I've probably just lost it all....

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So I just "completed" my first semester in my ADN program, a fundamentals of nursing class. It's a NINE (9!!!!) credit hour class and I got a C in it 1 point away from a B. I am a 4.0 student, you can only imagine what this has done to my GPA. I would like to think I would be able to get into a master's program sometime in the future (NP, PA, CRNA) but now it seems like that is something I will have to rethink because I know they want competitive GPA's for programs like that. And due to the structure of my program, someone getting an A in one of the nursing courses would be like seeing a unicorn on any given day. Should I drop and pursue another path, or just complete the program living by the phrase "C = Nurse" and accept my fate?

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I would strive to improve, but I wouldn't kill myself over not getting A's. The important goal is to graduate so you can take the NCLEX and become a nurse. Anything over and above that is nice, but not a life threatening necessity. If I were you, I would schedule an appointment with your nursing advisor and try to get some tips on what you can do to get a handle on this. Good luck.

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Specializes in none.
So I just "completed" my first semester in my ADN program, a fundamentals of nursing class. It's a NINE (9!!!!) credit hour class and I got a C in it 1 point away from a B. I am a 4.0 student, you can only imagine what this has done to my GPA. I would like to think I would be able to get into a master's program sometime in the future (NP, PA, CRNA) but now it seems like that is something I will have to rethink because I know they want competitive GPA's for programs like that. And due to the structure of my program, someone getting an A in one of the nursing courses would be like seeing a unicorn on any given day. Should I drop and pursue another path, or just complete the program living by the phrase "C = Nurse" and accept my fate?

One semester and you are worried that you wouldn't be able to be a NP, PA, CRNA? Are you interested in becoming a nurse or your grades? I never was asked by a patient what grades did I get in school, only asked if I could help them. It takes more then a high GPA to be a PA, NA, or CRNA. In the real world,it takes compassion and dedication an a love for human life. Those initials after your name may take a GPA, but the blood, sweat, and tears to keep them. So just concentrate on you RN first.

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I am interested in both. I just know that graduate admissions commissions won't want to hear my sob story on how I barely passed nursing school yet have the gall to believe I deserve to be a CRNA/NP/PA.

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Specializes in none.
I am interested in both. I just know that graduate admissions commissions won't want to hear my sob story on how I barely passed nursing school yet have the gall to believe I deserve to be a CRNA/NP/PA.

But my point is you are not even a nurse yet. Maybe by the time comes you are a RN- Well I'm sorry let me put it to you this way. First semester, you got a C and for a ADN you have three more semesters. to get better grades. Nothing is predestined. No career is ruined because of one semester. This life is so unpredictable. No matter what anyone says. You are not dead yet. I pro belly missed the point again. If I did I am sorry, but don't give up yet.

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Specializes in trauma and neuro.

I know how you feel OP. My first nursing class, fundamentals, was a 6 credit course and I missed an A in that class by 0.2%.... I just finished my second nursing course, assessment and pharmocology, and I got an A!!!!!

So just relax, take a break before your next class. It is only your first class and you have a bunch of time to go. Now that you have seen what nursing classes are like you will probably be better prepared for the next class anyway.

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This was your first semester. Sometimes it takes a while to adjust to the critical thinking questions. Just keep studying and practice nursing style questions.

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I agree with meeting with your advisor to get some pointers. We had to sit down with our advisor after ever test we "failed." Do you know why you got a 77%? I know for me, as someone stated earlier it was the critical thinking. Sometimes, its some of the simple stuff we miss too. ABC's Maslow's. If you have tutorers at your school, sit down with them for the heck of it. Form a study group. I know for me, a study group helped me to zero in on those things I forgot to look at or simply forgot.

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If everyone who ever got a C in one of their courses dropped there would be a heck of a lot of empty seats in my class. Getting a C in one course sucks especially coming from an A average. Sometimes it is just the course, the material, or the professor. I too am having a hard time in fundamentals and my other nursing classes give me no such trouble. Sometimes you can't always make the grade.

The question you have to ask yourself is could I have done better, was I giving it my all? If not then there is indeed room for improvement, but don't castigate yourself, just take it as a lesson and roll with it. If you did your best then be proud of what you have accomplished regardless and be aware that you may do better in one of the other courses.

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I'm mainly wondering how it will affect me getting into graduate school

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

It will hurt, no doubt. However, there are ways around that in the future. First things first.

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It will hurt, no doubt. However, there are ways around that in the future. First things first.

so I have a slim chance of a masters program now?

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