I just started my RN program and I'm in my fourth week of Fundamentals and Pharm. We've had three tests so far. I got an 86 on the Pharm test, and I've gotten an 83 and an 89 on the Fundamentals tests.
Now, I know that B's are not "bad grades." But to me, it's very frustrating. I've been fighting a sinus infection and studying hasn't always been easy, but I still feel like I'm dedicating an adequate amount of time to reading. I make note cards, do practice ATI questions, and all that. I had a 4.0 before entering the nursing program and since Fundamentals is only a 6-week class, I'd say there's a pretty good chance I'm going to come out of it with a a B. I'm just feeling very overwhelmed.
Any advice on how to come to terms with these feelings? Like I said, I know it sounds silly... I feel kind of stupid for even posting this! But it worries me, and I want to get into to a good RN-BSN program after I finish up this program (I'm at a local CC). I know in my heart that I am capable of making A's in these courses.
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Dudette, that comment merits a beverage alert! I nearly spewed Vitamin Water all over my computer screen!
On topic...whatever standards someone sets for him/herself should be respected. If someone is happy to just pass, then I am happy with them, given they work hard for it. If someone is sad that he/she didn't get the A, I assume the standards are set at that level, and I can be upset with them.
It's about the person's feelings in comparison to their own standards, not someone else's standards.
I agree with you completely. It all depends on the individual, his/her standards, and plans for future education. RN to BSN programs and graduate programs can be competitive, so grades do matter. Learning should always be more important than just getting a certain grade but grades are a way to recognize excellence and provide feedback as to areas in which we may need to concentrate our efforts a bit more.
I see a lot of myself in many of the posters on this thread. I was an "A" student in high school and it was tough to get "B's" in my ADN and BSN programs. I'm in a master's program and I'd have a 4.0 if not for that durned "B" in statistics...and of course I focus on the "B" instead of feel satisfied with my learning in the course and happy with the grades I've gotten in my other courses. So I definitely understand the OP's point of view here.
Lots of wisdom in your post, Dudette. Thanks for your insight!
Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
Dudette, that comment merits a beverage alert! I nearly spewed Vitamin Water all over my computer screen!
On topic...whatever standards someone sets for him/herself should be respected. If someone is happy to just pass, then I am happy with them, given they work hard for it. If someone is sad that he/she didn't get the A, I assume the standards are set at that level, and I can be upset with them.
I agree with you completely. It all depends on the individual, his/her standards, and plans for future education. RN to BSN programs and graduate programs can be competitive, so grades do matter. Learning should always be more important than just getting a certain grade but grades are a way to recognize excellence and provide feedback as to areas in which we may need to concentrate our efforts a bit more.
I see a lot of myself in many of the posters on this thread. I was an "A" student in high school and it was tough to get "B's" in my ADN and BSN programs. I'm in a master's program and I'd have a 4.0 if not for that durned "B" in statistics...and of course I focus on the "B" instead of feel satisfied with my learning in the course and happy with the grades I've gotten in my other courses. So I definitely understand the OP's point of view here.
Lots of wisdom in your post, Dudette. Thanks for your insight!
I swear nursing school just messes with your head. I have said on these boards that I do better in nursing school than pre reqs. I have never been a straight A student. It wasn't because I wasn't capable. I just never put forth the effort to get A's before. I didn't really care one way or the other. I struggled in my science pre reqs but got 4.0's in my Psych and Sociology classes.
In high school I had better things to do than worry about school, like being bad and driving my step mom to insanity. LOL
Anyway, since being in nursing school though and since I do pretty good now I noticed that now I want the better grades, not just for my BSN and Masters but just to challenge myself. But nursing school like messes up your thinking. I got a 92% on my last exam and I know this is good. I know I should be proud and happy and for the most part I am. Especially since I could have put a lot more effort into my studying. But at the same time the 92% is still a B and part of me thinks it sucks and isn't good enough.
