Failed my first lab exam and I feel discouraged

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Hello everyone. I'm currently taking my prereqs at a community college and just did my first lab exam for anatomy and physiology 1. This is my first semester of college ever, I've been set on going into the medical field for a long time, and despite working a full time job and taking two other classes (10 credits in total) I stayed on top of a&p but I didn't do a well enough job studying for lab. I blanked out during the exam. I felt like I didn't know anything, and left a lot of blank questions. I now feel overwhelmed and very behind. It's so early in the semester and I messed it up. I'm trying really hard to think of this in a better light, as a life lesson to dedicate myself more but I can't help but to feel really ashamed of myself and embarrassed.

I didn't study enough and the weekends I utilize for studying I ended up catching a terrible cold and slept. The info I looked over, I did not retain. I feel doomed. I'm not even sure why I'm making this post. I just need to let it out. I feel like I fell and I don't know how to get back on track. This failure seriously messed me up.

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Specializes in OB, Postpartum, Nursery.

These classes are tough. Maybe withdraw from the class? Talk to a counselor and see what your options are. If you must, buckle down and kick butt from now on. Nursing school only gets tougher as it continues!!!!

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Don't feel like you blew everything. First exam is mostly iffy since you're new to the prof's testing style. I would guide you to study and read almost daily. A and p has lots of info being thrown around, can't be behind reading. exams are on multiple chapters. info builds upon the last portion. please seek immediate help from professor when you start to get confused about anything.

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Talk to your classmates about lecture material. help each other out.

do you have a voice recorder? if not, I recommend a good one. print out power points before class and bring it so you can write on it during class. I find it hard to write everything down, but nifty recorder is your BFF when making your real notes at home :geek:

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Specializes in ICU.

Just do better next time. There is not anything you can do about that test now, right? So just study better for the next one. Organize your time better. 10 credits is not a lot. You are not considered full time until you hit 12 credit hours. Last fall I did 15 credit hours and spring I did 16. I pulled off all A's and 1 B. So you can do it, just learn from this experience and do better next time.

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Does your college have a study center? I would make it a point to go there at least once a week, sometimes they even have lab models/materials. Also don't forget to make use of your lab class time. If the actual lab instruction doesn't take up the whole time, don't leave. Stay and study, ask questions, etc. Reread your syllabus, sometimes an exam grade is dropped.

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You know why you failed and that is half the battle. Your grade reflected your effort. You were busy and on top of that you were sick. You have to make the decision now to put your head in the game 100% in order to not only recover from your first low score, but also to attempt to get the highest grade possible. There is no way you will make it through without 100% effort, so you have to decide. :) Take a look at the syllabus and see the point values for grades. Play with the numbers a bit to see how you must perform over the course of the semester to receive at least a B. If you think you can do it, go for it.

Please, do not feel ashamed. Just dust yourself off and look forward. Good luck!

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I experienced a similar situation with bio101. It was completely overwhelming, I was scared I had struggled a lot at first too but I didnt let the mistakes define my grade and enjoyment of the class! This is what got me an A, first I prayed and then I followed through with action I made sure to study the lab material prior to class and studied the previous weeks material too I made sure to do the prelabs on time also. I even asked the instructor what it takes to be successful in her lab you should do the same. If you dont see something or understand always ask the instructor. Find away to apply biology to what you know and like. In lab if possible work in teams that way you complete the observations and experiments completely in case your required to as part of your grade or even just to finish sooner. if possible if you lab uses a lab manual see if theres a key available to assist you in what theyre looking for. Cheer up doll you can do it!!!

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I think you got some great suggestions. I've been reading a lot about starting nursing school and one thing I found interesting was to start taking Airbone because as healthcare professionals we don't have time to be sick. Well the same can be said about being nursing students. So that is on my list as well as a flu shot. Sickness takes a lot out of anyone. I always recommend DAILY study hours, no matter what. I use all the notes and make flash cards as well. Just my suggestion. Don't give up. I definitely agree with the post about learning the instructor's teaching style. My AP instructor said he would point out students who are doing well so that the others can get tips from them. So see if you can find that person, but remember in the end you have to follow your own path! Good luck!

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