Does this annoy you?

z's playa · Dec 27, 2004

Theres an entire thread dedicated to this subject but I have no clue how to put it up for you.

Maybe someone else could lead you to it?

It's called "final grade dissapointment...why can't i let it go?"

Yes...why can't we? :chuckle :rolleyes: ...please.

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Dec 27, 2004

This attitude is beginning to grate on me!
A lot of people on this board (and in our programs) indicate that a C will not "cut it" for them, they "expect" more of themselves... blah blah blah. I can understand this but what I don't like is the inherent disrespect for those of us who indicate we are really quite thrilled to pass. When I was in pre-reqs I worked very hard to get A's in my classes. I just finished my first quarter in nursing school and the amount of material we had to cover and the expectations placed upon us were somewhat brutal (at least when compared with "regular" college). My attitude abruptly shifted and became: I will work hard but I will NOT beat myself up for being less than perfect and I will remember that survival is key and will be pleased to simply pass. One person in particular looked down her nose at me when I expressed that opinion and said that she expected more from herself than to merely... (snotty look inserted) pass.
I guess what annoys me about this is just because someone says they're thrilled simply to pass doesn't mean they work any less (or make any lower grades) than someone who says they expect As... To indicate that this is not a sour grapes post and to underline what I'm trying to say, I did make one of the few As in our class for the term, but my attitude remains the same: My goal (while I shoot for As) is ultimately to survive and pass. Why is that so bad??

As an employer, I rarely, if ever have asked an applicant what grades they received for a particular class or course. I think once you pass boards, my biggest concern is your ability to effectively time manage, organize your care and your ability to critically think your way through a patient's issue or problem. Nursing school can be very demanding and tough. There is much information that must be covered and learned.

I had many people in nursing school that felt that if you did not get an "A" then you were not worthy to be a nurse. For me, I worked very hard and received mainly "B's" in my nursing classes. Nursing is about the application of learned nursing knowledge in an effort to provide quality, safe care. Most of what you will learn will be after you graduate and pass boards and are working on the floor.

My advice to you is to not bother with those people that think they need to get "A's" to be nurses. They will have an awakening in short time when they realize that striving for perfection is not always possible. I have worked with some wonderfully talented nurses that worked very hard through nursing school and passed with B's and C's and I would be very happy to have them care for me if I were ever sick.

Good luck in school!

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Dec 27, 2004

Theres an entire thread dedicated to this subject but I have no clue how to put it up for you.
Maybe someone else could lead you to it?
It's called "final grade dissapointment...why can't i let it go?"
Yes...why can't we? :chuckle ...please.

Here is the link to the thread you were talking about:

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88384

RNinRubySlippers, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2004

Good Lord, and we drop this topic. It can be very offensive and hurtful as we have seen to others. Be elated by your awesome marks, or sad regarding less that what you though, but discuss it woth a family member or fellow classmate you trust!

I just think it stirs too many pots nad hurts too many feelings. I know its a place to talk about what you want, but respect all that visit here, when at all possible.

Thats all.

Happy New Year!

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Dec 27, 2004

This attitude is beginning to grate on me!
A lot of people on this board (and in our programs) indicate that a C will not "cut it" for them, they "expect" more of themselves... blah blah blah. I can understand this but what I don't like is the inherent disrespect for those of us who indicate we are really quite thrilled to pass. When I was in pre-reqs I worked very hard to get A's in my classes. I just finished my first quarter in nursing school and the amount of material we had to cover and the expectations placed upon us were somewhat brutal (at least when compared with "regular" college). My attitude abruptly shifted and became: I will work hard but I will NOT beat myself up for being less than perfect and I will remember that survival is key and will be pleased to simply pass. One person in particular looked down her nose at me when I expressed that opinion and said that she expected more from herself than to merely... (snotty look inserted) pass.
I guess what annoys me about this is just because someone says they're thrilled simply to pass doesn't mean they work any less (or make any lower grades) than someone who says they expect As... To indicate that this is not a sour grapes post and to underline what I'm trying to say, I did make one of the few As in our class for the term, but my attitude remains the same: My goal (while I shoot for As) is ultimately to survive and pass. Why is that so bad??

I think your attitude about your own grades is admirable and healthy. Aim for the top but don't be so invested in it that your world shatters if you earn a B. Hang in there.

You will learn, though, not to waste your energy on how others view their grades or how they look upon the grade of others, including yours. Everybody seems to need to do something slightly neurotic (old term, but you know what I mean) from time to time. When we are stressed, we do even more of that stuff. And of course it is that "stuff" which is most irritating to others, and about which we feel most justified.

You will come out ahead if you can turn a deaf ear at least, or at best a sympathic one, to your classmates' concerns about grades.

Good luck!

acgemt · Dec 27, 2004

I don't understand why this topic brings up so many sour grapes or that people find it offensive. I completely agree with you...it is hard to maintain straight As in nursing school. I remember my first semester of nursing school I was praying for a C. Now, it has gotten a lot easier for me and I am elated with my Bs. Keep up the good work...one thing that I learned is when people ask how you did on an exam or in the class in general...say "I did great or I did fine" You don't need to be specific and say you got the C you were praying for. If you are happy, then that is all that matters...good luck to you!!

fluffwad · Dec 27, 2004

The school I went to required at least a B average ( esp. in the nursing courses). But I did notice that most of the A students where the ones who couldn't apply it sucessfully once they'd gotten out on the units 'for real'.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 27, 2004

If someone is happy when they have A's, fine. If someone is happy when they have B's, fine. If someone is happy when they have C's, fine.

I don't think anyone should be seen as "annoying" in relation to them being hard on themselves for not getting the A or B. THAT grade is what THAT particular person wanted, so yes, they might be disappointed with themselves, and while not everyone would understand why that person IS being hard on themselves, i don't think it's any better to look at them and think 'oh, get over yourself, be happy'. That solves nothing.

I have a wild idea. How about everyone keep their grades to themselves and perhaps avoid offending anyone???

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 27, 2004

The school I went to required at least a B average ( esp. in the nursing courses).

So did mine.

mariedoreen · Dec 27, 2004

I have a wild idea. How about everyone keep their grades to themselves and perhaps avoid offending anyone???

Well, I guess that was kind of what got this all going. Whenever I was asked what I got this term (and it was a lot) I did what you suggested above and simply replied that I had passed and was glad to have done so. When the discussion came up I indicated that I was working hard but would not beat myself up if I didn't achieve all As. I guess I was shocked to discover that because I refused to publically vocalize that I would be satisfied with no less than an A that I was then being viewed as less dedicated to this goal than others. Which led to my question above as to what some people see is wrong with having the aim for the stars but be happy with the mountaintop attitude. I'm not the best at verbalizing what I mean unfortunately :rolleyes:

sorry!

student_girl · Dec 27, 2004

Don't worry mariedoreen, you're not alone. While I managed to get good grades in clinicals, I don't have such grades in A&P. I felt it was hard, and I did my best. However, there was this girl who HAD to have at least 95% in A&P. At first, I was annoyed by her behavior, but I just let it go. What's important is that you put some effort, and that you feel you have done everything you could.