I screwed up... don't know what to do. I need advice.

dc1994 · Dec 13, 2014

Well, if you can't retake it because you passed it, my advice would be to just apply for the program!

What's your GPA like?

Knock your entrance test outta the park!

Also, why do you think your grades in A&P and such were better than Micro? Were you working a similar schedule when you took those classes?

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 13, 2014

Since you have likely passed Micro, retaking the class at your current school is going to be a no-go. You might very well be able to take Micro again at a different school and if you do well, you may be able to substitute that course for the one that you just simply "passed."

tambat · Dec 13, 2014

Right now I have a 3.3 overall (not including this semester).

Just this semester Fall 2014: I will most likely have a 3.27 so I don't know what my gpa will be overall

My grades in Anatomy and Physio were better because I didn't have as many responsibilities. Yes I was still taking multiple classes but I actually enjoyed those classes. I was excited to go to class and learn the material. This semester I just didn't find that excitement Also I was juggling school. work and applications. College Applications, Nursing applications... they were such a pain and were just super stressful.

Polar_lime · Dec 13, 2014

Perhaps you should re-take Micro at another school, and maybe decrease your courseload next time. Was there a reason why you took 5 classes while working during one semester? I understand the desperation to complete your prerequisites ASAP but what good will it do if you can't handle it, therefore it decreases your GPA? Also, do NOT compare yourself to other classmates! Your life is different from their lives and there's nothing you can do about it. You're just going to screw yourself over and waste energy by constantly thinking about them. Focus only on yourself. If anything, at least you have an advantage in your next Micro class because you already took it!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Dec 13, 2014

Here is my advice to you because I took 5 classes last semester. I took micro, A&P II, english 111, algebra, and a student success class. So I do understand. It was my first semester back in 15 years, I was a brand new single mom, was trying to work out a divorce settlement, manage my house as 1 person, and juggle my child's activities. It was extremely hard and I learned a lot about myself. I got 4 A's and 1 B in my micro class. I was upset with my B. But I did not whine and say it's not fair some others were repeating and I had to go to all of these court dates and go here and there. I had to write 8 papers that semester for just one class. I think in total I ended up writing around 13 papers that semester. So I know hard. You need to suck it up and go and see a nursing advisor. You need to see where you go from here and what needs to happen to get into the program. It all depends on what they look at. And since we have no idea what that is, we can only advise you to go see an advisor. I personally don't agree with retakes at all. I feel like those who retake classes have an unfair advantage over others.

And everyone, absolutely everyone has a story. You have one, I have one, the person next to me has one. It doesn't matter. What matters is how you deal with this what I consider small setback and how you come back from it. Don't wallow in it. Go and see what you need to fix and fix it.

caliotter3 · Dec 13, 2014

There are students who insure a 4.0 GPA because they take only one class at a time, with or without outside responsibilities. You obviously could not do that, but that is one of the unfair aspects of life. There is always going to be someone who has it easier than you and someone who is going to have it harder than you; that is the way of life. No sense in beating yourself up over it. Just make plans to avoid this kind of situation in the future. You do not want to be your worst enemy if you can help it.

tambat · Dec 29, 2014

So good news. I ended up with a B in Micro! Sure it may not have been an A but I didn't get a C like I thought I was.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Dec 29, 2014

That's wonderful news. I know how relieved you must feel.

However, ... an attitude adjustment may be in order since you are just beginning your nursing education journey. Complaining about "not fair" that you didn't do as well in a course because of your own personal choices... is just lame. You will discover that Nursing education requirements are standardized. Your achievements will be rated according to a standard which has been established to protect the public by ensuring that everyone is equally qualified. And be prepared ... You'll probably have to score at least an 85 to earn a B in your nursing program.

You will not be given a break due to personal circumstances, no matter whether it is due to your heavy course load, illness, or family issues... you'll have to hit the same mark as everyone else. Not saying you can't enjoy the occasional pity party, but don't expect it to make any difference in the outcome.

Now, get out there and enjoy the adventure. You can do this.

Nienna Celebrindal · Dec 29, 2014

Congratulations! Good luck getting in!

Do take this as a good learning lesson though for the future for the nursing program, the nclex and life. You need to know when too much is too much and how to manage the load you take on. The reality of life is the nclex, your patients and your boss won't care what your story is or how hard your life is. You are going to have to preform. Period. The end.

Purple_roses · Dec 29, 2014

That's wonderful news. I know how relieved you must feel.
However, ... an attitude adjustment may be in order since you are just beginning your nursing education journey. Complaining about "not fair" that you didn't do as well in a course because of your own personal choices... is just lame. You will discover that Nursing education requirements are standardized. Your achievements will be rated according to a standard which has been established to protect the public by ensuring that everyone is equally qualified. And be prepared ... You'll probably have to score at least an 85 to earn a B in your nursing program.
You will not be given a break due to personal circumstances, no matter whether it is due to your heavy course load, illness, or family issues... you'll have to hit the same mark as everyone else. Not saying you can't enjoy the occasional pity party, but don't expect it to make any difference in the outcome.
Now, get out there and enjoy the adventure. You can do this.

First of all, congrats on getting a B! You must be very relieved! Second of all, this response is right on. Take this advice and start taking responsibility for yourself :)

It sounds like you were extremely stressed (which is a part of nursing that you can't fully escape), but is there anything you can do to lighten your stress load for future semesters? Like possibly scheduling a lighter class load or taking a class in the summer to balance everything out? This semester probably gave you a good idea of how much you can handle while still doing well. Good luck to you!