Failed My Third Semester

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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I just need to reach out right now. I failed my third semester out of four of RN school. I'm so devastated. I'm pretty sure I'll get to restart it in January, but I just feel like I wasted an entire semester on nothing. I have to redo clinicals and theory. I'm such a bad test taker. I failed literally every single test this semester, including the final. I feel like such a failure....

Specializes in Wiping tears.

Talk to your instructor(s) about the tests you failed. Sometimes, most likely, they can magically help you understand... I was in the PN program. I'd say I was good on the floor, not with tests. There was an RN instructor who sat me down and helped me. He explained why the other answers were wrong, and one was the most correct. In my RN program, I'm doing fine. I can spot my own mistake right away. 

Do you write the rationale of your answers? If you haven't done this, try to do it. 
 

2 Votes
Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.
On 12/24/2020 at 6:40 PM, ThursdayNight said:

Talk to your instructor(s) about the tests you failed. Sometimes, most likely, they can magically help you understand... I was in the PN program. I'd say I was good on the floor, not with tests. There was an RN instructor who sat me down and helped me. He explained why the other answers were wrong, and one was the most correct. In my RN program, I'm doing fine. I can spot my own mistake right away. 

Do you write the rationale of your answers? If you haven't done this, try to do it. 
 

One of my instructors actually sat down with me with one test and went over it with me. Turns out I answered the questions correctly with her there--but not on the test. *facepalm*

Writing the rationales during the exam? That sounds like a great idea!

2 Votes
Specializes in Wiping tears.
On 12/25/2020 at 6:05 PM, JabuJabule said:

One of my instructors actually sat down with me with one test and went over it with me. Turns out I answered the questions correctly with her there--but not on the test. *facepalm*

Writing the rationales during the exam? That sounds like a great idea!

My school uses ATI. I'm not allowed to copy my tests/exams. It does help in many ways. I also use my textbook and other resources. In addition, I would ask other students or nurses how they rationalize their answers. Their ways of thinking help, too.  After the PN program, I improved a lot. I'd say that it helped me tremendously, too. 

When studying, if you're that type of person who learns from general to specific, try to look at the big picture first.  Mind mapping is my favorite method of taking notes.

2 Votes
Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.
5 hours ago, ThursdayNight said:

My school uses ATI. I'm not allowed to copy my tests/exams. It does help in many ways. I also use my textbook and other resources. In addition, I would ask other students or nurses how they rationalize their answers. Their ways of thinking help, too.  After the PN program, I improved a lot. I'd say that it helped me tremendously, too. 

When studying, if you're that type of person who learns from general to specific, try to look at the big picture first.  Mind mapping is my favorite method of taking notes.

We use ATI as well. I'll take your advice, thank you!

1 Votes

Nursing school is tough. It is taught differently than regular schooling.

1 Votes

Five years ago, three people in our group failed, including myself. They kept going but I quit. A couple of months ago I'm working as a CNA and they hired one of the ladies. She is one of the most respected Nurses on the floor and no one would ever have known that she failed a semester. And no one will! Keep going! This semester is probably is a blessing in disguise. 

2 Votes
Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.
8 hours ago, keynursing said:

Five years ago, three people in our group failed, including myself. They kept going but I quit. A couple of months ago I'm working as a CNA and they hired one of the ladies. She is one of the most respected Nurses on the floor and no one would ever have known that she failed a semester. And no one will! Keep going! This semester is probably is a blessing in disguise. 

That's pretty amazing motivation! I always think about getting promoted from LPN to RN, and wondering how all my CNAs, LPNs and RNs would react.

 

I get to go back with my best friend this semester too, which is amazing. I have a feeling we'll be graduating together. ? Just gotta make sure they accept me back in, which I'm like 99% sure they will. They have no reason to deny me another try.

2 Votes
Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.

Hey guys! I just wanted to update you guys. I had my open heart surgery which was a success! Still currently covering. I also found out today that I was reaccepted to retry the semester!! So this will start in less than a month. This time I'm gonna use new habits and kill it! Thank you toeveryone for believing in me!

3 Votes
Specializes in ICU, trauma, neuro.

That's good to hear. Many blessings. I firmly believe you will be successful if you persevere. 

2 Votes
Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.

Another update, school won't let me come back until September because of my surgical precautions. But it's okay, I'm gonna take the time to heal and work!

2 Votes

It doesn't matter how you start, it matters how you finish. Failure is part of life and that is when growth occurs. This is just a minor speed bump. Once it is over you won't even remember what happened. You got this!

1 Votes
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