What class do most nursing students fail in?

While it varies, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) are consistently cited as the nursing school classes most often failed or struggled with due to their intense memorization, critical thinking demands, and complex integration of science and clinical application. Pharmacology requires mastering drug names, classifications, and effects, while Pathophysiology involves deep dives into disease processes, making both exceptionally challenging.

What is the hardest class to take in nursing school?

The hardest nursing school class varies, but Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing (Med-Surg), and Pathophysiology are consistently cited as the most challenging due to massive amounts of complex information on drugs, diseases, and critical thinking required for patient care. Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) is also a major hurdle, often as a prerequisite, because of its sheer volume of memorization about the human body.
 

How common is it to fail nursing school?

Around 15-20% of nursing students nationally withdraw or fail, with rates varying significantly by program, but many students actually stay, with retention rates often in the 80-90% range; key reasons for failure include poor study habits, time management, stress, and difficulty with complex NCLEX-style questions, though the perception of high failure can be scarier than the reality for most diligent students. 

What class do most students fail in?

According to study after study, Algebra 1 is highlighted as the most failed course in America. Some estimates say that as many as 40% of students take the course more than once in order to achieve an acceptable grade.

What is the hardest class to pass?

Key Takeaways. Based on pass rates, Physics 1 is the hardest AP class; only 11% of students got a perfect score. The second and third-hardest courses are Environmental Science and English Language and Composition. Most of the hardest classes involve lab work, fieldwork, musical tests, or semester-long projects.

I'm Failing Nursing School | What to do if You Fail a Class?

Is C+ better than C grade?

Yes, a C+ is better than a C grade because it represents a higher percentage score and a higher Grade Point Average (GPA), falling into a slightly better numerical range (typically 77-79%) compared to a C (usually 73-76%), indicating stronger performance. Both are passing grades, but the '+' signifies moving closer to a B, making it a better, though still average, grade. 

How many classes can I fail in nursing school?

Nursing students may not receive more than two non-passing grade (as defined in the University catalog grading scale). On receipt of the second, non-passing grade the student will be dismissed. An Unsuccessfully completed course may only be repeated once (with the exception of NURS 493).

What disqualifies you from being an RN?

You can be disqualified from becoming an RN due to serious criminal history (especially violent, sexual, or drug-related felonies), substance abuse issues, fraudulent application, or certain uncontrolled health conditions that impair safe practice, with specific rules varying by state board of nursing, though felony convictions, abuse, and fraud are common hurdles. While some crimes are automatic disqualifiers, others may be reviewed based on rehabilitation, time passed, and context. 

What is the pass rate for the RN exam?

Overall first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates surged after the test change in April 2023, climbing from 88.6% in 2023 to 91.2% in 2024. However, through most of 2025, overall first-time pass rates3 have dipped to 87.5% — prompting reflection about what these trends mean for student preparedness and program effectiveness.

Why is it so hard to pass nursing school?

One of the main reasons why nursing school can be difficult is the rigorous coursework. You'll need to pass courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing research, and medical/surgical nursing.

What is the failure rate for RN?

As of halfway through 2025, pass rates are at 88.6% for RN and 85.9% for PN. The pass rates for all test-takers, including repeat test-takers and internationally educated test-takers, have also increased.

When to give up on nursing school?

5 Reasons to Quit Nursing School

• Nursing school doesn't work with my schedule. ...
• My nursing school classes are too hard. ...
• I'm so tired and overwhelmed in nursing school. ...
• It's not a good time for me to go to nursing school right now. ...
• I don't think I'll pass the NCLEX.

What semester is the hardest in nursing?

In Semester 7, you are challenged to put your knowledge into practice and apply your skills during clinical rotations. The hours are often longer, and the expectations are higher, as you are working with real-life scenarios.

What is the #1 nursing school in the US?

There isn't one single #1 nursing school, as rankings vary by program (BSN, MSN, etc.) and source, but University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing), Duke University School of Nursing, and Emory University School of Nursing consistently rank at the top nationally, with Penn Nursing often #1 globally by QS, while Southern University School of Nursing was recently voted #1 by Nurse.org for its impact. Johns Hopkins also ranks highly, especially for graduate programs. 

