Failed My First Semester of Nursing School.

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I started my first semester of nursing school in March over the summer. The semester mainly consisted of fundamentals, dosage, check-offs, nursing process papers, and clinicals. Majority of our grade came from our theory exams (fundamentals) and our final HESI. Unfortunately, I missed by four points and failed NUR1. I'm extremely disappointed but I have this drive to push harder. ?

While I wait to get accepted back into my program, which could be up to two semesters, I plan on strengthening my fundamentals and critical thinking. I also plan on studying NUR2 material with my classmates who've moved on to try and get ahead. I was also considering re-taking the TEAS to get a higher grade. That way if I need to apply to another program, I can meet their TEAS score requirements.

Nursing is for me and I'm very determined to become an RN no matter what.

  • Has anyone ever failed a semester and passed from their original program?
  • Has anyone ever failed out of a program but graduated from another?
  • Has anyone been unsuccessful with RN then did the LPN > RN?
  • What advice could you give me to moving forward into nursing school? ie. tips, resources

I would love to hear testimonies of people out there who have over come their struggles to become a RN. ❤️

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Specializes in Mental Health.

What was your study method like? That's probably the first thing you should be focusing on, because theory classes only get harder and the percentage of critical thinking questions will get higher. Also a lot of people find practicing NCLEX questions helps too so you get used to the type of questions you will be facing.

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Specializes in Addictions, Psych.

I'd pass on the NUR2 material and work on strengthening your NUR1 fundamentals.

I'm not familiar with HESI, my program uses ATI. Do they give you a printout of your score breakdown, like the areas where you did best/worst?

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Specializes in ICU.

Definitely review your material from NUR1 and and remediation materials that can help you better understand the rationals on why you missed the questions. Focusing on understanding the first level materials will build a solid foundation and also help you pass the semester to get to NUR2

Good luck!

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On 8/14/2019 at 10:02 PM, Rionoir said:

What was your study method like? That's probably the first thing you should be focusing on, because theory classes only get harder and the percentage of critical thinking questions will get higher. Also a lot of people find practicing NCLEX questions helps too so you get used to the type of questions you will be facing.

My study method consisted of staying on top of my reading, doing all the practice questions available to me such as the ones in my text book and online. I studied with a few classmates every now and then. I watched a lot of youtube videos as well, given that all of our material was self taught.

Agreed. Theory will only get harder. I'll look into purchasing one of the NCLEX practice books. Most likely the fundamentals one.

Thanks!

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On 8/15/2019 at 9:42 AM, WhaleTails said:

I'd pass on the NUR2 material and work on strengthening your NUR1 fundamentals.

I'm not familiar with HESI, my program uses ATI. Do they give you a printout of your score breakdown, like the areas where you did best/worst?

You know, I'm not opposed to that idea at all! As for my HESI, I'd have to speak with my advisor.

Any NUR1 material you can recommend me?

Thanks!

On 8/15/2019 at 10:23 AM, babysplash said:

Definitely review your material from NUR1 and and remediation materials that can help you better understand the rationals on why you missed the questions. Focusing on understanding the first level materials will build a solid foundation and also help you pass the semester to get to NUR2

Good luck!

Thank you! I agree that building a solid foundation is the best thing I can do for myself. I'll be looking into some extra material that I can purchase. I'd like to spend my time wisely.

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Specializes in Neuro.

I know a few nurses who failed a semester, retook in same program and graduated after, passed NCLEX no problem and have been nurses for a few to several years, one is even an advanced practice nurse. It's doable, learn from any mistakes and get back on the horse.

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Specializes in Addictions, Psych.
On 8/15/2019 at 6:39 PM, OrlandoNursing said:

Any NUR1 material you can recommend me?

F.A. Davis publishes a practice book for Fundamentals...it's part of their Success series. It has a lot of review material and practice questions, and it has a code to use online for practice tests. Amazon usually has them for ~$30-ish dollars.

Full disclosure: I haven't used the Fundamentals one, however I used the Med-Surg one for my Nursing 2 class and already picked up the Pediatrics one for my upcoming fall semester.

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Specializes in Addictions, Psych.

Did your class have you purchase any supplemental material, like online access codes to go with your textbook? Those resources should still be available too even without any assignments from your teacher.

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