I've seen some dissension on this topic, so because I'm nosy and bored, I wanted to pose this question:

When entering nursing school, did you aim for As or were you mostly looking to pass? I want to make it clear that I'm not accusing those simply wanting to pass as settling for mediocrity or whatever, I'm just wondering if you've decided, for whatever reason (you can include the reason, if you want), that your priorities lie in getting your degree, learning your skills, and passing the nclex and not so much graduating with a 4.0.

Oh, and can you include whether or not you have kid(s) and/or work? As well as whether or not your priorities changed once you'd started (if you have) or the reality of nursing school changed your outlook on what you were aiming for grade-/performance-wise.

I don't want to start a debate, so please everyone, let's respect each other and not demean or question anyone's personal choices! No judgement!

I'll start... my gpa over several majors and years isn't as high as I'd like it to be, so I'm aiming for As because I'd like to further my education and want to be competitive. I do have kids (babies/toddlers), so I know reality might set in once I start lol. Hoping to hear stories from other moms who aimed for, and successfully, achieved an A average in NS!

I wanted to learn the most I could. Did that mean getting A's, no not all the time.

I feel like this is REALLY important. A's aren't everything. The knowledge is.

I work part time (20 hours a week minimum) and am entering my last semester of my program. No kids. I have managed to get A's so far in every semester. When I started I thought I would be fine with just passing, but after gaining acquaintances I have to say my competitive streak came out. And after the first semester I started to realize that knowing the material helped a LOT with tests...who would've thought? I was always a bit of a procrastinator and slacker in my prereqs, and I still kind of am, but being in the program has definitely motivated me. At this point I feel like I'd be fine with just passing since its almost over, but hey why mess up a streak right?! Haha, when I start (next week!!! ) I'm sure I'll be back to wanting an A....