Failed an exam - Pregnant and in a panic.

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Specializes in Primary Care and ICU.

So I'm a student in FLorida in a BSN to AGNP program and I failed my second exam in my primary 1 class. Like by one point. Passing is 80% I got a 79% It was based on cardio and respiratory, and was vey extensive. In order to continue in the program I have to get a 79% on the COMPREHENSIVE final (meaning covers HEENT, Skin, Cardio, respiratory, Endocrine and Fundamental stuff) MY first exam was a dismal 84%. This final is the going to decide whether I continue or have to retake the class ONE YEAR from now putting my graduation from 2016 Dec to 2017 Dec. Overwhelmed!

I'm in a right fine panic because I'm a pretty stellar student and the school offers very little in the way of support and compassion for working mothers. Against me is I'm a night shift worker,

I have two children ages (3 year old and 7months old)

...with one more on the way (accidental, but this new one is due October),

I work ICU night shift Friday-Monday to support my family because my husband stopped working temporarily to tend to our children.

Daycare is too expensive.

So Im doing overtime every monday, clincals for nine hours every wednesday, clinicals for four hours on friday and driving two-three hours to my school across the state of Florida every thursday because no school in my area offers the doctoral program, or AGNP that I'm currently in.

Sigh. The dean of my program says "Cant you go part time?" - Im the only income in my household right now - and Im a pretty well vested nurse in my company.....kids have to eat...so no. I'm so disheartened with the single women with no kids complaining they got low A's or high B's on the exam, and I'm like doing the very best I can...without the same privelages; and yielding awful 79% results.

Im trying to study my hardest but by God am I discouraged, tired and let down. Anybody have any words of encouragement, advice anything? Ive found that as I've gotten older, my previous study techniques no longer work. I used to be flash card queen. Now Im trying dictating the notes in my own words on my iphone recorder - but its so time consuming, and time is something I have so very little of. Anybody ever pull an ace out of their hat before, because this 79% on requirement on the final has me very scared.

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Specializes in Psychiatric/Mental Health.

You have a lot on your plate! You may or may not realize this but I commend you for tackling everything by being the breadwinner in the family, a mother of two and another one on the way. It make seem like you won't ace that comprehensive exam but I have no doubt that you will. You may say yeah sure! but give yourself a pat in the back. I for one am amazed at all that you have accomplished so far. You got into graduate school that is no small thing let me tell you!! Even if it feels like it is impossible at this point you need to take time out for yourself even if it's an hour to scream. You can vent any time on this thread. We all need to. Good luck in school!!!

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

I agree with NursingGirl. I think you just need to take a step back, take a small break and get back at it.

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.

I can't delete this, so I'm editing it. My actual response is below, but when I tried to edit it, it just double posted. So disregard this post and skip to the next one. :)

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.

Are you allowed to record your lectures? I know it might be a little late in the semester for that, but I've found that listening to the lectures over again while I'm doing the dishes or folding laundry, or driving to and from clinical placements, has really helped me.

In another vein of encouragement, even if you do end up having to take the course over again, it'll be a pain but I bet it won't be as bad as you fear. I was supposed to graduate May 2014 but I ended up deferring due to some family health problems. Grade-wise I wasn't the best I could be and I too failed one of my exams because I had so much going on. Waiting until this year to finish allowed me to study material a bit more thoroughly over the summer and the fall so when I did go back into our primary class I had an edge over the other students. I was able to devote more time to personal stuff and now feel better about my clinical skills and knowledge base. I know our situations are different and I'm not saying you should give up. I'm just saying it may be okay either way.

Hang in there. That does sound like an awful lot to deal with. :/

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Hello Teleflurry,

I must congratulate you for your work so far! Like one of the posters said, you need to honestly pat yourself at the back because you are doing so great.

However, i must tell you the bitter truth, you have to listen to what your dean said and either go part time or take few days off of work (use your PTOs) or speak to your manager. What i will personally do if i were in your shoes is take off for the two weeks or so just prior to that final exam. It might seem inconveniencing money wise, but i will try and manage. Thankfully, I have not had to repeat a class but honestly, i can't it even dream or think of that. Therefore, i will do everything within my power to prevent it. Don't set yourself up for failure..Staying out one year behind is not a joke. I believe you have the power in your hands to prevent such, not to talk of the money you would spend again to re-enroll for that course again. You see, ...you end up spending that same money you are trying to save...and waste some time too...So, you can do it, Yes, you can...Just remember that the power to excel is in your hands...Good luck in whatever you decide to do and all the BEST in your exam...

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I couldn't pass this thread without commenting because I think what you are doing is amazing. Yes, many things are stacked against you, but you a strong woman. I know this because you have made it to this point already, raising your two beautiful children while working full time and attending graduate school. Your heart is in the right place.

As for studying.. I always recalled information better when I could organize and categorize the information. Reading, memorizing, and regurgitating it so very very hard. Make charts, tables, diagrams..anything to simplify so that you can understand the general concept first. THEN study the details. If you can understand the bigger picture, the smaller things become easier to remember. I don't know what kind of learner you are, but if you are like me, this will help. It is worth a try...

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oh and congratulations on your newest edition. =)

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I know this is a lot of work..I feel for you…I don't have any kids so I can't imagine how much harder it is for you…

I would really consider not doing overtime….maybe you can downsize your home/apartment? So you can feel calmer, less bills on your plate…or take out student loans for the time you are in school that will also help!

Good luck and take it easy.

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So how did you end the semester? Did you pass the final?

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Specializes in Primary Care and ICU.

Thanks everybody for the love ! I passed and went

on to pass every class and im now an ANCC board certified ARNP about to start my first job ! Had my son a year ago and everything worked out FINE! :)

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oh good for you! I was in a very similar scenario, but even worse I had taken the first student loans of my entire life to help fund my NP education. I actually had a great professor but I was in a bad place in life and let a superior person in the NP program convince me to change my focus to something different than NP. Now I've realized that it's just not the right thing, and working hard to get back on track for NP. it's been a year and I've taken some good classes but at the end of the day, it's a year wasted.

Congrats to you!!

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