I've made a difficult decision

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  1. Is work inteferring with success in nursing classes?

    • 14
      I don't work so I can accomplish the highest grade possible
    • 3
      I don't work because I don't need to and I don't care as long as I pass.
    • 15
      I work,but I'm able to keep up with course work to "A-B" levels
    • 4
      I work because I have to and it hurts my grades.

36 members have participated

Fellow 101 sufferers,

I was going to post on the thread about everybody's grades,but this turned into more than that.

Over the past two years I've been working and going to school. I have been a 4.0 up until a 1 credit class that I missed an "A" in by 4 frigging points:devil: Part of that was my job schedule interferring with study time and a 1 credit class getting pushed until the end to get time. That cut me down to a 3.94 and I ignored how hard I had worked for the "A" and the heartache of trading it for work time when I knew all along that I could have done it.

This semester I'm taking 10 credits and I've seen the quality of my work sliding. I'm constantly exhausted and leaning over pages of words that are not making any connection. There is no sense of organization in the way I plan my work. I'm constantly changing focus to try to absorb the largest portion of the studyguides,and I have no time to complete all the exercises,let alone master them.

I had been completing the LPN program so I could work as an LPN while I finished prereqs for RN. My test grades were.......94,88.then the bottom fell out.............I got a 76:confused: that is just 2 points(one question) from failing and having to take the exam again concurrent with the cumulative final:eek:

What sense would it make to get an LPN so I could continue to work and get these crappy grades? Besides the fact I would still be working,it would take another year to complete the prereqs instead of going into 201 in the fall of 2004.

I gave notice at work(a job I've had for three years) and will be going full-time to school. Since the program is concurrent with the RN it won't be a problem to get a spot in 2004.....................enrollment is competitive and I never would have made it at this speed.

I wondered how many people work 20 hrs or more and maintain a 4.0,or work at all for that matter...so here is a poll.

Please comment about how your workload effects your grades.

While doing my prerecs I was at a 4.0 I was still at a 4.0 until I had psych and missed an A by like 2 or 3 points. I cried. I felt that somehow this meant I was going to be a bad nurse, that I wasn't going to get into a BSN program and that I was no longer the best. Then I smacked myself in the head and thought ....hey, I passed the class. I am NOT perfect. Ever since that first 'B' I have put less pressure on myself. It was like I finally allowed myself to realzie that I didnt have to always be perfect. Now I am happier and less stressed. I think that 'B' was the best thing that could have happened to me.

Specializes in ER.

Wait now, your NP entry is not going to depend JUST on your grades, but on you overall as someone who can manage different obligations and a well rounded stock of experience to draw from. Ever consider a 3.5 GPA and a challenging, though possibly less lucrative job? Some very interesting environments exist, and you learn at least as much out in the world as in class (especially psych class). What about unit secretary in a busy ER- you'd learn a lot (hell, I'd learn a lot too) and be exposed to all sorts of people and ailments, and probably really enjoy the psychoticness of it all.

I worked 32 hours a week while in school . I graduated with a 3.9 gpa. If I had it to do over and had any choice in the matter I would have not worked and concentrated on school only. it almost killed me mentally and physically! literally:)

I was just thinking about something one of my professors told me...people need to be well rounded. Having your complete focus on getting A's might be missing the point. I agree with the other posts - if you get a "B" or heaven forbid you get a "C", it doesn't mean you'll be a bad nurse.

I think I do my worst when I'm uptight and nervous. Just relax and let things flow. Your grades will improve and so will your mind!

One last thing....I think you should've added the thread:

I don't work because I don't have to, but I still do care about my grades.

I am blessed enough to have my husband have a great career to support me so I don't have to work. But don't let that fool you. I, too, have five kids and I work harder than some who have full time jobs. Sometimes I just drop to the floor and beg my husband to let me get a job just so I don't have to do another dish, mop another floor or do laundry. When you have 7 people in your house, people don't realize that I wash 49 pairs of pants a week, that also goes for shirts, underwear etc and 98 socks (that is if they wear only one - yeah right! My kids need to change their clothes at least twice a day!).

So my whole point with that was that you don't have to feel alone because even those of us who don't work outside the home, still work. We all have challenges...just different ones!

Take Care!

Karen:rolleyes:

Hey there! While I can totally understand your motivation and desire to get good grades....which is awesome, try and cut yourself a little slack here. I just graduated from a BSN program and am taking prereq's for MD school.... I know...strange change of mind. Anyhow, I can understand why you want great grades to get in.

I have done a lot of research on req admission standards and it seems from online for NP 3.2 is the average....figuring this is the average, there are probably people there with a 3.0 maybe even a 2.9 all the way to a 3.8 or so. A few rare students will have the 4.0. In fact the average gpa of an accepted medical student is a 3.5. :eek: Sciences are about a 3.6. This of course is from bacc programs.

The one negative part about ms/msn programs is that there is little information out there as far as the profile of the accepted student. However, keep in mind it is like most grad schools where anything above a 3.0 is considered competitive. Not to mention the fact that right now you are working on LPN so you still have the RN requirements to shine in as well as the BSN requirements.

The things to make you stand out are leadership skills...join your SNA and run for president, experiences, GRE scores, and community involvement. Try to do some sort of community service. I personally volunteer for the local rescue squad...tons of fun....it is a shift a week though so a little time consuming.

Okay, almost done, I know this is long. I totally understand your trying to decide b/n education and work. The posting about unit secretary or tech in an ER is definitely a great idea. You can usually get a prn type position and work like a shift a week to a shift a month....try this.....that way you are getting exposure to the field while not committing to too many hrs.

I didn't work in school until my senior year except for work study. I did run Varsity Division one xc, indoor and outdoor track which was over 40hrs a week of time commitment. equivalent of a job in my opinion considering it paid my tuition. Anyhow, it is hard balancing the two. My last year I did work and I missed out on alot......... so if you can afford it, lay off on the working...concentrate on school....but please remember to enjoy yourself too....my classmates are now some of my best friends.... be sure to have some fun!!!!! Good luck to you.

Specializes in MS Home Health.

I wondered how you were feeling about your situation. I know you are frustrated and wanted to check on you. Try to keep your head above water...............

Hugs,

renerian/susan

I consider being a mom of 4 boys 6 and under a Full Time + Job! So in that aspect yes I do work from 5am till everyone is in bed at 9pm. I am maintaining a B average right now and I hope to keep it up. (My classes are 2 nights a week and clinicals every other weekend)

It is hard but being "mom" comes first ALWAYS and school comes after so whether I get an A, B or C - I don't care I want my family happy ;) and it is working so far ...

Peeps,

I have a 4.0 and was working up until two weeks ago. I quit because of the level of stress I was under with classes. I would still be able to work my 25 hours/wk and get the A's, but since I don't HAVE to, I'm not going to subject myself to it.

I would still be okay if I did my best and got B's. I didn't quit for the grades, it was only b/c of the stress level.

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