Just Found Out I Failed

Atlnurstudt · Apr 22, 2005

I would look at the reason WHY you failed...did you study? How much? Did you read the chapters in the book word for word? If not, I would try that first. If you've already done all that, then you may need to consider that maybe your brain is not made to learn in a scientific manner, so to speak. While nursing is about compassionate caring, and that aspect may appeal to your strengths, not everyone has the scientific aptitude to learn all the material necessary for good nursing care. People's lives are at stake here and if you feel the material is too difficult for you, perhaps you would consider being a CNA or LPN even. I don't want to be negative, I just want to impress on you that this is a career in which you must be able to think in a medical, scientific, critical manner. Nursing school goes even more in depth than A&P and you will need to learn A&P very well to have a solid base.

Good Luck in what you decide!

Blessings,

C

lady_jezebel · Apr 22, 2005

It's just one test. Don't quit now. You do need to make changes though, if you want to pass the class. Spend an entire weekend in the library going over your notes from the very beginning & really try to learn this stuff. Also, it may be helpful to buy a small A&P quick reference guide from Barnes & Noble -- go to the nursing/medical section, and you'll find great little books!

dettwiller5 · Apr 22, 2005

Don't quit! You just may need to change your study habits. Flash cards are a great idea. You may also want to form a study group. Try making an outline. A+P is a class with a ton of information! I took an acelerated A+P where two semesters were rolled into one and it was one of the most difficult classes in terms of info to remember that I have ever had- and I've had tons of classes ( I have 2 B.S. degrees already). I am also an older student with 3 kids. Try to make time to go to the library where you will have peace and quiet so that you can concentrate.

Now that you have had the first test, you know how the instructor tests and the next test should be a little easier in terms of knowing what to concentrate your studying on. (I just ended a sentence with a preposition-sorry!)

I'm sure that you will make a great nurse!

Kim

Lambert5883 · Apr 22, 2005

I just came home from my anatomy & physiology class. I failed the first exam for this semester. The proffessor sd that she really recommends that any one who has failed the first test to consider dropping the class. I am mortified . I really want to remain in this course because I need this course in order to gain entrance to the nursing program. I am a returning older student I was never a very good studentin HS and feel that maybe,this is a sign that maybe I am not cut out for nursing. Although I know I would make a great addition to any nursing staff. I feel that given my track record in school, I may not be smart enough to gain entry into the program and actually graduate. I really need to find my "niche", I am not getting any younger. I now feel that maybe I should consider another major. I am a certify Coder but for that is not enough. I am asking any and everyone who reads this post, What would you do if you were in my shoes?[/quote']
I agree that you should not just give up and attribute your failure to a "lack of intelligence." As one poster had stated, it most likely stems from how you study and this in itself can incorporate a myriad of topics to include "ADHD", "Learning Disability", etc.
However, if your Professor has stated that those who have failed should consisder dropping the course, it would very much behoove you to find out specifically the total amount of points possible for this class, with regard to exams and/or homework and how the point system for this class in segmented into its' corresponding grading system.
If you were to calculate the total points of the reamining exams, adding those points from your existing exam as well, you should be able to forcast your grade or standing based on these numbers. I would start off forcasting my grade based on "Acing" all of the exams and then forcast using different grades. It will give a a more realistic picture of what you have to do in order to meet YOUR requirements.
However, the thing to keep in mind is that you must protect the GPA. Personally, and I am sure others might disagree, I would drop the class if forcasting concluded that the highest grade I could make was a "C." Because making a "C" in a 4 credit class can reduce your GPA by a somewhat significant amount. Checkout http://www.uky.edu/Registrar/GPAcalc.html just to plug in some numbers.
One other thought: In clases that I have taken, sicence/non-science oriented, I have generally found that the first test is the easiest. So, I make it priority of always doing well on the first test because it will set a tone and relieve some pressure -- Just like in Golf; you want to crush the first drive with authority down the middle of the fairway and set a good tone. Just food for thought

smk1, LPN · Apr 22, 2005

ok i am going to have a slightly different opinion here. I think you have to find out if the nursing programs that you are planning on applying to are gpa acceptance based. because if they are, even if you manage to pull it together to pass, that isn't good enough to actually gain entry to the program and you are wasting your time and money. Please don't feel that i am being harsh, i just would hate to see you eek through only to not be able to get into any of the programs anyway. If you think you can pull up substantially then don't drop, but otherwise this is something to think about...

hikernurse · Apr 22, 2005

Don't drop unless you have to in order to preserve your GPA. I, too, am an older student (just turned 40 ) and Anatomy was the scariest class I took. Find out what's not working for you--I'd start with the instructor. He/she may have some good suggestions.

Most of this class is just memorization--I wrote everything from the book, lecture, etc. on flashcards and carried them with me everywhere--church, school plays, even the grocery store. . . you know how long you have to wait in line sometimes . I recorded the lectures and replayed them constantly. My kids knew them as well as I did by the end of the semester and sometimes I still hear my instructor's voice in my head :chuckle.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, ever. The students in my lab who followed the teacher around asking questions were the only ones who got A's.

Don't be discouraged--I dropped my first Anatomy class after a couple of weeks (and scoring a 40 on the first test), but the next semester I ended up getting A's in it. It is definitely doable, but it may be the major focus for the next several weeks. I did make sure it was my only *hard* class that semester, though. Good luck.

