do i give up?

2011NursingStudent · May 3, 2011

Look at some other schools if possible b/c the ones around me accept "C or better". I have gotten into my ADN program and have a 79% in A&P I, so unless my teacher rounds up, I will also have a C in anatomy.

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · May 3, 2011

Since as long as I can remember, nursing was always my answer when people asked "what do you want to do with your life?" I have taken both anatomy I & II with labs and received a C, as well in microbiology, phsychology, and concepts of nursing. With earning only a C, most if not all schools I have looked at have told me I need to retake my sciences because C's are unacceptable. And for some, doing so already eliminates acceptance for retaking a science. Not including retaking chemistry which I did terrible in. I know I can be a great nurse because sometimes being a great nurse isn't about your grades, but the way you can interact with people and the desire to help them rather than doing it for a paycheck. I am a hands on learner, not a test taker. I am still young, but fear at this rate I will never be accepted into a program or even graduate without retaking half of my college courses over again wasting time and money. WHAT DO I DO?!!

Wait, I'm confused...do you earn a "C" in microbio, psychology and concepts of nursing as well? And what was your final Chemistry grade?

I'd look for some private BSNs where they are typically more lenient with grades than a more competitive, cheaper school. So as long as you don't drop below a "C" in any of your prerequisites, you should be able to find a space for yourself. But I would retake Psychology and Microbiology again.

mt2544 · May 3, 2011

I agree that a private school may be the way to go, although they tend to be significantly more expensive.

Also, (and you may already be doing this) it would be helpful to seek out tutoring help or someone who can help you analyze your study strategies and perhaps help you identify methods that may work better for you. I have found nursing school to be much more challenging than my prerequisites were. (I am graduating with my BSN this month.) Getting into nursing school is only the beginning of the battle.

Best of luck to you!

mariposabella · May 3, 2011

I totally agree with the mt2544. Dont you give up! Also if you decide to retake those science courses I would suggest supplemental books, other schools websites, and definitely some tutoring. Some people even do group studying. Good luck!

soxgirl2008 · May 3, 2011

I had a similar problem, my first year at school I wasn't serious and got crappy grades. I realized I wanted to do nursing, and my grades are fine now but it still messed up any chance at a public BSN program.

I looked at private BSN programs which I would have gotten into easily, but they all would have easily put me at least $50,000 in debt plus they are all an hour or more away and I can't afford to move right now and I really didn't want to take out the loans.

By some stroke of luck I've been on the local ADN program's waiting list for almost two years even while taking pre-reqs at the university. The ADN program runs on a lottery system, and I should be up for clinicals for fall 2012 :) When I graduate I will be able to my RN-BSN through the university I'm at now, and it's not competitive like their straight BSN program. I'll only have 5 classes to take since I have so many gen ed credits from the university, and I hope to have my BSN within a year and a half after graduating with my ADN!

So don't give up! There are private programs out there that will let you in and lottery system schools. My advice would be if you can afford it, to look at private schools before lottery system schools because you might be waiting around for 2 years with nothing to take while waiting to get into clinicals.

Also try and develop better study habits if you can. Even though private schools or lottery system schools are easier to get into, once you get into nursing school it is still very very hard. My ADN program once you get into clinicals you need an 80% to pass, and you can only retake one class or you're kicked out. So just don't think it's going to be any easier at any other school, you'll still need to work your tail off!

freximus · May 3, 2011

Well, first off, avoid private schools like the plague, unless someone (parents) are able to cut a check. Student loans are not bankrupt-able and you may end up paying for years of school (think $100k) and never make it through and get a degree.

This has happened a lot more than is reported. Many people drop out of Med school or fail their boards. Try paying off six figures when you're tending bar.

Secondly, you said, "I am a hands on learner, not a test taker."

I call B.S. Here's why, you have an entire semester available to you, along with access to tutoring and online teaching aids. This is not to mention that you can stick your 'hands on' some flash cards a few times a day and master most scientific concepts.

I would bet that you didn't spend as much time as you could have mastering the material, and that is why you earned C's.

Finally, if you know that you freeze up on tests, then why didn't you prepare for that? There are many tips and tricks to avoid test anxiety, along with school resources that may help with this.

As with anything in life, you have to work for what you want. I for one, am glad that nursing programs are upping the 'intellectual' ante. It should be difficult. Expect it and prepare for it, and you will find yourself doing much better, and earning A's instead of C's.

soxgirl2008 · May 3, 2011

Well, first off, avoid private schools like the plague, unless someone (parents) are able to cut a check. Student loans are not bankrupt-able and you may end up paying for years of school (think $100k) and never make it through and get a degree.

This is how I think, but I know many people don't agree so I still tell them to look into private schools if they are willing to pay the price. For how much bedside RNs make I can't imagine spending $60,000 or more on a degree, especially if it's all on loans...I've heard of people being over $120,000 in debt just for a BSN. gah I can't imagine. To each his own though.

To the OP: How many classes do you take a semester? Do you have any outside responsibilities? (Work, school, etc) This was part of my problem. Once I realized nursing was what I wanted to do I tried to cram all my pre-reqs into 2 semesters. I tried taking physics, chemistry, A&P, psych, and another class all together while working 32 hours a week. Needless to say I screwed myself over. :uhoh3:

ctina* · May 3, 2011

yes i agree, i could have probably studied more but i do have financial responsibilities and was working 2 jobs. Learning from mistakes is defiantly the moral of the story. thanks everyone for your advice. I think i'm going to retake some sciences this upcoming fall and keep looking for different (and especially private) schools. if anyone has any more suggestions, please let me know! thanks again :)

soxgirl2008 · May 3, 2011

yes i agree, i could have probably studied more but i do have financial responsibilities and was working 2 jobs. Learning from mistakes is defiantly the moral of the story. thanks everyone for your advice. I think i'm going to retake some sciences this upcoming fall and keep looking for different (and especially private) schools. if anyone has any more suggestions, please let me know! thanks again :)

I would definitely either try to take less classes or work less (if possible, I know it's not possible for all of us) or try to manage your time better. I know what it's like to have to work and go to school and it sucks!