How can i succeed?

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I am a 25 yr. old nursing student in a diploma program, i finally finished by first year! I have been average in my studies, 85% but i want to do better and i have the desire to do better but i do not know where to really to begin. The next semester starting in July is suppose to be very difficult (MEDSURG) A I want to be better than an 85% student. I have bought a study guide to go along with my med-surg book and i plan on working thru it this summer before classes start (is it to soon?) I want to be the best i can possibly be throughout the rest of this program. Can anyone give me any pointers to finish out this program!!!!!

1st - Quit stressing about grades. Remember that C + NCLEX = nurse.

2nd - Don't study harder; study smarter. I used to outline the appropriate chapter of the book and insert the lecture material in the appropriate places. That way, I had all the material for the topic all in the same set of notes!

3rd - Learn to take GOOD lecture notes. Every instructor I have ever had gave numerous "hints" about what they considered important in the topic. What they consider important WILL be what is tested.

The digital recorder suggestion is a great one, IF your instructor(s) allow them and IF your classroom environment is conducive to using one. They were "outlawed" at my NS d/t a student using one to "prove" that an instructor gave a different answer (an incorrect one) in lecture to the one in the textbook. This lecture material caused several students to flunk an important test because the instructor constructed the test and answers from the textbook. The hue and cry that erupted from this sent shockwaves thru the school, resulting in calls to the State Legislature and several threatened lawsuits. (So what did they do? Credited back the points for the test answers and ban recorders - bureaucratic butt covering; the student can take a flying freak at a rolling donut!)

Don't waste what little down-time you get over the summer in pursuit of a few extra points on the GPA. I have NEVER been asked in a job interview what my grades were like.

Just remember a C is failing in most schools. So you really need a B to pass in most schools, including the one I am going to.

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Dear One, do use your summer to read ahead. See your Instructor-to-be and get her course outline, with the reading assignments, if possible. Then do those over the summer. If you can't get it, just read q chapter, outline it, teach it to your family or whoever else will listen. (When you have to teach someone else, you learn more.)

Most students, I'd bet, do not read the assignments before the lectures. This is a mistake. You can only come out ahead, I think, by studying this summer.

Do play and relax some. And don't feel you have to be an A student, as pointed out above. But do what feels right for you. And it sounds like you prefer to pre-read and I personally agree and wish you the very best.

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For everyone who stated that once you've passed board you will be considered a nurse and not a nurse who made C's during school--i do totally agree to that but the thing is i want to pursue my education further. Right now i am in a diploma RN program after graduating i am going on to get my BSN, and after i've had my 2 years exp. i am serously thinking about going back to school and become a CRNA. Do your grades count as far as being accepted into these programs? Isn't there a mass amount of competition trying to get in? Do they not consider your grades as a factor?

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Actually, some employers do ask for the GPA's...but they are minority...

But who cares...there are so many jobs out there...if you don't take me, I will go to another place.

The most important thing is your license.

actually a lot of employers ask about grades and your GPA is generally included on your resume.

In addition some new-to-practice orientation programs require at least a 3.0 to get into.

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For everyone who stated that once you've passed board you will be considered a nurse and not a nurse who made C's during school--i do totally agree to that but the thing is i want to pursue my education further. Right now i am in a diploma RN program after graduating i am going on to get my BSN, and after i've had my 2 years exp. i am serously thinking about going back to school and become a CRNA. Do your grades count as far as being accepted into these programs? Isn't there a mass amount of competition trying to get in? Do they not consider your grades as a factor?

Yes, yes, yes, grades are a big deal if you want to get into CRNA school. A 2.0 is not going to get you in. Your grades have to be high.

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For everyone who stated that once you've passed board you will be considered a nurse and not a nurse who made C's during school--i do totally agree to that but the thing is i want to pursue my education further. Right now i am in a diploma RN program after graduating i am going on to get my BSN, and after i've had my 2 years exp. i am serously thinking about going back to school and become a CRNA. Do your grades count as far as being accepted into these programs? Isn't there a mass amount of competition trying to get in? Do they not consider your grades as a factor?

Yes, it is very tough to get into CRNA school; do all you can to prepare. Check with the schools themselves to see what their GPA req's are.

Do what you know is right for you.

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