I need a second (or third, or fourth...) opinion

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Hello all!

I am in need of some advice. I started a two-year ADN program at a community college about three weeks ago. I have always been a straight A student (I decided to go to community college to save some money) but these past few weeks have killed my confidence and I feel like I am just so far behind in learning all of the things we need to know that I don't know if I can catch up. I have had six tests so far, and my scores range between 67-84% (it was 67-74, but today I got an 84).

So here are my options: A. I drop out before these grades effect my GPA, work on getting my lactation consultant cert. this year, and then apply to a university in my area that has a two year BSN program (aka, have a lactation consultant cert and my BSN in three years) or B. I stick it out over these next few years, hopefully pass all of my classes, go on to a year of RN to BSN program, and then get my lactation consultant cert. (aka, have a lactation consultant cert and BSN in four years)

I feel like if I had the chance to start over again, and really understand what I will be getting myself into study/school wise, I could do really well. However, I don't want the fact that I dropped out of nursing school the first time around to hurt me in the long run when applying for jobs/grad schools.

Also, the reason that I want to have a lactation consultant cert. is because I would love to be one, and because I feel like it would help me to land a job in a L&D unit or birthing center.

Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated!!

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Specializes in Public Health.

Those grades are no reason to drop out of nursing school. Why would you waste your opportunity just because you won't have a 4.0? VERY few people ever finish nursing school with a 4.0, you need to prioritize. You are in NS to learn to become a safe and prudent novice nurse. Not to get perfect grades. You will get the hang of it.

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I agree that these are normal nursing school grades. If you just don't want to do this anymore, then quit, but don't blame the grades.

And who knows if you'll even get into a BSN program. No guarantee there. At least you're currently in a program.

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Specializes in NICU.

You are only 3 weeks into the program. You need to get used to critical thinking questions. All of your experience is in knowledge based questions (What is the definition of ...?) instead of Application questions (What is the priority nursing intervention?), pick the best answer, and SATA (select all that apply). Starting over is not going to solve your problem, you will encounter the same types of questions at the next school.

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You'll get used to it and usually learn each professors style after the first test. I usually bomb the first rounds each semester then make up for it later. It'll be fine, it's all about being flexible and adapting. Nursing schools is nothing like the prerequisites where it's just memorization and stuff.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

I'm kind of mind-blown that you'd drop out of entire nursing program because you aren't happy with your grades. The point is to become a nurse, and that's hardly in jeopardy 4 weeks into school.

You may not be an A nursing student. Even with a do-over. Most people aren't, even though most people were before NS.

Or you could become an A student at your current school now that you know a little bit more of what's expected of you.

Either way, I promise jumping ship and starting over won't make a difference. This is going to be a long, bumpy journey. You're going to have everything you're awful at shoved in your face and put on display (along with the great stuff, of course.) Time to suck it up and trudge on forward. :)

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Specializes in Maternal Newborn.

Hi ~

I read your post and totally empathize with you. I saw myself in your letter. I'm going into my fifth month of nursing school, and honestly it's the hardest thing I've ever done. This is my 2nd Bachelor's degree no less. Anyway, if you truly want to be a nurse, I would NOT drop out over getting B's and/or a C or two. Nursing school is super intense. I'm a straight A student as well, and I've had 6 classes so far (accelerated program). I got a B in one class and I nearly freaked (MCA I). The class was super hard and I cried nearly the whole 5 weeks in the class. The tests were wickedly tough. Anyway, I told myself that while grades are important, my health and sanity are more important. Passing is important.

Another thing that may be helpful is checking your organization/study habits. I'm very disciplined, however, I've fine-tuned a few things. You have to work better - prioritize and become efficient. Not necessarily work harder. Also, studying in advance for tests, recording and/or writing notes down and regurgitating facts/information to others will help the information sink in.

Use your support systems - friends, family, faculty, other students in the program, etc. Very important!

Reward yourself for taking a test or finishing a project, etc. Sometimes that could be a nice, extra-long shower, going out to eat or extra sleep! Maybe a pedicure! Then, get back to what the next priorities are.

Again, I had a few days "quitting" came to my mind too... Then I thought about all the prereq's I took and the hard work I've put into it so far. While I agree with you the amount of time put in (and not getting the high grade or A) is disappointing, don't let this define you or think you are less. The program will test your endurance and strength like no other, and you CAN DO IT!! :)

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Specializes in Intensive care, ER.

Don't quit! Nursing school isn't easy. Critical thinking questions are something that everyone has to get used to. Now that you've taken your first round of tests, you'll know what the instructors are expecting. Hopefully they are willing to meet with you to go over your tests. It took me until med/surg 2 to really figure out what NCLEX style questions were and my grades drastically improved when I started going over my entire test and going through the rationales with my instructor. In all honesty, it doesn't matter if you get straight As or straight Cs. Once you pass your NCLEX you are on a level playing field with all other new grad RNs.

Take some you time and don't psych yourself out. It will get better.

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I fail to see how getting your lactation cert will help your grades IF you get into a BSN program. YOu need to learn to think and answer questions critically. Nursing school is HARD because it's likely the first time you've ever had the style of questions you have. It's the first time you don't have to regurgitate answers based on memorization. If everyone who had a hard time at the beginning of nursing quit, there wouldn't be many nurses!

I say suck it up and stick it out

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Quitting this program you're currently in and enrolling in a different one should not make a difference. If anything it'll make your journey longer :/

Stick to your program. Ask questions to your instructors/ classmates. You're in!! You know its a struggle getting accepted to nursing school. Don't throw away the opportunity you have ;)

Best wishes

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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