Failing my first advanced anatomy exam

[smiley2k2, BSN]

Hello future CRNAs,

I am looking for some advice, tips, anything that can help. I am taking gross anatomy with lab. I failed my first advance anatomy exam with the lowest grade in my class. I thought I knew the information, but when it came to the exam it was like another language. I also failed the lab portion as well. We currently use Moore clinical advanced anatomy. For the course we have to use 3 textbooks. When I met with the professor I knew the information but I just don't know what happened. Just a little background, English is my 3rd language, I've been here for over 15 yrs. When it comes to learning or studying, I like to do one thing at a time. When I study, I like to go into detail and the information will always stay with me years later. I am more of a doer. Currently what I am doing that is different is trying to focus on the objectives, and writing out and trying to draw pictures I guess. I also have 3D medical application. I don't know what else to do. My next exam is next week. Any tips, advice, suggestions on how to do well in this course?

Thank You

[loveanesthesia]

Are you struggling with the vocabulary? Make sure you review any unfamiliar terms, and make a list with definitions. It’s common to have more than one text, and that will be helpful when it comes time to take boards.

Study 6 out of 7 days. If you’re working you should stop and spend the time studying. Get good sleep, some physical activity and relax every day. These are good habits which will help now and throughout the program.

Read the text before class, and after reading for 15-20 minutes stop and write down a summary of what you learned. Don’t take too much time on the summary, but you will start reading for comprehension when you do this. Make a list of questions of what you are unclear about. During class listen to see if your questions are answered, if not ask them. After class review and rewrite your notes.

A study partner can help some people. Plan in advance what you will review and both prepare. Then meet and explain the more tricky concepts to each other. Both pretend you are writing an exam and write several questions. Don’t use quizlet but write questions from scratch and ask each other the questions. You’ll learn the content well by writing test questions.

Its not how you start but how you finish. Developing effective study strategies will pay off. It’s hard work but you can do it. You’ll just need to study smarter!