Embarrassing memory problem

Nursing Students Student Assist

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I've been trying to find efficient ways to review, because I have a really embarrassing problem: I got (by the skin of my teeth) the highest grade in my class for Pharmacology & Pathophysiology 2 years ago, but now that I'm graduating in December, I seem to have forgotten most of it. We've had a summer and a semester doing OB & Psych, so I can see how some of the memorization left me, but I turn bright red when my instructor asks me pharm/path questions that I know I used to know, but can't quite remember now. And there are a lot of these moments. I'm up to my neck in assignments right now, so I'm looking for ways to bone up without abandoning the current semester. I've been so stressed about this that I've been told that at clinicals I look scared out of my wits! Does anyone have any efficient study techniques for drug & patho review? I've been using NCLEX review cards next to the toilet, but drugs & diseases are only part of the cards. Perhaps some good websites with summaries I can post on the wall? Or cards that I don't know about?

Thank you one million times!

Kaplan has a flip o matic drug book. I'm not sure how it is though. Remember it is not expected that you "know it all", just take a deep breath, relax and respond to the questions. Silence is good:)

Thanks! I'll look for it. I'm getting better at the relaxing part, but it's still hard sometimes. :stone

Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.
I've been trying to find efficient ways to review, because I have a really embarrassing problem: I got (by the skin of my teeth) the highest grade in my class for Pharmacology & Pathophysiology 2 years ago, but now that I'm graduating in December, I seem to have forgotten most of it. We've had a summer and a semester doing OB & Psych, so I can see how some of the memorization left me, but I turn bright red when my instructor asks me pharm/path questions that I know I used to know, but can't quite remember now. And there are a lot of these moments. I'm up to my neck in assignments right now, so I'm looking for ways to bone up without abandoning the current semester. I've been so stressed about this that I've been told that at clinicals I look scared out of my wits! Does anyone have any efficient study techniques for drug & patho review? I've been using NCLEX review cards next to the toilet, but drugs & diseases are only part of the cards. Perhaps some good websites with summaries I can post on the wall? Or cards that I don't know about?

Thank you one million times!

You've had psych & I'm not trying to dx just point this out to you. Do you think stress=you are having a hard time remembering=turning bright red? Maybe controlling the stress is the problem & if you can find a way to relax the rest will come. Just an idea & Good Luck

You've had psych & I'm not trying to dx just point this out to you. Do you think stress=you are having a hard time remembering=turning bright red? Maybe controlling the stress is the problem & if you can find a way to relax the rest will come. Just an idea & Good Luck

That could easily be part of it. The stress makes it difficult to think straight. I've since calmed down a bit, which makes the turning bright red a little less frequent. I do find, however, that even in non-clinical situations, it's difficult to remember a lot of info that I know we've covered before. If you have any review ideas (besides going into hibernation somewhere in Alaska with an NCLEX review :chuckle ) I'd love to hear 'em. And ways to calm down during clinical--thanks for your very tactful reply! (I am a head case, though :rotfl: )

Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.
That could easily be part of it. The stress makes it difficult to think straight. I've since calmed down a bit, which makes the turning bright red a little less frequent. I do find, however, that even in non-clinical situations, it's difficult to remember a lot of info that I know we've covered before. If you have any review ideas (besides going into hibernation somewhere in Alaska with an NCLEX review :chuckle ) I'd love to hear 'em. And ways to calm down during clinical--thanks for your very tactful reply! (I am a head case, though :rotfl: )

I know you know all the ways to relax & to think positive. But if this is not working what would be wrong with a visit to the doctor. Explain your problem & see what he/she suggests. I hope things work out & wish you the best of luck! I am not to the point of taking the NCLEX yet (one more semester to go) & the thoughts of it sends chills down my spine! The only advice I can pass on is what my instructor keeps telling us...get NCLEX books & take test after test after test. He pointed out you will never know it all but repeatedly taking these test will help more than you can imagine. :)

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