I just had to ask this question as a first year nursing student. I feel like i am living in hiding because I am a student who gets 90+ on my tests. Yes I have gotten the occasional 80 but the majority of my grades are good. No i am not a "genius" or just a " good test taker" but I work my ass off and take pride in it.
And now that I am going into med surg people are saying "well people who are good at nursing 1 usually fail med surg". I am just wondering when I can stop fearing that my good grades are a curse and I can actually be proud of my grades without someone casting stones my way.
I'm barely passing with an 83%, and still have to take the final, anything less than 80% is failing...be proud of your grades, you're earning them. I am both "a good test taker" and "a genius", (lol, you all know I'm kidding, right???), but seriously, I once was a straight A student while taking pre-req's, and in all reality, no one breezes through this. If you're pulling 90's you're working for every single point, and if you are being criticized for it, than those people are just jealous. I'm as busy as any one can be, three little kids, work, school, etc. and I know that a lot of people who are working, taking care of a family, and going to school often judge other's who don't have as much going on, but the truth is, it's not easy for anyone, and if you are getting the grades, it's because you work hard for them. Don't let them get you down, you're doing great, and don't get discouraged, you've got this! Best of luck to you!
First I heard "well, she is booksmart but once we get to clinicals, she'll get bad grades'.
That didn't happen. But I still hear "She is good in lecture but I'm much better in the clinical site" even though I get A's both in clinical and lecture.
Bottom line, this is more about them than it is about me (or you). They need to tell themselves this to keep themselves motivated. I just figure that it doesn't hurt me any if I don't believe them and it may help them, so I ignore it.
Remember...what others think of you is none of your business :)
Nursing school is tough. People who have never struggled academically find themselves hanging on by a thread. People start to doubt their intelligence, get frustrated by the little return they get for their efforts, and honestly just get tired.
Sometimes rationalizing away someone else's success can make you feel better.
I know it doesn't make YOU feel better, but in the end, you walk away with your grades and your pride. A few comments make be hurtful, but I'd worry a little if you actually feel "beaten down." In the grand scheme of things it matters so little what people think.
My friend... good grades are never a curse! I've asked people "how did you do on that exam... were you happy with your grade... etc. (not wanting to put them on the spot asking for an actual grade). But I've also asked people the actual grade because I was trying to see where I stand (which is right in the middle & I don't how to work any harder or differently). But my point is that I admire those in my cohort who do exceptionally well & knowing how they did often helps me guage where I stand in the group. And what I've learned from this experience (last exam was yesterday)... those individuals in my cohort that went to Cal Berkley, Cornell, BU, StoneyBrook (very good schools!) work hard for their grades. It may come a bit easier to some, but EVERYBODY PUTS IN THEIR TIME!
If someone asks... just tell them you did well. If they ask for an actual grade... tell them the grade proudly. If they are obnoxious, condescending, etc. Tell them you work hard for your grades and then go allign yourself with other people!
I haven't started clinicals yet, but in my prereqs, I'm doing very well. I'm currently taking A&P 2 and patho. (Yes, at the same time. No, I don't recommend it!) I don't offer to anyone what my grade is, and if someone asks how I did, I'll tell them I did well and am happy with my grade (if that's true). If someone specifically asks my grade, I will tell them. That said, only 2 people have ever asked me what my actual grade was in the past two semesters. Most people just want to know if you failed or not, in my experience.
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
In addition to the great advice from everyone else here, I found, especially after clinicals started that pointing out a strength or talent your classmate has helps build a more supportive atmosphere. I don't believe the old adage "people who are really good book-learners usually suck at the hands-on stuff", but everyone has something about them that makes them shine.
What's the point of you coming here with this? I come here occasionally to learn stuff from season and new nurses. The point of this site, I believe, is for us to learn. Who cares what other people think? Do you need someone to tell you that? Probably on your psychiatric rotation you'll find out what your problem is.
Wow...I don't think I've EVER said a negative thing on here...
but C.A.S...dude, that was MEAN!
