I have this ongoing struggle every term over how important my grades really are. I mean, I know that they're important, but in the grand scheme of things I have trouble deciding.
If I can study for 10 hours and get a B, is it worth it to study for 25 to get an A? I have a husband and three small children and I find myself conflicted every minute I spend away from them studying. But, on the other hand, it's important for my kids to see me work hard to excel.
Anyway, I have finals next week and that internal struggle is already starting. I work very hard and get excellent grades and understand the material very well. But, there comes a point where I just want to play monopoly for hours with the kids. :)
If you were a farmer and it were harvest time, you would not feel one iota of guilt for getting out there and harvesting 100% of what had been planted. You wouldn't hem and haw whether bringing in 80% of what you planted (worked hard for thus far) would be enough. You wouldn't feel as if you ought to be playing with them instead; you would recognize your family's ability to survive or thrive relied on you taking advantage of the time to do what had to be done, the waste of not capitalizing on what you had already done so far, and that if you waited or delayed, the opportunity would pass you by. This is no different. You may or may not need your nursing career to survive as a family, but if it is part of your future plans to thrive financially, put away the guilt. It is a modern phenomenon and has no place in what you are doing. Your husband theoretically signed up for this ride. Your children will benefit from learning both that hard work pays off and that the world doesn't revolve 100% around them.
Yes, it is worth it to make As. If you aren't sure, imagine making Bs and standing there with your wait list or rejection letter and what you will feel about not taking advantage of this time to study. Because people fail to get in just making Bs all. the. time. Yes, you will hear stories of those who do. That won't comfort you much if you aren't one of them. The above poster who mentioned not focusing so much on the letter is already in nursing school....which is a completely different place from where you are yet.
Ah, but see the rub is that I am accepted to my program. I am not competing to get in. I am in, all my pre-reqs are done, I have a BA already and am finishing up my last 3 co-reqs this spring/summer with clinicals starting in the fall. I have a 3.901 gpa and if I get As in both of the classes I'm taking this term, will up to a 3.925 (darn that statistics class was a killer). I don't want my dilemma to come across as a slacker. I just have trouble finding balance and this term I have lacked a bit of motivation. I'm still on track to get a 4.0 this term, but my motivation has been in the toilet because I know I'm in my program and even failing everything this term wouldn't bring my GPA down enough to be kicked out. Now, considering I'm 1 final away from being done for this term, I wouldn't say that I'm slacking or anything like that.
I just wondered how people feel about grades in general - obviously when you are still in the process of applying/waiting for acceptance, it's a different story.
Only you can answer how important your grades are to you. I assume the hours spent studying are estimates. It seems pessimistic to think it would take 1 and a half times as long to improve one letter grade. I would look into maximizing the time you spend studying now. Maybe audiotape classes and listen to them while commuting (I know, how boring). Try different studying techniques. If your kids can sit still for an entire game of Monopoly then maybe you could incorporate them into your study time. Maybe they would enjoy testing you with flashcards. Etc...
There's nothing shameful about B's, but I know that when I aim for a B I will often miss. Also, most reputable nursing schools have a harder grading scale once your in the actual program, so what was a B becomes a C.
I would also omit this story during a job interview. Employers don't want to hear that you'll sacrifice your professional life for your personal life.
Yes, those times are estimate. I don't even know how hard I would have to study to get a B.
Thanks for the advice. I'm not really looking for study technique advice. I study pretty effectively and I come out of class really understanding my materials. As I said, I have this internal fight every term and wondered if others did as well.
It's a lot different studying for a second career as a wife and parent than it was when I only had myself to worry about.
To another poster, thanks for the reminder about job hunting.
My answer changes when it is the difference between 3.9something and 3.9something, even if you weren't already in.
And I see what you are asking now. Yes, I have that struggle too, or a variation of it. I don't know what the answer is though. So far what works best is my kids' reactions. My husband is less helpful, he tells me to lighten up but telling me that doesn't work as well as the kids reframing my situation so I come to the conclusion that I'm being unnecessarily intense.
In your case, I don't think this B will make an iota of difference in and of itself. It might make a difference in your state of mind. If you decide a B is fine, the break from driving yourself so hard might be enough of a break to start the next terms motivated. Or it might make it easier to let things slide next term.
Yes, those times are estimate. I don't even know how hard I would have to study to get a B.
Thanks for the advice. I'm not really looking for study technique advice. I study pretty effectively and I come out of class really understanding my materials. As I said, I have this internal fight every term and wondered if others did as well.
It's a lot different studying for a second career as a wife and parent than it was when I only had myself to worry about.
To another poster, thanks for the reminder about job hunting.
You have a 3.9 and you're waxing philosophical about the tug-o-war between familial responsibilities and your studies? Is that what your post was?
Here's some study advice, take it or not, study "5" hours, get some real B's and be all up in your kid's faces every time they turn around!
I was an "A" student before I get into the nursing program. After going thru it, I realized that passing the class is like getting an "A" to all my pre-requisite classes. I'm just glad I was able to get thru the whole nursing thing. Most important thing is prioritizing and time management, as long as you plan ahead you are going to be fine. Once you get your title as an RN, do you get paid much less to someone who had a GPA of 3.9 and you got a 3.5? No. But then like RN1980 said, some might be selective, especially in today's economy. Getting a job right away is going to be a challenge, but once you got one, you are all good! Do I think its worth studying 25 hrs to get an "A" versus 10 hrs for a "B"? If I'm a mother who has 3 kids and a fulltime job, I'd say forget the "A" and focus my mind on getting thru the nursing program...because spending time with them AND making them proud of me one day is more important than anything else! Good luck!
shortnorthstudent
357 Posts
Ah, but see the rub is that I am accepted to my program. I am not competing to get in. I am in, all my pre-reqs are done, I have a BA already and am finishing up my last 3 co-reqs this spring/summer with clinicals starting in the fall. I have a 3.901 gpa and if I get As in both of the classes I'm taking this term, will up to a 3.925 (darn that statistics class was a killer). I don't want my dilemma to come across as a slacker. I just have trouble finding balance and this term I have lacked a bit of motivation. I'm still on track to get a 4.0 this term, but my motivation has been in the toilet because I know I'm in my program and even failing everything this term wouldn't bring my GPA down enough to be kicked out. Now, considering I'm 1 final away from being done for this term, I wouldn't say that I'm slacking or anything like that.
I just wondered how people feel about grades in general - obviously when you are still in the process of applying/waiting for acceptance, it's a different story.