A little pep talk might help me

renee78 · Aug 30, 2006

Going back to school is difficult, I'm 28 years old myself. You will get back into the mode of studying and remembering lots of information. Try to start by taking in small amounts of info at a time. Using flashcards will help you remember using repetition. Even if you don't have time for this lots of repetiton using your notes helps. You will see as you get further along in the program that it is very important to understand how to apply what you know, not just memorize facts. You will be surprised at all of the information that you are able to remember and how much information you will see again throughout your program, which helps a lot. Once you get used to seeing what the instructor's tests are like, your grades will improve. I tend to overthink as well, but always go with your first instinct on exams. If you change an answer you will most likely get it wrong, don't doubt yourself. Nursing school exams and the NCLEX will ask you questions and more than one answer may be right, but you have to pick out the BEST answer. You will improve at this as time goes by. Good luck and hang in there! Try to make friends in class for support. Most everyone in my class is struggling as a "nontraditional" student with children, and most are able to make it through. Just keep your goals in mind, you will be surprised by how fast school flies by and then you'll graduate.

Trauma Columnist · Aug 30, 2006

Hi and welcome. I was in a similar boat when I went back to school: 32 with two sons ages 5 and 10 years and my hubby was in the Air Force. Hang in there - you are doing a great job. Make sure you have some time for yourself.

charebec65 · Aug 30, 2006

Hi... keep your head up. You're only the 2nd week in. I was a single mom of 3 when I got my first degree. It wasn't always easy but it's possible. I was 40 last year when I started PN school. I wondered at the time if I could learn anymore but ended up doing well. I am married with 5 kids now but fortunately, they're not little anymore.

I found that taking note cards and making question/answer and fill in the blank flash cards out of them was really helpful. Find time that works for you to have peace and quiet to study. If your kids are in school and it's back in session, a good time is after they go to bed.

Don't read anything anything into the questions. If there is an error in the verbiage on the test, raise your hand and ask your instructor. It's better to have something clarified. Also, I would try to concentrate on doing well, not perfection. Been there, done that. It's less stressful.

Good luck!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2006

hi, jennyflick!

when you get a test back, you always need to do some damage control and de-briefing. you need to see where you went wrong in getting a wrong answer. i don't know that i want to buy the grammatical error reason from you. that sounds to me like you are focusing on something that you do know--english grammar. sounds like maybe you do not understand the nursing part as well as you, perhaps, should.

one of the things you should be doing as you go through your nursing studies is asking yourself "why" questions. why are you doing these things for patients? there is some sort of theory behind every nursing action that you are being taught. learn and understand the answer to that "why" and you'll be much closer to getting your "a"s on tests. you are going to venture into subject areas where just memorizing, as in doing abbreviation quizzes and spelling, is just not going to be enough to get you through. you have got to know "why" things are being done.

another reason you want to review where you went wrong on tests is to get an idea of your instructor's style of writing and questioning. that counts for something too! before a test brainstorm what you think you are going to be asked. what were the main concepts in a chapter? can you state them and talk about them? if there are lists of things, can you give those lists?

hope that helps you.

welcome to allnurses!

puggymae · Sep 1, 2006

Jennyflick - as an adult learner and a faculty member - almost all adults want an A all the time. Competition in the classes I teach is phenomenal as they all try to get an A, and keep others from getting one! Give yourself some time, and cut yourself a little slack - you do have alot on your plate. Make sure you understand the questions on a test (read and reread if you need to), don't grade the test for grammer unless you are in English class , and use common sense - you are a smart lady - you have reached adulthood without a piano falling on your head - you manage 3 kids and a home. You can do this. Hang in there.