Failed Test

manna, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2005

Most in our class are having difficulty with the maternal-peds class, but our med surg II/chronic is pretty tough as well. There are people who have failed 2 tests in BOTH courses. I'll put it the way our instructors have - it's not over yet, there is still hope.

Some people just don't test well. Nursing exams are different and many people just have trouble adapting to them - getting the hang of critical thinking. It's not just information recall like in many pre-reqs, you have to actually synthesize the facts you've learned and place that knowledge into practice through the use of critical thinking skills.

Did you feel prepared for the exam? Have you done well on your other exams? If not, perhaps you should critically your own study skills or read up on test taking strategies.

Good luck!

stressgal, RN · Mar 12, 2005

Our school also requires an 80% to pass. This is the first quarter that I have not received a "failing" 78 on one test, and I have ended up with A's in the nursing classes I did fall short on a test. You have to look at the big picture. I cannot possibly know everything, and am okay with that. There are times when life happens and I cannot put as much time into studying as I would like. So much material is built upon and covered again in greater detail that if you don't get it the first time, you will eventually. Don't be so hard on yourself.

truern · Mar 12, 2005

When you get the chance to review that test make sure to really look at each question you missed and understand WHY you missed it.

That's a great learning tool, just not one you want to use very often

Most importantly, don't beat yourself up over one test. Everybody has an off day now and again.

michw2 · Mar 12, 2005

Hey there all, I failed my Nursing test this week by a few points. We have to get an 80 for it to be considered passing and I got a 76. Is it common to fail a test here and there and still think you are cut out for this stuff? I still have an 89 average so far this semester, but failing a test has really bummed me out. I hear gossip amongst everyone that it gets harder as you go along and that Maternity is a killer for alot of people.....and I don't want to be one of them.[/quote
Well I know how you feel. I had to repeat the first semester of nursing. I passed the first 3 tests but couldn't pass the other 2. Well I really didn't like repeating the 1st semester but it gave me a better foundation. I can at least say that I am now in my 3rd semester and had OB and Medsurg 1 and just got through with Psych and I have not failed a test yet. I have been close but so far I am passing each test. I have Med Surg II after spring break and I think that it will be hard but I will give it my best. I hope that helps. :)

Rivs · Mar 12, 2005

Thanks for the responses!!

lucky4timesover · Mar 12, 2005

I didn't realize that my school was so different. You have to make a 75% on all exams or you are dropped from the program right then. You get one re-take attempt, but that is it. Also on the retake if you get a 100% it only goes in the books as a 75%. I wish that my school did an average, bc I get sick the morning before every test thinking it could be my last. Maybe I should have gone to another program to get my RN. The only positive thing I can really think of for this reasoning is that you can't help but know what you are doing when you leave. :rolleyes: