Failed Second Fundamentals Test

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Feb 19, 2014

Agree with the posts.

In nursing school, you MUST introduce yourself to your instructors on DAY ONE. Even if you are confident in the knowledge, asks questions to be CLEAR on the information, so when the FIRST test comes and you don't do good as expected, or even fail, your in that teachers face I help improve your studies and retaining the information.

When I didn't do well on the first Med Surg 4 exam (most of us didn't do well as we expected), I emailed my instructor that night and she responded and gave me several review books which helped me in addition to the material presented. I passed the class and went on to graduate.

Whenever I needed additional information or suggestions to the right direction, I interacted with the instructors-they want students to succeed; meet with the instructor before or after class, keep meeting with them, or the dean, to help with YOUR success.

It will be up to you to be successful; unless you want to change your major now and quit, even if you fail.

I failed an ADN program almost 14 years ago; I dusted myself back up, went to PN school, had a successful career as a LPN and went back and succeeded in a BSN program-and passed the NCLEX twice the first time-all from someone who has test anxiety and mood disorder trait-I wanted to be a nurse THAT bad...I'm glad I didn't quit; nursing is a career that fits for ME; If you think it fits for YOU, then DO what you have to do to make it work-you have that power, you know.

Best wishes. :up:

BusiestBSN · Feb 19, 2014

Both GrnTea and LadyFree28 gave you awesome advice. Use it.

And do not expect a website like quizlet to provide the right information. It is like citing Wikipedia in a research paper. It is not reliable and has too many different contributors.

Use your book, the book's website, what your teacher says in lecture (which can be written on those vague power points) and even make your OWN Flashcards if you found the quizlet format helpful. Learn that information and practice lots of NCLEX questions (I recommend Fundamentals Success found here: http://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Success-Applying-Critical-Thinking/dp/0803627793)

Carpediem1012, BSN, RN · Feb 19, 2014

I guess I forgot the single most useful tip I have, because for me it is so, well, just the way I do things. The single biggest contribution to getting good grades is that I actively participate in every class. I hand write notes on the PowerPoints and never bring my computer. At one point I thought I needed to "catch up with the times", but after seeing how many people flip to FB etc during lectures, I don't plan on changing my routine. I often ask questions, to the point that I think maybe I should just be quiet, but I'll tell you, I don't have nearly as much reviewing to do come exam times and my marks are at the top end of the class. It sounds simple but it really works. Call me a keener, but I plan on continuing :).

springchick1, ADN, RN · Feb 19, 2014

The trick to receiving help from another student or study group is to go as prepared as possible before the actual meeting.

This! Please don't show up to study group unprepared. That's the quickest way to not get another invitation. You need to be able to contribute to the conversation and have a basic understanding of the material. If you don't, you are just wasting your time and theirs.

cate3624 · Feb 20, 2014

Thanks everyone. I am thinking about sending an email to my classmates asking "to the ones that passed? What are your study habits?". Is this a good idea?

NightNurseRN13 · Feb 20, 2014

I learn by typing. I would read the chapter and highlight as I go, then type what I highlighted, then type it again trying to make it shorter, then I typed it again into notes I could share on skydrive that the rest of our class had access to. Knowing that other people learned best from reading my notes gave me motivation to actually finish all those steps because it sure was tiring.

When studying nursing, it's not the same as your pre-req's, you can't just memorize the material... If you don't understand the "why" then you most likely will not get the question right on the test. It's not like they put the word and then the definition is one of the answers. You just have to really have a basic understanding of WHY it's that way.... you will be glad you learned it when you are practicing.

wonderchic24 · Feb 20, 2014

You have to figure out how you study best. That does take some time. For me, PPT are the best way for me to glean the information and then write out my flashcards with more information on them. I also had to split my flashcards up to smaller chunks so that I could retain the information better. And then practice and practice. I did mine in the car, waiting in the grocery store line, etc. If you have a free moment, use it. But PLEASE write your own cards. I never used quizlet because part of the bonus for flashcards is the writing of the actual card.

Offer to host a study group at your house or school. I did this for chemistry and it worked wonders for everyone who participated. I was prepared with pens and sticky note paper so that we could do problems together. Aubgurl got this right - make sure you are prepared and you will be invited back. Please network with fellow students in your class and ask advice. People are always glad to discuss what works and doesn't work. The first day of class I introduce myself to the people around me and start to figure out who might be good study partners and group members.

The other thing is find the tutoring center or skills center at your school. This is the only reason I passed stats with an A. I would go there and study and then find one of the tutors to help out. There is free 1-1 tutoring there as well. Everyone can benefit from improved study and writing skills (including me). The school wants you to succeed and so do your instructors. Reach out and I believe things will improve! :)

Good luck!

Brook

krisiepoo · Feb 20, 2014

Thanks everyone. I am going to use the nclex resources.

I'm not quite sure what answers you are looking for. You've discounted all the advice you've been given where you'd actually have to WORK HARD to change your grades. the NCLEX resources are nice In addition to learning how to study differently.

GrnTea knows her stuff. Don't discount her advice because you want the easy way out