Any pointers will greatly be appreciated. A lot of people told me to get a few books but I do not have time to read extra books. Also reading the textbooks were a struggle. I will keep going. Maybe this short break is what I need to regroup. Thanks for your comment

TcalRN · Dec 18, 2013

I'm feeling the same way. Busted my butt all first semester and I ended up with a B. Not excited seeing as next semester should prove even more difficult.

Bojamashell · Dec 28, 2013

I was disappointed the first semester as well. I ended with a B in theory and A in the other courses. However it wasn't long before we started agreeing that C=RN. It doesn't matter what grade you get, as long as you pass. We all take the same board examinations and I believe there's FAR more to nursing than how well we take tests. We learn a lot in nursing school, but I think of it as just a foundation and then after graduating, the real learning begins.... the things school can't teach you.

It is really difficult this time of year. Like someone stated earlier, it seems like everyone that's not in nursing school is pouring into their personal lives. I hope some down time and rest will help you. It might help to try to remember why you want to be a nurse.

EaglesWings21, ASN, RN · Dec 28, 2013

I had a friend that I took pre-reqs with and it seems for me all I need to do is listen to lecture and I can at least get a B. For her she takes notes, studies for hours, and buy extra reading material and sometimes barely manages to pass.

But the most important thing is that she passed and so did you. I just encourage you to keep at it, don't give up, and when you graduate I promise you will feel rewarded.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Dec 30, 2013

Here are some tips:

When reading chapters highlight the objectives and important topics and boxes in the assigned chapters.

Study and note take by using SBAR, SOAP, and the nursing process; learn about using the process to learn about nursing diagnoses and interventions and evaluation of the content you are being taught.

USE USE USE recommended books!! Most are important in test reviews; they are also resourceful books beyond nursing school. Some of them have questions and rationales; which will help when preparing for an exam.

Recommendations for books: The Success Series for test reviews; Pharm Phlash on pharmacology; and Critical Thinking and nursing Judgement by Alfaro (I think); you can get that book pre owned in Amazon.

Don't forget to contact you instructors on strategies for your success; they truly want you to succeed.

Best wishes!