For those of you "hot shots" who didn't think the nursing program was " that hard"...

rph3664 · Oct 4, 2009

Nobody cares what your GPA is, as long as it's within your program's guidelines.

xoxLauren51xox · Oct 4, 2009

I know how you feel. I graduated in the top of my class in high school and have been doing excellent in college...and suddenly this year I am struggling. I, too, have anxiety and depression, so I definitely know how you are feeling! Just try to focus on passing...I know that sounds bad, but you're going to run yourself down trying to attain the grades you are typically used to getting. I just started my med/surg class, and boy is it hard! I've been able to get A's/A-'s in all of my classes so far, but I have received all B's/B-'s this semester in med/surg, which is not typical for me. Just keep your head up and do the best you can...You're definitely not alone!

theatredork · Oct 4, 2009

I got through nursing school because I had no social life. I had 2 or 3 people I was friends with in the program, so that helped. I just did what was asked, and didn't fall into that "Is this going to be on the test?" crowd.

caffeineRx · Oct 4, 2009

Oh believe me--no social life here! I'm happy to sacrifice it, too, in place of the rewards the future shall bring! Two weeks before nursing school I deleted EVERY single social network profile I had up, changed my email address (just gave it to close family and maybe 3 extremely trusted friend), and changed my number and did the same. I am no longer interested in "fun". I tell myself that school is my "fun" now. I was not too social the last 2 years anyway, so this wasn't too hard to do lol.

caffeineRx · Oct 4, 2009

Nobody cares what your GPA is, as long as it's within your program's guidelines.

I know, I just want to be able to go on to a BSN program perhaps one day. I don't want to just get by with a 3.0 It's highly competitive out there. My program requires an 80% average ENTIRELY to go on. And two of my classes require a minimum of 80%. You cannot receive less than 75% in any of the other classes. I think that's fair.

I believe I am going to be able to receive As in 3/4 of my classes..and the other two...I'm going to have to bust butt for a B because the professors do not go by any actual material other than lectures. That's another story.

BluegrassRN · Oct 4, 2009

I read the material, paid attention at work and in class, had a supportive family including a dh who did most of the housework and who always made sure I had adequate time to study. I have great time management skills, great study skills, and do not suffer from anxiety or depression or any other health problems that interfered with school or work. I was extremely motivated and supported. This was a second degree for me, for which I was paying cash and trying not to take out loans. I wasn't interested in partying, playing or socializing; I was in survival mode. I wanted to learn as much as I could, complete the program, and be out in the world working.

The planets aligned and I did well in school with good effort. It wasn't "easy" but neither was I ever in danger of failing. I received straight As and rarely got less than an A on a test. I put in long study hours, never missed class, didn't have much of a social life, and I worked hard. I also got lucky: nothing bad happened while I was in school. No one got sick, no one died, no one had a breakdown, my house didn't fall apart or need major work, nothing. My marriage remained strong, my kids and husband were healthy, my friends supported me and helped be a mother to my children, and my mom visited frequently and helped out.

I can't tell you the reasons for why why you feel like you aren't doing well or why I succeeded. Luck had a lot to do with it. So had my previous experiences, both academically and at work. It just worked out, for whatever reason.

I suppose you should look at what you think needs improvement, that you CAN improve. No use fretting over things you *can't* change, you know? If you think your ADHD/anxiety/depression is negatively affecting you, and you aren't able to do the things you need to do to deal with it naturally (or maybe those things are working in the increased stress of nursing school), get back on meds. If you think your time management and study skills aren't at the level required by nursing school, get them there. Ask your instructors for suggestions on studying, time management, efficiency. Ask for increased feedback--where are you strong (in terms of your knowledge and studying skills), and where do you need to concentrate, so you can maximize your studying.

Good luck. It's only a couple of years. It gets so much easier after that.

flbeau · Oct 4, 2009

Remember your anatomy and physiology, nursing classes all build on that.

Think critically, if a patient is suffering from a respiratory disorder what nursing inventions and issues should you know ? Then what differs from this for the various conditions that are respiratory disorders (what you you do specifically for asthma vs copd). Learn categories first and then specifics.

Its not enough to study and memorize the information. Take time after class to think about what is important and what you understand from lecture and work on the other things.

Start doing NCLEX questions now, they help you understand and apply your knowledge and to gain experience in taking test questions. I find nursing school to be relatively easy but the time commitment is what I find difficult.

chippy1234 · Oct 4, 2009

Nursing school is HARD! I have anxiety also, although I don't take any medication for it at this time. The most important thing is to learn coping mechanisms for your anxiety. In a sense you need to create your own care plan.For me staying away from all stimulants,(coffee,cola,etc) was important as well getting enough sleep as often as possible.I still had some wicked panic attacks, waking up in the middle of the night with my heart pounding, after dreaming I was being suffocated by some dark force. I just recognized it for what it was and laughed it off.

I was able to maintain a healthy GPA, (3.7), but the most important thing is to synthesize the material so it becomes part of you. When you start clinicals you need to be able to put theory and practice together

Although it's hard , it's doable. Don't compare yourself to other more"calm" people. If an anxious, middle aged woman like me can survive nursing school , you can too!

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2009

Nobody cares what your GPA is, as long as it's within your program's guidelines.

Employers have asked me about my GPA a number of times in my career.

Also, if you ever want to get into a graduate/NP/CRNA program, grades are very important.

scootertrash nurse · Oct 4, 2009

The doctor ,lawyer ,nurse who graduate at the bottom of the class and pass there boards are still doctors,lawyers,and nurses I what you do with what you got when working everyday go to work and learn something ask questions, bounce problems of other nurses take good care of your patients

caffeineRx · Oct 4, 2009

Thank You--but I am capable of As and I want to live up to my abilities. For me, it is not enough to just "get by"..because I want to go on to advanced degree programs. But I understand your point.