Thanks for all of the encouragement. :) I'm starting to feel a little better... And just in time, I have a quiz on Tuesday, a B/P checkoff on Monday, and a teaching project due Tuesday as well. Not to mention a lot of memorization for Pharm. We're starting on antibiotics/antivirals.
I think I have the flu. I was just thinking about getting a flu shot, too. Bleh. My mom lives about 5 minutes away from my house and she's been watching my son for me so I can get some much-needed bed rest (she's awesome) - my husband's been at work all day long so I've had plenty of time to lurk on Allnurses. Back to studying tomorrow!
Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
Thanks for all of the encouragement. :) I'm starting to feel a little better... And just in time, I have a quiz on Tuesday, a B/P checkoff on Monday, and a teaching project due Tuesday as well. Not to mention a lot of memorization for Pharm. We're starting on antibiotics/antivirals.
I think I have the flu. I was just thinking about getting a flu shot, too. Bleh. My mom lives about 5 minutes away from my house and she's been watching my son for me so I can get some much-needed bed rest (she's awesome) - my husband's been at work all day long so I've had plenty of time to lurk on Allnurses. Back to studying tomorrow!
You can always tell when I am supposed to be studying, my post count here and facebook statuses increase dramatically. Anything to distract me from studying LOL
We are always our own worst critics. Its hard, and believe me, the one B that I got in school was a HUGE blow, but I got over it. You will too...I promise. Like others have said (yourself included) in the grand scheme of things, a B doesnt matter. Working hard, knowing your stuff and passing the boards does. Thats it.
That is how I feel at times. Everyone says C=degrees and in the end it doesn't matter. Well it does to go into the higher education degrees, so although when I am working in the hospital it might not matter if I got C's, it will when I go to per sure my higher degree.
That's my concern too. I got through my LPN program with straight A's. It wasn't easy, either, so I thought I was prepared for my ASN program. I failed the second test of the semester. The class average was 74, when 75 is passing. It's just so frustrating. I'm going to study harder and hope that helps.
Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
That's my concern too. I got through my LPN program with straight A's. It wasn't easy, either, so I thought I was prepared for my ASN program. I failed the second test of the semester. The class average was 74, when 75 is passing. It's just so frustrating. I'm going to study harder and hope that helps.
I didn't see my typo until I read my post in your quote. LOL I meant pursue not per sure. I hope you do better on your next exam.
I'm sorry that you are feeling this way. A nurses, B nurses, and C nurses. Do you see a pattern? All three are nurses. You can be a good nurse no matter how your grades are in nursing school. I'm a LPN going for RN. I've been working as a nurse for a year now and applied at many jobs as new grad. I have never once come across an employer that asked about my grades. I too love to get A's and know I have to work harder when I get a B or C. However, I've learned that being a competent and prudent nurse does not reflect test grades.
However, I've learned that being a competent and prudent nurse does not reflect test grades.
I know there will be people who read this and not believe it. I didn't believe it either for a long time, until...
I was in a clinical rotation with a woman in my class whose grades somehow don't reflect her quick intellect. She does study, but she gets mostly C's and a few B's! During the clinical rotation, I listened closely to her comments in post-conference because her eyes could see things that I didn't/couldn't see. She entered a room with all her senses ready to take in a patient, and I admire her greatly for that. I'm also sad that it's never worked out to be in the same clinical group since then because I could learn so much from her.
That's my biggest fear...coming out of this education with great grades and absolutely suck as a nurse. Thankfully, I've had peer role models that helped me see what I lack so that I can concentrate on honing those skills before my school unleashes me on unsuspecting patients.
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I am right there with you!
Moogie
1 Article; 1,796 Posts
Just a gentle reminder from your friendly, neighborhood moderator...
Several posts from this thread have been removed because they were not helpful and bordered on personal attacks. We understand that grading is a very sensitive issue and that posters feel passionate about fairness in grading. However, it does not help to attack a member who has come here with a legitimate vent. Several posts that quoted the deleted posts were also removed.
Please remember that personal attacks are a violation of the TOS agreement. https://allnurses.com/terms-info.html
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