Help... Should I stay in this program?

[meatballgirl]

Oh wise nurses. I have a dilemna. Again. And would appreciate your two cents on the matter to help me make some kind of decision.

I'm in nursing school right now. I have about 8 more months to go. But this program is a farce. (Or is this normal in other nursing schools?)

Last night we had a pharm test which I didn't get a chance to study for at all. It had been a rough week and I knew I had to just make educated guessed. I was freaking out, but guess what? I got a 100%. Guess how? The instructor gave us a "review" before the test which consisted of her going through each question and answer on the exam. Yes, she gave us all the answers. Bar none. Half the class got 100%. 2 actually failed for whatever reason. Like F.

She's on her way out and doesn't care. But I don't know. I don't feel right about my 100%. I think it's absolutely ridiculous what she did. I feel like I don't learn anything. And the students were cheating blatantly on that exam! even though she gave us all the answers. Does this happen at every school? Or did I just end up at a bad one?

SHOULD I STAY IN THIS PROGRAM? Or find a new one? I've invested so much money. I studied hard. And I don't want to give up half way.

Thanks!

[AlaBro2010]

Did we go to the same school? Haha probably not but sounds like it. My program had an option to stop at the ADN (it's a BSN program). After a year, I said to heck with it and left (more like RAN) with my ADN. I am now about to start a BSN completion program in one of the best schools in my area and I'm so glad I stuck it out. I agree with others, take it upon yourself to learn but I do know its hard when you need that challenge. When you have zero time to study which is easier.. Knowing you've got enough common sense to pass the test with an B without studying or studying because you know this will make you a good nurse? 98% of the time I stayed up until 7am studying (I love learning and was fascinated). Eventually our classes did get harder though. I passed the NCLEX the first try with 75 questions. I think my hard work even if I sometimes felt the same way you did (especially with others cheating on the entire test) was worth it in the end. I see both sides... Good luck with whatever you choose!

[mr cooper]

You should definately make sure your school is approved by the California BON. Many schools are not, and while you can still sit for the NCLEX, your degree might not hold any weight. Its pretty bad what the for-profit schools do.

Board of Registered Nursing - RN Programs

[missk88]

Meatballgirl,

This late in the game, I would not advise you to switch, not over one class. It is a shame that your teacher has failed to teach properly. If she's on the way out and is teaching this way, in my opinion, she should just leave early! It's not fair to you or the other students. I completely understand your frustration, but again, this one class is not worth the pain of switching programs. What I suggest you do is try to teach yourself and get pharmacology study books that have NCLEX style questions. They tend to focus on what is most relevant in nursing and helps you to "think like a nurse" as they say. Also, read your textbook when you get a chance. If you do not like your textbook, I suggest buying Pharmacology for Nursing Care 8th edition by Richard A Lehne. It is the book I am currently using in my pharm class and it is awesome!!! He helps to break things down and explains concepts without being overly wordy and scientific. Also, make flashcards about the important drugs you learn and categorize them by groups (beta blockers, diuretics, SSRI's, etc). Make sure you not only know what these drugs do and what type, but also side effects, drug interactions, and specific patient care and teaching that may go along with them. Good luck in your program, I wish you all the best.