Can I turn it around? Did you?

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Specializes in LTC.

Hi all :)

First time post to allnurses; been reading through the forums and really hoping to become a part of this community.

I hate to start off with a bad impression but here's the truth: I'm in my 2nd semester of nursing school walking a thin line between pass/fail, and it's only been about a month. I've got no one to blame but myself - I haven't been putting in the effort and it's reflecting in my exams and clinicals. We had our 2nd exam yesterday and I did not pass - I broke down. I've never been so scared and ashamed in my life. I've had to admit to my family that I've let them down and that I'm now in danger of not completing.

I'm sure to my instructors it looks like I'm not trying/don't care. They could ask me to leave and they would be justified. But until they do that, I'm going to keep trying. It's going to take radical change, but I want more than anything right now to make that change and start living and breathing the content we are being taught. And yes...I should have been doing that last semester, it should already be second nature to me. All I can say is Toto we're not in Fundamentals anymore! I feel like what I'm learning now requires a much higher thought process, so that I can actually apply it, not just cram and memorize it.

I know this is one of those "what were you thinking?" situations. And I know some people just struggle more than others when it comes to higher education, for many different reasons. In my case I think it's me struggling with myself more than anything else. I don't think my bad behavior came from having a change of heart, or being disinterested in nursing. I have a tendency to be my own worst enemy, and sabotage the best things in my life. Even when I want something I have always struggled with motivation. If I don't have accountability, I become lazy. I know...these do not sound like qualities a nurse should have.

I'm not here to plead my case and prove how much I want to be a nurse reason after reason. Before it's too late I am going to put everything in me into turning this around. Maybe in a way, admitting my situation and vocalizing my commitment to change will be a small way keep me accountable. It's still early in the semester but slip ups have a big impact as I'm sure you all know. Owning up to what I've done is one thing, but giving up is another. I've already decided that even if I don't pass this semester, I'll re-apply and work in the mean time...but I'm not walking away from this.

I admire those people who have a drive and a passion that gets them through nursing school in one try. But if anyone else out there knows where I'm coming from, I'd like to hear about how you dug yourself out of the hole, if you were able to. I hope this thread doesn't put anyone off...I know how hard many nursing students work and how thankful they are just to have the opportunity. I guess I'm just hoping that someone else out there knows where I'm coming from.

Thanks for reading. :heartbeat

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Specializes in Tele, OB, public health.

You can DO IT!

My first test of med-surg I failed by 6 points under the passing mark-

For the second test I spent the two weeks prior studying my ass off, reading all the assigned material, running NCLEX question after question to get in the test mindset

I got a 96%,not only passing with flying colors but re-couping all my missing points and then some

I just took my first test of my second to last semester and got a 97%

YOU CAN DO IT!

You just have to commit to having no social life what so ever before the next test, going to the library daily or whatever to focus and not slack off

I'm living proof it can be done

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

I have been there and turned it around. I have also been there and NOT turned it around. I have been an A & B student without much thought or effort all my life, so nursing school was a huge wake up call. I came with no discipline and no study skills. I've been close to failing but haven't. Then one semester I got sick, in the hospital, missed class and clinicals and tests (they take points off regardless of the reason you miss, leaving me in a major hole.) I couldn't recover no matter what, and that was incredibly hard. I had to actually tell my family I failed at something for the first time in my life. It was awful.

If you can do something to change your situation, DO IT. Let this be your wakeup call instead of failing completely. If you're only a month in I'm guessing you have time to pick it back up. Nursing school is like nothing you've ever done before. Your old habits just won't work. The good news is that it really is possible to change. Hang in there, and TRY! Be accountable to yourself and don't let a day slip. I used to study an hour or two before a test. Now I study 2-8 hours every day and find myself almost enjoying it. It can be done! I hear it's worth it in the end. :D

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Specializes in LTC.

Thanks, I really appreciate the feedback. I think admitting the problem to myself and others is helping me. Jennifer I really relate to what you said. It's like there's college, and then there's NURSING SCHOOL. I'm sick of wondering how well I could have done on an exam or a skill test because I didn't spend time on the material like I should have. I'm sick of feeling clueless and completely unprepared!

My next exam is in two weeks and my goal is to study the content every day so that I know it, not just cram and lose it all through doubts and second guesses.

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you can do it!!!

With some hard work, focus and determination I'm sure you can turn it around and start getting good grades.

Good luck, :-)Zoe

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Sometimes it is easier to not try, and then you don't risk failure... I can be like that sometimes and maybe on some leve you are doing that? Not sure.

Get in there, do it! You will really regret it 5-10 years from now!

Give us an update, I am curious to hear how you turn it around!

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