indecisive; failing; discouraged; should i continue?

[2016New]

I'm in my second semester of Nursing school. Coming into the program, i knew how tough it would be. I just did not know how it would challenge me & my decision to become a nurse.... First semester i passed with all A's and one B. Loads of stress but i made it through.

This semester is quite a different story. I have been struggling to keep up my grades in both Pharmacology & Med-Surg 1. For med-surg, my exam grades consisted of a B-, C, and now a D. I have one more exam to go.

I don't know what is wrong. I study for hours each and every day, take notes, rewrite notes, do multiple questions online.... but come test date, and i do horribly.

I mean, a C (77%) is the minimum for passing in my school. Although, technically i am passing...it's discouraging to see a C as a grade after all the effort i put into preparing for the exam.

The online quizzes i take, i don't do so bad on and as i read over the book & my notes, i can recite what i am reading and i actually understand what's going on. So i don't see how i am not passing the exams with a higher grade.

I'm afraid i might not pass either Pharm nor Med-Surg. Im being discouraged more and more each and every assignment, quiz, or exam because of the grades i get. I know that I WANT to be a nurse. I can SEE myself being a pediatric nurse and dedicating a year to being a missionary nurse. I don't want to give up but then again, how can i not give up when all my grades are basically telling me that i know absolutely nothing & am not fit to be a nurse?

I'm not sure what i can do or what i should do. Thinking about failing out of nursing school or dropping out hurts. But i have to face the reality of it, that i might actually not pass some of my classes this semester.

Any input would be great.

Thanks.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Have you talked to an academic advisor or instructor about your situation and concerns? They can provide you with more specific insight as to corrective measures and recommend some resources that will help you.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I agree with HouTx. Sometimes people have to adjust to the nursing school routine. The instructors have seen it before. Use them as a valuable resource

[jetsy62]

I had to make adjustments after talking to my academic advisor. The single most helpful piece of advice was to NOT study for long periods of time. The example she used was if you study for a solid hour, you will remember the first and last 20 minutes and the 20 minutes in between not so much.

[2016New]

Thanks for the advice! I will try to talk to an advisor. I have talked to one before.

Im currently in my third semester. Posted the original post during my second semester. I somehow survived!

I try to take 15 minute breaks between my studying. Although, i do study at times for a good solid hour...

Thanks again for your advice. I'll try and talk to another advisor. Some of my professors aren't helpful at all.