advice on switching studying habits

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Specializes in E.R..

Hello, well I am coming to all of you with hopes I can get an answer. I am in my 3rd semester of RN school, which for us means Med/Surg I. I have been a 4.0 student up until now. Right now I am hanging on by a thread, literally. I have 2 low C's one in Med/surg and the other in Pharm. I have not passed my last 2 exams, 1 in each of these classes. I am maintaining an A in Patho. The teachers have told us this is the semester we have to learn to switch from memorizing to applying the knowledge. So here is my question-

How do I do that?:(

I have been studying like crazy with no success. Can somebody please give me some guidance on how to study for these exams and where to go from here. I have already accepted the fact that the 4.0 isn't possible this semester, right now I am just in survival mode.

I have started reading the NCLEX study books, and started to do the questions in my class books and the c.d.'s that come with them. I read each chapter once through and study from the powerpoints given in class. I also read the ATI review book. I am at a complete loss and am trying to find some direction. Thank you so much for your time.

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Try looking at this thread https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/how-i-take-test-get-337651.html I found it very helpful, and good luck you can do it!!!

:heartbeat

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I have found that a lot of nursing students have that same problem. I did last semester but this semester I have been scoring the highest in my class. I bought a book called TEST SUCCESS, FUNDAMENTALS SUCCESS, and for next semester I have MED SURG SUCCESS. I also use the ati book, nclex review cards, and the text book. I really like these books, they give you pointers on critical thinking, and how to answer NURSING style question. There is a test for every topic covered in nursing, and it gives alot of practice with nursing style question. Once you learn how to answer these types of questions by applying your knowledge, you will be fine with taking the tests. Good luck! You can do it!:nurse:

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

I'm in my last semester and I have never struggled so much in my whole life! I just found out I passed my last major theory class. It all hinged on my passing the last exam. I made it, but it was so hard. I'm part time too, so you'd think it would have been easier for me than most. No matter what I did, I just couldn't seem to pull it together. Now, I'm on to clinical, preceptorship, and a leadership class. It's hard to try to learn from more books when your barely keeping up. Your definately not alone, good luck and keep your eyes on the prize :D

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I also have the Test Success book. It is my savior and I will be using it throughout the program!

Good luck on your next exam!!!!!!!

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Specializes in E.R..

Thank you so much for all your replies and support, the Lord knows I need it right now. I will look into test taking success books, and see what I can get out of them. I just hope I make it through this semester. :saint:

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Thank you so much for all your replies and support, the Lord knows I need it right now. I will look into test taking success books, and see what I can get out of them. I just hope I make it through this semester. :saint:

Believe me I know what you are going through and pray does work too along with what everyone else said.

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