What is the no. 1 toughest degree in the world?

The top 10 hardest degrees in the world commonly include: (1) Medicine, (2) Engineering (various branches), (3) Chartered Accountancy, (4) Architecture, (5) Physics, (6) Aerospace Engineering, (7) Chemical Engineering, (8) Law, (9) Pharmacy, and (10) Mathematics.

Who do nurses mostly marry?

Nurses often marry other healthcare professionals, including fellow nurses, doctors, and those in management, but also people in diverse fields like engineering, law enforcement, or truck driving, with specific patterns varying by nursing specialty, though many marry individuals who understand their demanding careers. While nurses might marry other high-earners like doctors (especially nurse practitioners), they also find partners in similar roles (like other nurses) or completely different sectors, emphasizing shared values and mutual understanding of high-stress healthcare environments.
 

Why can't nurses wear Crocs anymore?

Nurses can't always wear Crocs (or similar clogs) because many facilities ban them due to significant health and safety risks, primarily the holes, which let dangerous bodily fluids (blood, urine) onto skin and allow dropped sharps (needles) to pierce the sole, plus potential static buildup affecting equipment and slip hazards on wet floors. While comfortable and easy to clean, standard Crocs lack essential features like puncture resistance, closed heels, and non-slip soles required by modern hospital dress codes, although some newer, fully enclosed, slip-resistant styles might be permitted.
 

Do hospitals prefer RN or BSN?

Hospitals increasingly prefer and often require nurses to have a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) over just an RN license (which can come from an ADN or diploma), due to studies linking BSN-prepared nurses to better patient outcomes, critical thinking skills, and leadership abilities, with many facilities seeking Magnet status requiring advanced degrees. While ADN-prepared nurses (RNs) can get jobs, BSNs offer better career growth, higher pay, and are vital for Magnet hospitals and many leadership roles, with some states even mandating BSNs within a few years of licensure. 

Why do so many nursing students fail?

Underestimating Exams

They challenge your critical thinking, often with more than one answer that seems correct. If you're only memorizing definitions or skimming notes, you won't be ready for the nuanced reasoning these questions require, and that's one of the biggest reasons why students fail nursing school.

Can an average student pass nursing school?

Yes, with hard work and dedication, an average student can become a nurse. Despite what many people think, being a top student isn't the only way to succeed as a nurse.

Will I lose my FAFSA if I fail a class?

Failing one class usually doesn't automatically cost you FAFSA aid, but it can if it drops your GPA or credit completion rate too low, triggering your school's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy. You'll likely get a warning or probation first, giving you a chance to improve, but repeated failures or significant drops in GPA/pace can lead to losing future aid and might even require you to repay some funds. Always check your school's specific SAP guidelines and talk to the financial aid office. 

How bad will one C hurt my GPA?

A single "C" grade (worth 2 points on a 4.0 scale) lowers your GPA, but the exact amount depends on how many other, higher grades (like A's and B's) you have and the credit hours for each class, with more credits for the 'C' or fewer total classes causing a bigger drop. For example, one 'C' in a 5-class semester with four 'A's drops your GPA from a 4.0 to a 3.6, while in a larger transcript, it might only reduce a 3.9 to a 3.8 or 3.93. 

Is a 2.7 GPA bad in college?

A 2.7 GPA in college isn't ideal (it's a B-/C+ average), making it harder to get into selective graduate programs or some competitive jobs, but it's generally not considered "bad" or fatal, especially early in your college career; you can often improve it, and many schools accept students with this GPA, with your major and other experiences (like internships) being very important factors for employers and grad schools. 

Is 70% C or D?

A 70% is usually a C- (C minus) in many US grading systems, falling at the low end of the C range (70-72%), but it can sometimes be a low C, a high D+, or even a passing grade depending on the specific school's or instructor's scale, which often varies slightly.