Has A & P been difficult for you? I feel really dumb!

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Specializes in future OB/L&D nurse(I hope) or hospice.

Hello everyone. I am new and this is my first thread. I am almost done with my pre-reqs and have had the most difficult time with A&P I and II. I am in the middle of II. I have read alot of post and so many have said that A&P is easy or they got like and A or B. Now, I am 41 and have noticed that it is much harder now in school than it was 20 years ago. In the past I have never had an issue with grades and was even at the top of my class in HS. So I am very nervous about Nursing School. Have any of you had a hard time in these classes but was able to do well in nursing school. I need some encouragement Pleeeeaase. Thanks:confused:

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

I am the same age as you, and have actually been more enthusiastic with school this time around than I was 20 years ago, and this is probably because I am finally pursuing something that I love. School was more of a chore when I was originally in undergrad (and when I pursued a grad degree) and I honestly feel it should not be that way. If one is dreading school and learning the material, one should be wondering if the intended field is the one they should be pursuing in the first place. I was always a good student as well, and getting back into school took some adjusting but I am back in the swing.

One piece of advice for you in A&P that can help is that you should use YouTube to search out videos that will explain concepts. I used it in both A&P and micro and they were very valuable to help me understand things. Also, don't be ashamed to speak with the professor during office hours. That's what they are there for, and there are actually very few professors that are not willing to spend the time with students to talk about the material and help them understand it.

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Specializes in future OB/L&D nurse(I hope) or hospice.

Thank you very much for the idea of YouTube. I hadn't even thought of that. I also do agree with the 20 year factor. I have always wanted to be a nurse. But as they say "Life happened". It's the biggest regret I have. But here I am, 2 grown children later and absolutely love school. I will be taking Micro in the spring so wish me luck. Lord willing, this time next year I will be doing the happy dance and reading my acceptance letter. Thanks again so much for the ideas.

Joann

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I, too, am an older returning student, and am having a terrible time in A&PII. I got a B in A&PI, but now... I'm barely hanging on to a C. Despite getting a B in Chem, I don't understand all of the chemistry in the digestive/urinary chapters. I've watched videos on Youtube, read my book, made flash cards, talked to classmates, attended an open lab... it's just not clicking, and I'm really discouraged. My lab partner has apparently decided I'm no longer useful to her (as I'm struggling,) so is now ignoring me.

I want to quit -- which must mean I don't want nursing school bad enough. This is the weeding out process, afterall, and I'm feeling kinda weedy.

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I have registered to take A P 1 in the spring and like some of you am in my 40s. I have not had Chemistry. At the local CC I do not have to have chemistry if I can succeed in AP 1 AP 2 and Micro.

My question to you all is do you think it would be better if I take Chemistry before these classes?

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Specializes in N/A.
I have registered to take A P 1 in the spring and like some of you am in my 40s. I have not had Chemistry. At the local CC I do not have to have chemistry if I can succeed in AP 1 AP 2 and Micro.

My question to you all is do you think it would be better if I take Chemistry before these classes?

At my school we are also not required to take Chemistry before A&P....what chemistry we need we get in A&P. I'm 50 and have already taken A&P 1 and 2. Wasn't easy but did well with lots of studying.

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It is not difficult just a lot of memorization. try quizlet.com for flash cards. helps a lot!

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I have registered to take A P 1 in the spring and like some of you am in my 40s. I have not had Chemistry. At the local CC I do not have to have chemistry if I can succeed in AP 1 AP 2 and Micro.

My question to you all is do you think it would be better if I take Chemistry before these classes?

Chem is required in my area before you can enroll in A&P I & II. If it is not required in your area, they must not think their A&P classes cover much chem (though ours does.) I'd take it ahead of A&P, if at all possible, because it clues you in to what ions are, diffusion, chemical reactions, polarity, etc... making A&P that much more understandable to you. (There are a TON of chemical reactions happening in our bodies at ALL times!!! Homeostasis is the goal!)

It's been really tough. I don't understand how some people think the P part of A&P isn't tough -- wondering if it is the type of teacher you have, or the area you're in, or you're just way smarter than I am??? That last one is probably it. I'm feeling REALLY clueless right now, but... I'm not here to bring others down.

I love how we're able to encourage one another here, and I've always tried to do that, so I apologize if I display a negative tone, here. I'm just having a really down day, what else can I say?

Honestly, I'm in the process of letting go of my nursing dreams, and it is kinda painful.

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Specializes in future OB/L&D nurse(I hope) or hospice.

Walomom.....

DON'T GIVE UP!!! Please don't throw in the towel. I know and feel your pain. I had to take A&P 2 times because I miserably failed the first time. The second time I only managed a "C+". Now in A&P II I have three exams left and so far I am pulling a D+. To say I am stressed is an understatement. My fourth exam is on monday. It is the Urinary System. I am studying my &ss off. BUT, I am determined to get through this and push on. And you need to also. We can work together if you want to provide encouragement. I know I said I feel dumb and many times I do, but deep down inside I know I can do this. I just need to want it bad enough-and I do. We are not the only ones whom struggle with this. I asked my professor and he said the A&P classes have about a 40-50% fail/dropout rate. It's a hard subject. If I have to take A&P again I will. Sometimes failure is a blessing in disguise- as I have to trust there is a reason for everything. But in the end YOU AND I will be nurses. Just hold on with me and we can weather this storm together. God Bless!!!:up:

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Walomom-

You are not a weed....maybe a late bloomer. :) Lots of students have to retake A & P to get the grade they need, please don't be discouraged if you end up being one of them. Sometimes a different teacher is the trick, as they may explain things differently or have better study guides, or something may just click. Hang in there!!!!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I am older too (38) and while I find the sciences hard.. I've found after taking a few of them they get more manageable. Once you get used to the way sciences classes are and the way the tests are written (which was the hardest thing for me).. it gets better. Keep on keeping on.. it'll get better!:)

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