okay, so i've heard this on a few occasions from people in my Chemistry class this summer. please help me understand this...
i've read enough on this board about pre-nursing students who've gotten straight As in their pre-requisites -- Chemistry included. have you found that people in your classes are simply striving for a "C"? if so, who did you study with?
maybe i'm shocked with that "C" attitude because i've had Chemistry before -- in both high school and as an undergrad -- and, i'm only taking this class because it wasn't the right type of Chemistry to apply to some nursing schools..... i don't think so, though. the last time that i took it was in 1992, and the concepts that we're learning seem more like new material than review. i just don't get it...
do other students in your classes think like this? i.e., that they just want to get at least a "C"? it doesn't even satisfy the 2.5 science pre-req GPA that several ADN programs in the area require...
i've learned to just nod and smile when i hear it. but, it's tripping me out. oh! and one student (who's currently an LVN) said half-heartedly, "a 'C' nurse is just as good as an 'A' nurse". i may have just swallowed a "mortified" pill, but uh-h-h-h, i would not want to be her patient with that wonderful philosophy.
A "C" is usually the standard pass grade for any degree (though degrees more specific to the particular class may require a higher grade). I remember saying that when I was taking History in college. I detest history, I'm not going into it as a field, and the grade wasn't important to getting into any other college, etc.. Of course it would bring down my GPA slightly, but at that point I didn't care.
I have been going to school primary with people who want to get into a highly competitive 2 year program, and must get A's. The people in most of my science classes have been very competitive, and nothing less than an A will do. We usually compete daily on who gets to sit in the front row (whoever sits first wins). If someone gets a B they usually retake it the next semester to get an A.
Im not absolutely sure, but i think the advisors were advising the students to not retake classes...where im attending there is severe penalty for having a withdrawal or failed class. In addition to not getting credit for a failing grade(below a C)..they even deduct 1 or 2 points.
I wouldn't generalize. They're are plenty of nurses who have gotten C in schools and they are terrific nurses today. You never know one day you may have a class or a teacher that just sucks and no matter what you do you can't seem to make it thru the class. When I went back to school I met plenty of so called 4.0 students who were taking pre-reqs to get into the nursing program. I soon learned that the reason most of these students excelled was because when the going got tough they dropped the class, or they made sure to choose the "right" professor in a course. Some of these studenst boasted of 4.0 gpa's and had only 12 credits under their belt. Please--It's way easier to get an A in English, Psychology and Sociology. Try maintaining an A average when you are completeing a 2-yr or 4-yr degree. It's really difficult you may have some C's.
Kudos to those who work ther bums off for their A's but they're plenty who get the A's and are not so deserving. And there are those who get C's and they really worked hard for them. Getting into nursing was not always so difficult it's harder now so trust me most of the nurses who are working on the floor now were probabaly students got a C in chemistry. You just never know.
As a slacker that is starting to become hard-working and career focused, I can honestly admit that being lazy and un-motivated are horrible characteristics to have when trying to go for higher education. But I am glad that I have began to realize the reward for hard work and persistance. So maybe when you see someone who is slacking off remind them of the benefits of hardwork and stress the consequences of not doing it...
I have heard this also, but don't believe it neither. I am astounded by others attitudes about just passing with a "C" in order to become a nurse. As for me I am trying to get the best grades that I can get, even if it is a "C" but I will be upset with myself about just getting a "C". People with that attitude need to rethink. As for a "C" student being just as good as an "A" student isn't the same. What is this world coming to?:uhoh21:
There are many nurses who got C's in Chem. It is no longer good enough. The schools only want highly qualified students and besides being a science pre-req; that C will bring your GPA down. Many schools won't accept anything lower than a B in a science course. Get a tutor if you need one and Always strive for that A or at least to do the best you can!!
In agreement...always do the best that "you"can..everyone has that area that they feel weak in, or needs extra studying..etc.
When i went back to college in 2003...wow. I was stunned. What is called acceptible was not even "considered" for the very average high school I attended. I was blown away!!
As far as English, Psychology and Sociology being easy A's...what if you are not strong in reading and writing..yet are very math minded...I wouldnt say those are easy "A's". I talk to people all the time that struggle with spelling and writing skills. Yes, times are different and we are learning more about different learning styles and the way material is taught to students.
I want to be part of a program that is competitive..I dont think that any college wants to be associated with turning out so-so nurses or anyone in a medical profession.:nuke:
Specializes in Pediatric Intensive Care, Urgent Care.
if your intellectual capability for that subject is an "A" then you should settle for nothing less and strive for nothing less. If chemistry doesn't come easy to you and you get a "C" busting your a#% then that is your "A". You should never settle for a grade that you know you didn't try your best to get. If you do then all of it is "loser" talk and i don't do "loser" talk.
I was always an A student and couldn't believe it when I heard the "All you need is a C..." quote. But by the end of the second year, I started looking back and wondering what my A mentality earned me? I DID achieve a 4.0 but at the expense of losing out on too many experiences with my kids. "I have to study" was the mantra and I was so out of touch with my family during that time. I did feel that I really knew the material but during the first year of nursing, I quickly forgot the stuff I didn't use and picked up on the stuff I needed. No employer has ever asked me for my grade point. Now I understand that the "Only need a C" cry means...your ultimate goal is to achieve your license and a few B's or even C's won't stop you from doing that. Don't give up the rest of your life while you're in school...you only need a C to pass and while you should give it a good effort...it's not worth missing out on good times with your family so you get an A instead of a B+. I wish I would have realized that then!
And I know tons of great nurses that struggled with academics but are wonderful, smart people who are super devoted nurses. A C was the best they could do and they were thrilled to get that for some of our tougher classes. We were all so happy that they could continue on in the program with that C...they worked harder than others just to pull that off and I'm really glad they did.
I totally agree with what your saying...but the nursing program that I want..A maybe B is the only option. They have made that very clear. Im im the same boat...i have children and i know im going to miss out on some events, activities, sunday dinners...etc. I have to study will be my mantra as well! We are so hard on ourselves in this area!! I tell myself..anything I do will be beneficial to my kids and that is the way it has to be..i cannot delay any longer..too much time has already passed:o
I get really upset if I see the possibility of a B. So far I've got a 4.0 and about 60 credits to my name (switching majors) but it's tough. It seems like I spent every waking moment studying for classes like Micro and Patho, and I know once I start my program, it will be even harder. I'm hoping that if I am about to go mental from all the pressure and anxiety I put myself through, I will be able to calm myself down and reassure myself with that B or C!
As for a "C" student being just as good as an "A" student isn't the same. What is this world coming to?:uhoh21:
Spotty44
92 Posts
A "C" is usually the standard pass grade for any degree (though degrees more specific to the particular class may require a higher grade). I remember saying that when I was taking History in college. I detest history, I'm not going into it as a field, and the grade wasn't important to getting into any other college, etc.. Of course it would bring down my GPA slightly, but at that point I didn't care.