Don't wanna flunk

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Today I cried. --- Took our first test today in OB and needless to say when grades came back I felt horrible I didn't flunk but it was almost just as bad.

But I knew my material cold. I don't consider this material to be as difficult as last semester. Yet I still did badly on my test. The questions were not a reflection of what we were asked to study IMHO. But I know that is not an excuse. I did only okay in my first semester on the tests. But yet I still only passed the semester with a C+.

I don't want to flunk out or have to take a semester over again. Can anyone give me some ideas on focusing better on tests and/or how to study better.

I know the NCLEX will be a reflection of the tests that I take in class so I want really to do better. It makes me feel stupid when I see a grade like that when I know I can do better especially when I had a B+ GPA in my pre-reqs.

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We all get our lows, what kind of study practices do you do ?

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The best thing I learned from my OB teacher was that 2nd semester is when the tests start asking you to show your critical thinking skills. With my instructor is wasn't about knowing the material cold, it was knowing the *concepts* and how to apply them.

You'll do fine. Now you know what to expect as for how your instructor tests, and what questions to ask to help you study. Does your program allow for exam review? Some teachers may sit down with you with the test and review the questions you got wrong.

Good luck!

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I've found that I need to find better ways to study, since my grades are kind of falling this semester, or maybe I'm just tired lol... I've found that I need to do more case-study like exercises instead of just cramming my head with pure cold information. I've found I have a lot of information but haven't clumped it into theories or been able to use it to critically think.

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Specializes in Tele, Renal, ICU, CIU, ER, Home Health..

Buy an NCLEX practice test book that is broken into sections (topics). Study your material for each topic and then take the practice test for that topic. Be sure to read the rational for any questions you got wrong or even got right by guessing. You will find that tests in nursing school are modeled after the NCLEX because they are teaching you how to pass the NCLEX. By doing this you will improve your grades and be studying for the NCLEX at the same time! If you try this, Please post back and let us know how you do on your next test.

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what kind of study practices do you do ?

My usual method is to rewrite my notes after lecture and then go through my textbook and write notes from the chapters too. But I have been thinking about changing my methods to writing out notes in the form of a question... I am also curious about Mind mapping and whether or not that is useful but don't know how exactly it is done.

Does your program allow for exam review?
Unfortunately not.

Buy an NCLEX practice test book that is broken into sections (topics). Study your material for each topic and then take the practice test for that topic.

I really like that suggestion. Thank you.:)

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