Published Mar 14, 2014
Winter559
4 Posts
i'm a junior in high school and high school is always a struggle to me but im thinking of a becoming a RN after high school because my steped dad is a doctor and sadly I cant become one like him so the best thing is to become a RN. My question that I receive a D on my first semester grade of Spanish 2, but im doing very well for this second semester. im wondering if I would have to retake the class again or is there something else I can do or it wouldn't affect it if I receive a B or above on my final semester?
Herrington
173 Posts
If I'm understanding your question correctly, then I shouldn't think that getting an average grade in a Spanish class would really cripple your ability to get into an RN program. Does the RN program you're looking into even require Spanish as a pre-req (I don't think they usually do), and even if it does need it, will the High School class count as college credit (i.e. Dual Credit class)?
HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD
9,051 Posts
(Crusty old bat here) I find it refreshing that there are HS students who are still concerned about academic success. Yea YOU!!!
I'm just curious... why do you feel that you could not become a physician? Also - the nursing profession is not 'less than' or a 'lower step' on the path to becoming a physician. Nursing is a whole different profession. A nursing education also requires a significant amount of intellectual horsepower to succeed. Your initial college courses will be pretty much the same as a pre-med student.
runsalot
339 Posts
Hi
Besides getting into college , high school has very little baring on getting to to your major in college. It has no baring once you get past 30 credits (about 4 semesters). If you don't have the grades to get into the 4 year college of your dreams , start at a community college. And don't give up on your MD dreams.
msygrnbw
115 Posts
One bad grade will not disqualify you from getting into any profession. If you really wanted to go into medical school they will really look more at your undergraduate qualifications. That being said, being a RN isn't any less of a profession than MD. As an RN you will be out of school much earlier and still earn a decent wage while still having the opportunity to continue your education if you wanted to go on to be a NP, who can do many things physicians do - Assessments, prescribing, etc.
I would encourage you to do more research into healthcare roles - Registered nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant as they all (and others: Respiratory, physical, and occupational therapy to name a few) have unique, interesting, important roles in the care of a patient.
And keep having that passion for learning! It is awesome that you are invested in your learning and grades. Believe me, if you go into something you're really passionate about and carry over that drive to succeed you will do well no matter what field you pick.
RunBabyRN
3,677 Posts
Your high school grade won't hold you back. You may or may not get into a university right out of high school, but even if not, go to a community college for your lower division stuff, and transfer. It'll save you money, anyway. The only thing that will matter beyond that about high school is whether or not you graduated. I can't think of the last time I needed a high school transcript.
Why can't you become a physician? It sounds like that's where your heart lies. Nursing isn't "less than", just different. The medical approach to patient care is very different from the nursing approach.
thanks all :)
im not sure I can handle so many years of school
How many years will reaching your goal in nursing take? Do you plan to go for an advanced degree? I know mine has taken many years, but I also haven't been able to go straight through full time. I have more schooling ahead of me when I go for my CNM program (once we've recovered from my BSN program!). Even though this has taken me years and years, with the light at the end of the tunnel right now (I graduate in May), I could cry, I'm so happy. I LOVE LOVE LOVE what I'm doing, and it's been worth all of the hard work and time I've put toward it (and that my family has sacrificed to make it happen). Nursing isn't an easy path, though I'm sure it looks that way compared to becoming a physician. Really analyze the reality of both paths and how you'd feel in either position. Do you feel like if you became a nurse, you'd look longingly at the doctors, wishing you were them? That's no way to live, honestly. I love that as a nurse, I'll have more actual hands-on time with my patients, and really, I feel, have more of an impact on them. Nurses more often than not direct the path of care. Doctors make medical diagnoses, but nurses often tell the docs what the patients need, because we are the ones with them. We tell them what orders need to be written, or what labs need to be ordered, or that they're decompensating and need intervention NOW. That's not the right path for everyone. I'm a big fan of supporting someone to follow their dreams, and if you have that opportunity, take it and run.
NurseGirl525, ASN, RN
3,663 Posts
As a former Spanish student who got plenty of D's in Spanish, it will not hold you back. I know at your age the thought of 8 more years of school is dreadful. You are probably so ready to be done with school for awhile. I know I was. But let me share some wisdom with you, I decided not to go to college because I felt my high school grades were terrible and I did not want to be in school anymore. I wanted to experience life. And I did. I worked for a bunch of years, got married young, became a stay at home mom. Life happens. I wish I had gone to school right after high school. I wish I had researched and gotten my degree back then because I would be in a better position now. I do not regret any decisions I have made with my life, I have a wonderful 8 year old boy who I love more than life itself. It is just hard being 38 and knowing I'll be 40 when I graduate college.
One D will not keep you out of college. Do the best you can in high school. Talk to your stepdad about what he likes about being a doctor. Research all things you can do in the medical field that would fascinate you. Don't become a RN because it feels logical. Do what your heart desires. Time will go by so quickly. If I had done my research in high school I would have either become a nurse or an infectious disease doctor, or maybe a microbiologist. There is so much out there. I love disease and studying it. It fascinates me. Once you get into college, study your butt off. Get good grades in the prereqs so you can get into the program you want later.