Indication for Nurse Competence?

[Jmiami]

I did well in my CNA course and clinicals. One who helped the others and loved doing it. I am getting a high A in Anatomy and Physiology (but putting the time in for it) and loving the course enough to research clinical applications of the knowledge we are learning for fun. The rest of the class is hovering at a C, middle B range. I struggle with College Algebra, getting a low to middle B, but enjoy the challenge of "solving the puzzle" and put the time in every day for it.

Do these results indicate an aptitude towards nursing school, in that I may possibly be one of the lucky ones who "get it" and thrive with it? I take criticism well and enjoy the challenge of non-ideal situations (ie: short staffing or the young eating clinical instructor). In life, if a challenge will not move out of my way, I will find a way around it, over it, under it, or just blaze on through it. I don't care if what I want need is on the other side.

I hear stories of how NS is, and am intimidated by the acceptance standards and the intensity of the programs. That intimidation is also fueling me to keep trucking day after day because I am going to be a Nurse. A short staffed, frazzled, verbally abused, un-appreciated, underpaid but very happy nurse. I know what I'm getting into, and I still want the pile of poop sitting next to that bed of roses )

[metal_m0nk, BSN, RN]

Aptitude in prerequisites does not foreshadow success with nursing school concepts. There are many who easily achieved exemplary marks in prerequisites without having to put in the time, who have found themselves struggling in nursing school. Depending on your particular program you are likely to find that there will be no time to devote to understanding concepts fully and you will have to learn to master material at a pace that you may not be at all comfortable with.

You may also very likely find that whatever traits you possess that you feel will serve you well in nursing education and beyond will not serve you reliably under the stress and rigor you will face.

TL;DR: There are no guarantees. Either you make it through or you don't. You can't predict your success, only measure it in hindsight by whatever accomplishments you attain.

[kaydensmom01]

In my experience excelling in pre reqs is no indication for how you will do in nursing school. I actually had a 100% in ap, chemistry and organic chem! I am serious, I loved them classes and it just clicks for me. They were fun for me, especially the chems. The teachers all asked me to tutor. I do not like nursing school nearly as much because I am having trouble critically thinking in clinicals. I thought about becoming a chemistry professor, but am not sure that I would like that either. I do have a much easier time with the book work than most of my classmates though, but clinicals are the main part of nursing school. Most of my classmates worry about failing the lecture, I worry about failing clinicals and about failing as a nurse.

I agree with the above poster, that it will most likelly serve you well in nurse education and not much more beyond that.