3 answers
Marie-Gabrielle
Student
Mabank, Texas
1
Question
Updated
386 views
How do I boost my grades up a bit, especially in nursing classes?
I am a college junior, and so far, my grades have been either average or below average.
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3 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
735
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Marie-Gabrielle,
Can you pinpoint what keeps you from getting better grades? If you don't see the results you would like, you either need to study harder or differently. It's also possible that a trip to the counseling center might help with stress resistance, exam anxiety, or maybe even an assessment for ADHD or a learning disability.
I would recommend that you set up a study schedule and stick to it. Take hand-written notes during every class - it keeps you focussed and forces you to digest what is presented a bit. Use your notes and the textbook to work through the new material after class. Consolidate your notes and do practice problems.
Set up a study group of 3-4 people once a week to go through the material together. That way you can keep each other accountable and you can explain difficult concepts to each other. Get coffee or icecream when you are done.
If you have trouble with clinical skills or lab skills, find out how you can get extra practice.
Make sure you study continuously during the semester so you don't have to cram at the end.
This is what works for me. Obviously, study styles are individual, and something different might work for you. But you need to change what you are doing so far if you want to see more success.
I hope this helps! All the best to you! You got this!
KP
Can you pinpoint what keeps you from getting better grades? If you don't see the results you would like, you either need to study harder or differently. It's also possible that a trip to the counseling center might help with stress resistance, exam anxiety, or maybe even an assessment for ADHD or a learning disability.
I would recommend that you set up a study schedule and stick to it. Take hand-written notes during every class - it keeps you focussed and forces you to digest what is presented a bit. Use your notes and the textbook to work through the new material after class. Consolidate your notes and do practice problems.
Set up a study group of 3-4 people once a week to go through the material together. That way you can keep each other accountable and you can explain difficult concepts to each other. Get coffee or icecream when you are done.
If you have trouble with clinical skills or lab skills, find out how you can get extra practice.
Make sure you study continuously during the semester so you don't have to cram at the end.
This is what works for me. Obviously, study styles are individual, and something different might work for you. But you need to change what you are doing so far if you want to see more success.
I hope this helps! All the best to you! You got this!
KP
Christine R.
Registered Nurse
47
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Karin's advice is spot on! The other thing to just keep in mind, is that as long as you are not at risk for being removed from your program due to grades, I would keep doing your best and look into the suggestions Karin provided. I wasn't an all A student during my undergraduate nursing program. While I did pursue a non nursing Masters degree I was able to get into a graduate program. Employers aren't necessarily looking at someone to work in a clinical setting and saying ok candidate X had a 4.0 during their undergrad nursing program, and candidate Z had a 2.9 or 3.0. What they are looking at is 1. did you pass your NCLEX, and 2. are you a good fit for the work environment.
Another real world example, I had a nurse who got a nursing degree from a well known Ivy League university. Ok neat you went to that school, but what I cared about was could this person give me solid answers to my interview questions, would they be a good fit to work in a team environment, and do they have the skills to learn and do the job well.
Now of course if you plan on going to graduate school, and getting an advanced nursing degree depending on the school and the competitiveness of the program grades might come into play. So lets say you want to return to graduate school at some point for an advanced nursing degree it might be wise to chat with your academic advisor, to see if they have suggestions to help you become a more competitive applicant to a graduate program. I eventually returned to school to get a Masters in Nursing with a bridge to a DNP, while I might have finished my undergrad program with a 3.0 and I got a solid 3.8 in my non-nursing masters program, I think the thing that stood out when applying was my work experience. I do feel like a lot more schools are looking at applicants more holistically which is a good thing!
Wishing you the best of luck as you finish out and I'm glad you came to ask a very thoughtful question which I'm sure you are not the only one out there wondering as well.
Another real world example, I had a nurse who got a nursing degree from a well known Ivy League university. Ok neat you went to that school, but what I cared about was could this person give me solid answers to my interview questions, would they be a good fit to work in a team environment, and do they have the skills to learn and do the job well.
Now of course if you plan on going to graduate school, and getting an advanced nursing degree depending on the school and the competitiveness of the program grades might come into play. So lets say you want to return to graduate school at some point for an advanced nursing degree it might be wise to chat with your academic advisor, to see if they have suggestions to help you become a more competitive applicant to a graduate program. I eventually returned to school to get a Masters in Nursing with a bridge to a DNP, while I might have finished my undergrad program with a 3.0 and I got a solid 3.8 in my non-nursing masters program, I think the thing that stood out when applying was my work experience. I do feel like a lot more schools are looking at applicants more holistically which is a good thing!
Wishing you the best of luck as you finish out and I'm glad you came to ask a very thoughtful question which I'm sure you are not the only one out there wondering as well.
James Hernandez
Account Manager
20
Answers
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
James’s Answer
Visión general creada por IA
Más información
To boost your grades in tough nursing classes, try to stick to good study habits, learn actively, and use all the resources you have. Make it a point to attend classes, take good notes, join study groups, and ask for help when you need it.
Detailed Strategies:
1. Go to every class and join in:
Nursing school is challenging, so it's important to attend all classes and take part in discussions to understand the material better.
2. Take smart notes:
Jot down key points, use drawings or charts, and review your notes often to help remember what you learn.
3. Study often and smartly:
Avoid cramming. Spread out your study sessions and try techniques like the Pomodoro method or spaced repetition.
4. Join a study group:
Working with classmates can give you new insights, help clarify ideas, and create a supportive environment.
5. Use available resources:
Visit office hours, get help from tutors or mentors, and check out online resources like Nursing.com or Osmosis.
6. Learn actively:
Get involved with the material by making flashcards, summarizing info, or teaching concepts to others.
7. Focus on real-life application:
Nursing often involves using theory in real situations. Practice applying concepts to patient care plans and clinical cases.
8. Manage your time well:
Set up a study schedule, prioritize tasks, and take breaks to prevent burnout.
9. Ask for help when needed:
Don’t be shy about asking instructors for clarification or seeking tutoring support.
10. Stay positive:
Believe in yourself and celebrate your achievements to keep motivated and focused.
By following these tips, you can improve your grades, gain confidence, and succeed in your nursing studies.
Más información
To boost your grades in tough nursing classes, try to stick to good study habits, learn actively, and use all the resources you have. Make it a point to attend classes, take good notes, join study groups, and ask for help when you need it.
Detailed Strategies:
1. Go to every class and join in:
Nursing school is challenging, so it's important to attend all classes and take part in discussions to understand the material better.
2. Take smart notes:
Jot down key points, use drawings or charts, and review your notes often to help remember what you learn.
3. Study often and smartly:
Avoid cramming. Spread out your study sessions and try techniques like the Pomodoro method or spaced repetition.
4. Join a study group:
Working with classmates can give you new insights, help clarify ideas, and create a supportive environment.
5. Use available resources:
Visit office hours, get help from tutors or mentors, and check out online resources like Nursing.com or Osmosis.
6. Learn actively:
Get involved with the material by making flashcards, summarizing info, or teaching concepts to others.
7. Focus on real-life application:
Nursing often involves using theory in real situations. Practice applying concepts to patient care plans and clinical cases.
8. Manage your time well:
Set up a study schedule, prioritize tasks, and take breaks to prevent burnout.
9. Ask for help when needed:
Don’t be shy about asking instructors for clarification or seeking tutoring support.
10. Stay positive:
Believe in yourself and celebrate your achievements to keep motivated and focused.
By following these tips, you can improve your grades, gain confidence, and succeed in your nursing studies.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Marie-Gabrielle