I feel really, really stupid

[shining_star28463]

I am a 1st year ADN nursing student and with every test I feel more and more like an idiot. I'm averaging an 81 but I am not happy with that. We've just taken our third test and we have two more to go before finals. I am happy to be passing but I am just not satisfied with my grades. One small slip below a 77 average and I'm dunzo. It worries me. I've always been a great student but I guess I did more memorizing than critical thinking. Do grades really matter (as far as the GPA is concerned) or is it acceptable to be passing.

[kellerpatty]

Hi: I can relate...I graduated in May and was extremely glad to do so! Prior to nursing school I was a straight A student (I'm in my 40's). When I started, I was completely taken aback to find my test grades just weren't what I was used to...meaning not always in the 90s. I was uptight, irritated, and confused as to why. Happily I discovered that when I gave up the idea that I always had to be "perfect" with "perfect" grades, my grades started to improve. Once I began to relax and realize that nursing school was a whole new game from what I was used to, my test grades started to improve and I graduated with highest honors. The secret I learned is that worrying about my test grades only took up space in my brain that was better used for other things. Studying intently and being willing to close my mouth and open my ears to any person that wanted to teach me something was (and is) the way to get what I needed to succeed. I'm now working in a Level I ICU, and no I don't always achieve "A" level success, but the lessons I learned about myself in nursing school have stayed with me and things are improving every day. Hang in there, and try to think less singularly about a "grade" and more well-roundedly (is that a word?) about what you're actually trying to achieve in nursing school and you'll do wonderfully! Best wishes for your continued SUCCESS!!! : )