Discouraged about school

hikernurse · Jul 22, 2005

Are you overstudying? I guess I mean that two ways. If you know the material in much greater detail than you need, then the test can seem easy, but sometimes if you study too hard, you get anxious and can't access the information. I took a test once where I was so stressed that I took five minutes out and planned out menus for the week--I just needed to do something non-test related. I got a couple of meal-related comments from the prof, LOL, because the only place I had to write on was the back of the test, but it got my mind out of that negative spiral.

Tips: Study a little bit, often--don't go for major three-hour study sessions. Take a break and do something fun in between.

Does your school offer classes in studying/test taking? Our CC does and although the idea that college students need help in this seems kind of dumb, they really make a difference. They give out great suggestions.

Don't be too hard on yourself, though. At orientation, they said that the hardest thing about first-semester nursing is that the way they test is so different than in your prereqs. Your whole thinking needs to shift and that can take awhile. I'm good at memorizing, but the whole critical thinking idea scares me alot--so I may be posting the same thing in a few weeks.

Anyway--big hugs. . . (((((((((((((((Afarru)))))))))))))). Come here for support any time you want.

afarru · Jul 22, 2005

Hikernurse-

Oh my have I been studying. I study from the time i get home until the time i go to bed. These critical thinking skill questions are really hard for me. There will be 4 right answers, but which is the right one?...so confusing.

It has been hard getting these test scores after getting A's in high school. I want this so bad and Im so scared of flunking out. I do believe what you say about later on when i can get used to the way the tests are that i will do better.

Thank you for the good adive. Now I know that i have been studying too much and giving my brain more stess and overload. :)

hikernurse · Jul 22, 2005

They told us at school that as you keep studying, after time, your brain absorbs decreasing amounts of what you are working on. Makes sense.

I think (not starting NS until next month) that if there are four right answers, you would be better off going with your first gut impression--then when you have finished the test go back and review your answers; that way the pressure will be less.

Good luck!

dreameyes1 · Jul 22, 2005

:stone I went into the LPN program thinking I was on top of the world...thinking I was really smart and get through the year with A's. But today I got the worse test score. I averaged my grade today and AHHH, im barely passing. I can't beleive this. I've only been in this class for a few weeks, but if my grades conitinue like this I wont pass. I know the materials like the back of my hand, but when it comes test time i bomb. I feel so discouraged like i cant do this. Does anyone one have any helpful tips for studying and test taking? :uhoh21:

Hi there , I know that feeling.

You probably have test anxiety. I have that , too. Ask your instructor if You can maybe sit by yourself during test taking , facing a wall or window , so that you are not influenced by seeing everyone else get up before You do. And then finally, get a good nights rest and take a deep breathe before looking at the test.. Know that You can pass those tests. :nurse: . One of my instructor told me at the end it doesn't matter if You passed by one point or by one hundred. Stay encouraged and know that YOU CAN do this!!!!!

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2005

Does your school have a computer lab with test taking strategies on the computer? If not, try the public library or another school nearby. Many institutions share resources.

I recommend a study group, as long as everyone is committed to learning.

Have you asked an instructor to counsel you?

afarru · Jul 22, 2005

We dont have any test taking or study classes or computer programs. So we are pretty much alone in that part. As far as the library, thats a good idea.

I have been narrowing the answers down to 2 questions , then i get so stressed at which is the right one.

The other day I didnt study for a test as long, woke up feeling good and rested and made an A on the test. I was excited and motivated and believe in myself, then the next day.....Bam...Horrible test grade. I think that if i wake up and know that i can pass that my chances will be better.

:)

tencat · Jul 22, 2005

Does your school pattern tests after the NCLEX? I don't know if that's something all schools are doing, or what, but our instructors have told us that our department does. What has really helped me is buying some of the NCLEX books and practicing taking those tests in the book and online at the website. (Prentice-Hall has a website with tests that go with the book you bought). There is a pattern to the way they create the questions. Usually a test taker can eliminate two answers right off, because two of them are usually really off base. Then it's a matter of picking the one answer that's the MOST correct. As someone else said, go with the gut feeling, because most often it's right. One of our profs said to never change an answer unless your are absolutely-without-a-doubt sure the one you first picked is wrong. I think that some of my classmates have been hampered by thinking too much and reading too much into the questions, and I've done that myself. Hope this helps some.

Good luck!

afarru · Jul 22, 2005

Thanks tencat. The teachers say that are tests are to prepare us for state boards. Buying the book is a good idea. :)

Califlower · Jul 22, 2005

Try solving sample problems in textbooks and going over it in a study group with peers. I'm normally a fantastic student, but when it comes down to judgment questions and critical thinking, I suck hard! But I found that listening to the rationals of the students who got the questions right helps. You should also go talk to the instructor and see if maybe she has additional resources.

Critical thinking in nursing is quite different from what we're used to, and it's tough at the beginning. But as you go on, you'll train your brain to think like the NCLEX, and learn how to answer those questions. Keep up the good work and good luck!