I must not be cut out for nursing school....

[Steffani]

I'm so upset. It seems like it doesn't matter if I study really hard or don't study at all - I will get the same grades on tests. I'm in a BSN program.

I've been getting C's on my nursing school exams and I was previously a 3.8 GPA student. I am performing below everyone else, I feel like all my friends are doing better. Who would want to hire me if I am making Cs?

I want to quit, I feel like a stupid student. There is no such thing as a weekend anymore, I am constantly studying and constantly crying because I am so miserable. I don't know how much more I can take.

People tell me C = RN...but should I really heed that advice? Do I have to stop caring about getting good grades and just concentrate on passing?

[Maisie]

Pay no attention to the grades. I have a 3.8 average. I'm in my first semester. I came in with a 4.0. I decided before starting the program that I would pay no attention to grades. I saw too many students going crazy every time they got something less than an A.

MY approach, I learn to satisfy me. When I feel that I can care for patients, Than thats my A. When I am in clinical, school, or even the lab. I do my best to please God. If God is not satisfied with my abilities, Then I am not happy. If I get a C and God is happy, than I am happy. I don't care what other people think about my grades. To make certain there was no misunderstanding about this issue in my family. I announced that I would not place an emphasis on grades the minute I received my acceptance letter. People were surprised since I had a 4.0 average. I feel great and not miserable. I average anywhere from 100 to 82 on test.

[jschut, BSN, RN]

Pay no attention to the grades. I have a 3.8 average. I'm in my first semester. I came in with a 4.0. I decided before starting the program that I would pay no attention to grades. I saw too many students going crazy every time they got something less than an A.

MY approach, I learn to satisfy me. When I feel that I can care for patients, Than thats my A. When I am in clinical, school, or even the lab. I do my best to please God. If God is not satisfied with my abilities, Then I am not happy. If I get a C and God is happy, than I am happy. I don't care what other people think about my grades. To make certain there was no misunderstanding about this issue in my family. I announced that I would not place an emphasis on grades the minute I received my acceptance letter. People were surprised since I had a 4.0 average. I feel great and not miserable. I average anywhere from 100 to 82 on test.

Hey

Maisie~

Just out of curiosity...how do you study? Is there anything special that you do? I'm looking for new ways of studying, since my grades are falling this semester...one test, I study the heck out of one thing, and there is none of it on the test...next test, I let that one thing be toward the back of the study barrell, and the test is covered in that concept!

I feel like I am on the Titanic II and sinking fast....

any suggestions?

[skyyhiflygirl]

Steph,

I cannot emphasize the value of studying with peers. If you are not in a study group, and all the other study groups are built, BUILD YOURSELF A STUDY GROUP. You may just need a fresh perspective for looking at the material you are studying. Remember, book knowledge does not necessarily translate into good nursing. If you are doing great in clinicals and only struggling to make C's in lecture, then lecture is the place you need to work. Its not easy, but you can do it.

Not sure how your school operates, but ours encorporates all aspects (nursing theory, pharmacology, skills, math, etc) into one exam for each area of study. For instance, the current section is Fluids and Electrolytes/Acid-Base Balance. The pharm is diuretics, iv solutions, potassium supplements, etc. And the math goes together with the IV stuff. The test will be monday and 50% of the test is multiple choice and the other half is written. The tests are difficult but because all the material goes together, it is fairly easy to know what to study for. Do you get an outline for the material that will be on the exam? Make sure you can come up with stuff for each point on the outline. Do you get study questions or case studies? Make sure you can come up with answers to the study questions and can solve your case studies. That is what helps me get through the material. The volume of reading is HUGE, and there is literally no way I could read word for word everything that is covered. I use my notes and the study guides, my textbooks, and my friends to come up with answers and stuff for the tests.

Good luck to you.

[ortess1971]

Pay no attention to the grades. I have a 3.8 average. I'm in my first semester. I came in with a 4.0. I decided before starting the program that I would pay no attention to grades. I saw too many students going crazy every time they got something less than an A.

MY approach, I learn to satisfy me. When I feel that I can care for patients, Than thats my A. When I am in clinical, school, or even the lab. I do my best to please God. If God is not satisfied with my abilities, Then I am not happy. If I get a C and God is happy, than I am happy. I don't care what other people think about my grades. To make certain there was no misunderstanding about this issue in my family. I announced that I would not place an emphasis on grades the minute I received my acceptance letter. People were surprised since I had a 4.0 average. I feel great and not miserable. I average anywhere from 100 to 82 on test.

I strongly agree with your post...I had a 4.0 average before I started my nursing classes but I don't beat up on myself because I didn't get an A.Heck, I had instructors tell me I was going to flunk out because I work 32 hours a week and go to nursing school. I am more than happy with my grades(usually around the 86-90 mark) and I know plenty of C students who kick butt in clinical.Everyone has different strengths...