I've been in that same boat and I felt horrible. It took me a while to get over it, but I surrounded myself with my family and friends who were very supportive and understanding. I also sought refuge here on allnurses.com to hear from others who stumbled along the way, but got back up.
Stay positive, pray or at least keep yourself spiritual healthy to decrease your anxiety. Trust me I felt the same way when I had to retake a course, but I took a good look at what I did ineffectively the previous semester and worked on improving that.
These are the things I did:
1. Record the lectures- I would listen to them on my way home and when I would go over my notes.
2. I put great attention to all the boxes and charts in the chapter. Usually they summarize the some of the main ideas in each section of the chapter.
3. Practice Q&A at the end of the chapter, and NCLEX.
4. Note Cards- for interventions, manifestations, drugs, complications, and Ct./Family teaching.
5. I scheduled my reading in small chunks. I realized how much more I understood and retained by dividing the chapter. I cannot sit down for a whole 4 hours reading....I need a break.
6. Review with my professor before the exam. I usually went two other students and explained to our professor what we learned and what we had trouble understanding.
Hope that helps, and remember to think positive! You can do it. I can tell that you are dedicated and motivated.....you are not failure, because you haven't stopped trying.
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