do grades determine how good of a nurse you will be?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hello, I would like to know if grades really determine the type of Nurse you will be. I hear so much and how alot of older people (like myself) get by with a "C" which I am currently doing. Most of them are my Science classes the others I pass with B or A's.

I just quite my second job and have 3 kids it has made this semester very difficult for me and I think that is one reason why my grades were so low. I am a single mother therefore that is why I needed to work 2 jobs. I am currently waiting on my final grade in A&P II and that will determine if I get into the Nursing program this year. I am very scared that I won't be able to make it because I hear so many horror stories. I am very dedicated and will do what I have to do to pass, but I am still worrying if passing with C levels in your class is what really determines how good of a nurse you will be?? any suggestions along with how do you survive Nursing school, work the 3rd shift part-time and take care of 3 kids who are teenagers?? Any help would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks So much!

3kidsmomma:eek:

I believe grades do matter to some extent. A basic understanding of the nursing process is needed to be an effective caregiver. If you make a C you have a basic knowledge. That is what you need. If you make a higher grade your understanding may be higher. Does this mean you will be a better nurse? Who knows maybe yes and maybe no. It really depends on how you use your knowledge. If you can take what you learn and put it to practice then who cares. I am an A sometimes B student and I am very proud of my acomplishment. I would never be the type to say that because my grades were higher than someone elses I am somehow better. I am just pleased that I have done as well as I have.

I guess it all depends on how ambitious you are. For example, if CRNA school is in your future, GPA is critical.

I worked, had a family and am very proud of my GPA, busted my orifice....but that's me. I also scored high on that anal retentive test. ;)

Specializes in Behavioral Health.
Originally posted by Mithrah

I disagree that some people can be considered bad test takers. You either know the information or you don't. Nursing is both an art and a science. You need to be passionate and caring towards your patients but also you need the science background to know what is going on with your patient regarding lab values, signs, symptoms, patho, etc.

.

Mithrah,

Then how would you describe a person who can sit there in post-conference and intellegently describe the pathophysiology behind the disease process and is able to determine significant lab values? She actively participates in our critical thinking seminars providing excellent points for the group to consider. During her assessments she has caught things that not even the staff nurses have noticed. I would say she knows her stuff.

BUT, she gets so nervous before the exam. Almost to the point of hyperventilating. She tends to miss those "key" words on the exam like "except", etc. She barely made it through our Advanced Med/Surg class with a 70.4%.

I think that you may be able to say that SOME people shouldn't use test-taking skills as an excuse. I do believe that for some people, poor test taking is a reality. As an A&P tutor, I saw this all too many times. Especially people who are English as a 2nd Language. They could verbalize patho almost better than I could sometimes. But, when taking a written test, something happens and they have difficulty. I have even gone so far as sitting down with the professor and the student reviewing their test. They get things wrong that I know that they KNOW.

In any case, those are just my thoughts on the subject....

I just want to wish you the best of luck. It is very intense but you can do it. I would suggest you doing everything you can in order to cut back on anything you can. For example, is it imperative that you work full time? I'm sure it probably is being a single mother. Or can you get scholarships and loans in order to help you get by, and cut back on hours? Think about what you can live without. Can you live without a cell phone, cable tv, car pool, change your spending habits, change your insurance to a higher deductable to lower premium, stuff like that (but don't get rid of internet, there is too much information and research you can do that will be handy to do from home). Can the kids spend time at their father's when you have tons of work (finals and other deadlines) Prepare them for the amount of work it will take you studying at home. It will take a LOT in order to get high grades. I have 3 kids, 2 of which are teenagers and one is a toddler. The teenagers take more time up than the baby. They are more needy than they realize!! Needing rides, getting into trouble (lecturing takes a lot out of ya, plus a lot of time!!), Also, do you have a support system...for example is there someone else the school can call if one of them is sick when you are in clinicals (as long as it is not an emergent situation)?? Can the kids cook the meals sometimes? You can set up charts and have planned meals and chores and stuff. Nothing wrong with that, we all need practice before we are out on our own anyway. You can practice with them on certain meals before their day to cook. My advice is to get SUPER organized and set everyone straight as far as what is expected of them and what your needs are (talk to their dad, etc). Then get busy with your GOAL! You can be a good nurse regardless of your grades, but you will want to get the absolute best grades you can get. For example, when my husband was deployed and it was during my first semester of nursing school, I made (initially) very high grades on tests by studying VERY hard. I was really glad that I did later, because then my baby went into the hospital and all 3 cars broke down (plus I was preoccupied with the war). It made me miss enough lecture time (2 classes total all semester) and at home study time that my grade dropped for those next tests covered during that lecture time. I was at least able to keep a B. You don't know what will come up next so you won't want to rely on just getting by...just in case something happens that you can't control. Good luck!

It comes down to...Do you have a valid/current licensce to practice nursing? Nobody in any interview I had has asked What was your GPA?

Pt. do not care they only want a CARING CCOMPETENT NURSE.

3Kidsmomma...be proud of your accomplishments...you are doing a great job...most reply I agree with 100%. All the best and don't forget to take time for yourself once in awhile.

All the best...

Sarah

+ Add a Comment