OP, good grades are NOT a curse, you work oh so very hard for them. It's no ones business what your marks are, keep it that way. If asked a smile and " I found the exam tough, but I'm happy with my grade" should suffice.
haven't started nursing school yet, got accepted and will be attending in the fall. however i went through medic school and this is a bit familiar to me.
the people talking smack are just jealous that they cant achieve your grades, plain and simple. the idea that because ur doing well now, dictates that you're destined to fail medsurge (or ANY other subject for that matter) is the most idiotic inane thing ive ever heard in my life, and it explains whey these people aren't getting the grades they really want--stupidity.
nothing can dictate your future prowess except you, plain and simple. The only reason ive ever really downplayed my grades was because i was personally ashamed when i didnt achieve a grade as high as i hoped for, and other vindictive classmates would revel and take pleasure in the fact that they finally outdid me on an assignment, but this juss enraged me more and made me determined to do better--outdo them, so i could nonchalantly discuss my high marks and the little effort i put into achieving it haha
secretly i study my butt off, but i would always tell others i barely had time to study and i just "lucked out" with my grade.
In the end, if you choose to pursue advanced practice, you'll be glad of your grades, and lucky you didnt choose to dummy yourself down to make insignificant people feel like they matter.
I get good grades and I hear comments from other people and when I do I usually say something like "I'm sorry can you speak up, I can't hear what you're saying about me over here." I make a joke back at them because that's what people like that are, a joke.
I have other people who see my strengths and ask for help and I enjoy it. Maybe offer your insight and tutoring if the concepts come easier to you but not to the point it turns your grades upside down. Teaching really helps me learn information too so during my tutoring sessions we are really helping each other.
Sometimes we are still on that competitive mindset because we competed to get in here so we forget the competition is over. My class was like that in the beginning but then we realized that we see each other more than our families and we have a long road together so let's all pass each semester together and pull each other up.
This may sound mean but for programs like this you have to learn to brush this stuff off and grow a thicker skin. Some people just won't change. All it does is get you emotional but their day just keeps moving on and they win.
I'm a student nurse about to graduate. I have been in an part time ASN program which is basically like nursing boot camp. I have two 4 hour classes after work per week plus an 8 hour clinical shift on the weekends, and it is HARD. This has been my history:
Semester 1 - Fundamentals (got an A and it was easy peasy, no problem)
Semester 2 - OB and Psych (got a B-, there goes my 4.0 and damn, this is getting harder!)
Semester 3 - Peds and Med/Surg (C, but then again I had surgery and a bunch of personal issues, at least I passed)
Semester 4 - I'm currently at a 72% average and 73% is passing, so I'm technically failing. (the average for the whole class is 74%)
I have NEVER done this poorly in a class and it's not that I'm not working my ass off and studying every single day, it's just that as you go along you realize the exams are VERY application based. Many times there are 2 or 3 correct answers and your Prof is looking for the BEST of those choices. It's tricky and I feel that it's really just to weed out a lot of people who can't handle it.
My advice? Do what you can, but be realistic at the same time. If you come away from nursing school with a 3.5 or higher, you're the cream of the crop, baby. Because bottom line, it's HARD, and most people towards the end realize it's not about getting an A or a B, it's about passing or failing.
Number one, C.A.S, the reason I put this on here is because as you can see many people deal with the same issue as me. this is a forum for every nursing student to gain support and relate to and learn others experiences! If you are not here to support your fellow nursing students then either don't say anything at all or stay off the site with your negative comments.
number 2, obviously if you have a problem listening to other people's feels, fear, and concerns then I'm sure your bedside manner must be just wonderful (sarcasm). Way to demonstrate the improper use of these forums.
Live.&.Learn
144 Posts
I'm barely passing with an 83%, and still have to take the final, anything less than 80% is failing...be proud of your grades, you're earning them. I am both "a good test taker" and "a genius", (lol, you all know I'm kidding, right???), but seriously, I once was a straight A student while taking pre-req's, and in all reality, no one breezes through this. If you're pulling 90's you're working for every single point, and if you are being criticized for it, than those people are just jealous. I'm as busy as any one can be, three little kids, work, school, etc. and I know that a lot of people who are working, taking care of a family, and going to school often judge other's who don't have as much going on, but the truth is, it's not easy for anyone, and if you are getting the grades, it's because you work hard for them. Don't let them get you down, you're doing great, and don't get discouraged, you've got this! Best of luck to you!