First exam, feeling discouraged :(

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Now it wasn't terrible or anything. ( like a 20%) but I feel really upset. I am not one of those all A students, usually B's with occasional C's. It makes me question whether or not I can do this. I start questioning whether or not I am smart enough. I am by no means quitting but I can not fail at this! Anyone have any tips? Or did you go through this?

It is so much easier to memorize facts! That's how most test are, memorize, take test, pass test, forget all info. That is not going to work in nursing school, flash cards are my BFF when it comes to studying. But I need to adjust my studying habits some how because that's not going to work anymore.

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Don't get discouraged, you would be surprised at how many don't do well on those first tests! I just barely passes my first few tests, and now I'm pulling in 100s about 3/4 of the time! As you have found, its not about regurgitating facts like we are used to. Its about understanding of language, some critical thinking, and some content. Mt study method is to study often for short periods. I will study one topic for 20 -30 min, take a bresk and pick another. Everyone is different. Some swear by flash cards, to me they are a waste of time. I have typed up a few study guides though. Good luck!

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Excuse my awful spelling please. This tablet and I don't get along:no:

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

The first test in nursing school always feels like a smack in the face. I was a straight A and B transfer student but in nursing school I failed my first test, it was in Fundamentals. Yep the first taste of nclex questions makes us feel dumb, like what just happened? you mean all the answers are right? welcome to critical thinking!

Needless to say I am now a new grad. You can do this. As I always emphasize, get an nclex book from day 1 of nursing school and start using it. I'm a big fan of the Review and Rationales series and its what got me through my first semester. If you get another nclex book make sure it divided into body systems so you can use it as a parallel study throughout nursing school. Another option I also recommend is Kaplan exam prep. I'm not a fan of kaplan but this particular program is cheap (like $130) and has access for 2 years and comes with kaplan content videos and 2000 plus nclex study questions.

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In my current program so far, the highest I've ever gotten on an exam is a 90...which is not an A, btw LOL. But I am happy with my grades.

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Specializes in ER/Emergency Behavioral Health....

I'm in the same boat. We have our first exam next Monday for Fundamentals. I feel like I know the material, but I'm still freaking out.

I am one of those with test anxiety and sometimes my mind just goes blank. I'm more worried about that happening than anything.

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Get a good night's sleep. Do not cram for nursing exams - it doesn't work. Have a clear head coming in and you'll be surprised how much more efficient that is than coming in with from an all-nighter and struggling to re-assemble factoids. Been there, done that, bought a t-shirt.

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