CHATSDALE · Apr 22, 2005

at this point the instructer dowesn't see you as an individual but you must

learning how to study after being out of classes a long time is very important...keep on have faith in yourself and don't drop out too soon

if you decide later that this is not something you want to continue with the studies will help you as a habit even on unrelated classes

Katydidit34 · Apr 22, 2005

Don't let some instructor take the wind out of your sails!! The suggestions to drop out of the first test is ridiculous!! The first test is always the hardest. It takes awhile to learn how to study for a course like A&P. Try to figure out what your learning style is. I am an auditory learner, I learn best by hearing something over and over, so I always taped my lecture courses. This was a HUGE help to me when I studied. I have friends that used regular sized cassettes so they could listen to them in the car or wherever at any time. If you are a visual learner, write, draw, take in as many pictures as you can. Make flow charts or get some flash cards. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Don't give up. Nursing is a calling and if you are feeling the call, hang in there. Learning how to study is the key. I am 35 and started back to school 2 years ago. I was a horrid student in High School and I'm now carrying a 3.62 g.p.a. If I can do it, believe me, you can too!! Take advantage of any type of scientific resources your school might have to offer. I would not have made it through without our science learning center here. Keep your chin up and know we are always here for help and support. Good luck!!

I just came home from my anatomy & physiology class. I failed the first exam for this semester. The proffessor sd that she really recommends that any one who has failed the first test to consider dropping the class. I am mortified . I really want to remain in this course because I need this course in order to gain entrance to the nursing program. I am a returning older student I was never a very good studentin HS and feel that maybe,this is a sign that maybe I am not cut out for nursing. Although I know I would make a great addition to any nursing staff. I feel that given my track record in school, I may not be smart enough to gain entry into the program and actually graduate. I really need to find my "niche", I am not getting any younger. I now feel that maybe I should consider another major. I am a certify Coder but for that is not enough. I am asking any and everyone who reads this post, What would you do if you were in my shoes?[/quote']

RedSox33RN · Apr 22, 2005

I agree with the others saying NOT to quit.

I'm a nursing student, and taking A&P 2 this semester. I failed the first exam with a 69 (80 is passing). I have since gotten an 85 and just yesterday, a 100 on the next two exams. Combined with my lab average of 103 (extra credit stuff on weekly lab quizzes), my average is an 87. We still have one exam and the final left, so I could easily be "A" range if I ace those two, which I thoroughly plan on doing.

I agree that the first exam is the hardest. I was not prepared for how this instructor tested students, being used to all multiple choice exams of Nursing 101. I was not good with essay questions, but learned quickly that I had to learn. I now know what she wants and looks for and do the bulk of my studying around that.

Don't give up. Personally I think it's awful the professor would say that after ONE exam. I think maybe he/she is trying to "pretty up" the numbers - "See! I'm a great professor! All of my students passed!" It's your job to seek help if you need it, but they also have a job to do. I don't think encouraging students that fail one exam is the right thing to do.

Pepperann · Apr 22, 2005

im sorry to hear that you failed. i took my CNA exam today and i passed. i hope that you can get another shot at it.

grinnurse, RN · Apr 22, 2005

I just came home from my anatomy & physiology class. I failed the first exam for this semester. The proffessor sd that she really recommends that any one who has failed the first test to consider dropping the class. I am mortified . I really want to remain in this course because I need this course in order to gain entrance to the nursing program. I am a returning older student I was never a very good studentin HS and feel that maybe,this is a sign that maybe I am not cut out for nursing. Although I know I would make a great addition to any nursing staff. I feel that given my track record in school, I may not be smart enough to gain entry into the program and actually graduate. I really need to find my "niche", I am not getting any younger. I now feel that maybe I should consider another major. I am a certify Coder but for that is not enough. I am asking any and everyone who reads this post, What would you do if you were in my shoes?[/quote']
Just as you stated that you were not a very good student in HS neither was I. I wondered if I could even get in to a Jr College with the GPA that I had. Got in and started working on prerequecs for nursing. Again, like you, I failed the first A&P test but instead of the instructor telling anyone that failed that first test to drop, she hooked us up with websites, material in the library, and a tutor. I don't understand why instructors act like that? What purpose does it serve? Don't give up, find out how YOU study and learn best then work hard and be dedicated to proving that idiot wrong!! That is what always gets me going is when someone tells me I can't, I take much delight in proving them wrong........my husband spings to mind in one of these examples!! :rotfl:

galaxy781 · Apr 22, 2005

Hi all!

I am currently taking AP2 this quarter. I took AP1 last quarter and got an A. Here is a bit of advice. You can learn the material, its just how you go about that is making it hard. You could study for hours and if you arent doing it in the best way for YOU then you are wasting your time. It takes time to figure out your study style. Think about this: do you retain things best when a)you hear them (maybe take a tape recorder to class) b)see them written down?(try rewriting your notes) I try to do a little bit every night! I take one chapter at a time, I start out by reading the chapter and highlighting every thing important (ie key terms) and then I do the chapter questions at the end of the chapter to make sure ive stayed on track and focusing on all the imprtant issues. Next I go back and skim over what i have highlighted and copy all the important points into my notebook, by this time i pretty much rember everything and its just a matter of applying what i just learned so I use the website for my text and it offers more interactive study guides and some more quizzes, tests, crosswords, labeling excersizes, etc. by the time I get done messing around online im pretty set, I do this stretched out over a few days so its not so overwhelming, about 30-60mins a day, you retain information better that way too.

Try this website, its the one I use, I realize its not for your text but it will help! http://www.mhhe.com/saladin3 go to where it says "study partner" and click on "essential study partner" this will take you through the entire anatomy course! there is also a "feedback" quiz and "mixed" quiz. try the interactive labeling excersizes. Learning the systems of the body shouldnt differ that much from one book to another, the heart works the same way no matter who publishes the book!

Also, think of it this way. Don't ever think you CANT do something!!! of course you can do it, if you got a bad grade it just means you didnt work hard enough so for the next test you just have to study harder!!

GL!!!