Didn’t Pass My First Nursing Exam

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I’m a first semester student. I Studied for hours on end and only got a 68% on my first nursing exam.  The average in the class was a 77% and you had to get a 75 to pass I feel so discouraged. I thought I knew the information relatively well but I guess it didn’t translate very well to the test. It was basically for pathophysiology related stuff along with respiratory, oxygenation, and genetics.  I have to meet with my professors to talk about the test but I was going to do it anyways. I’ve never felt so discouraged in my entire life I know I’ve made a few other posts about some quizzes I felt disappointed on but this one really hit hard especially because I put so much time into it. I don’t want to fail out of the program I wanna really do well and I feel like a complete idiot for not doing well on the test. I just need advice on how to study better.

Don't sweat it.  Meet with your professors and come up with a plan.  Hours of studying doesn't really translate into hours of quality learning what is on that test.  Meeting with your teacher every week if needed will give you that extra help focusing your hours of study time on exactly what that instructor feels is needed for you to pass that test. 

 And ya, you might have to change study techniques a bit.  For me waking up in the AM and study then go for a walk then study then break and repeat is way more effective than a couple hours of cramming in the evening. 

A big part of nursing school is dealing with problems, stress and using critical thinking to overcome those obstacles.  The student who has a good memory doesn't translate into a better nurse than the student that recognized and evaluated the problem then implemented changes to overcome that problem.  Where have I heard that before....haha

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Specializes in Occupational Health Nursing.

At least you know where to start (meeting up with your professors). I agree with NorCalKid, talk to them and come up with a plan and stick to it..Also do not forget that you really need to assess yourself to know the root of your problems. 

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On 2/17/2022 at 10:47 AM, NorCalKid said:

Don't sweat it.  Meet with your professors and come up with a plan.  Hours of studying doesn't really translate into hours of quality learning what is on that test.  Meeting with your teacher every week if needed will give you that extra help focusing your hours of study time on exactly what that instructor feels is needed for you to pass that test. 

 And ya, you might have to change study techniques a bit.  For me waking up in the AM and study then go for a walk then study then break and repeat is way more effective than a couple hours of cramming in the evening. 

A big part of nursing school is dealing with problems, stress and using critical thinking to overcome those obstacles.  The student who has a good memory doesn't translate into a better nurse than the student that recognized and evaluated the problem then implemented changes to overcome that problem.  Where have I heard that before....haha

And triage personal life, too. LOL.  

I'm getting better with this. I'm also less stressed.

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