Failing Nursing School(Life Story)

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Well, I thought when I would enter the nursing school, work hard at it, and bam a passing grade. Eventually, go on to have kids and still my children you can do whatever you want, because like your dad who had trouble eventually found success. God, that seems so wonderful, but so far from the truth. I'm failing nursing school.

Yes, this is my second test an I got a 68 on my test. My first grade was a 62, and I have 3 more test to go. Oh yea, the final being cumulative and worth 40 percent of your grade. I don't want to be weeded out of the program, but it appears that is exactly what is happening at my college. Is nursing school meant to be this hard? I mean the questions are so poorly written that you have no idea on what they're even asking. (sorry just letting some steam out).

Anyway, I'm 31 years old, and my wife is 31 also. We want kids, and as I write this I can hear her biological clock ticking. I thought this would be the right move. From my job, I was able to save around 40k for our future with only student loan debt, which is around 20k. My wife 0 student loan debt. I thought me becoming a nurse plus our savings would be enough for her not to work for a few years. It sucks that I'm not smart enough to do this program.

I don't want to wallow in despair, but i'm only human. I just wanted to be successful at something worth a damn. Seems like no matter how hard I try the tests just keep me down or I keep myself down. Either way, I'm down and out. Anybody in the virtual world of nurses can help me out?

I'm thinking of just dropping into LPN program next semester or year. Maybe using the time to work as a CNA or something.

In my mind, I'm already defeated. My self esteem is at a 0 and my self worth is at a negative now. It's easy to vent online. My wife is supportive, but I would rather see her happy. I wish I wasn't a loser.

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LPN school is not really easier. You need to get an NCLEX book and see how the questions are being asked. There is a great book call Test Success and its wonderful. It helps you see what the questions are asking. That's half the battle. Its not just you.

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Only you can assess what the core issue is regarding how you are processing the information. Yes, it is supposed to be this hard. It is not easy or convenient or stress free. Sorry, but them's the facts. Sometimes people have difficulty adapting to the critical thinking portion of nursing school which drives the testing portion. I suggest you talk to your teacher/mentor at school to see what it is you need to improve on so that you can be successful. I hope you do well. Lots of luck.

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I bought the book awhile ago and use it to practice.

I know it's not to suppose to be easy, but the questions have more than 1 right answer it's the "best answer" , which makes it so much harder.

I talked to my adviser and teachers and they're weren't much help. I'm going to need a miracle to get through this program. I'm not sure how to critically think.

How do you prepare for the test?

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It is a hard adjustment to start thinking a new way the nursing way. My advice would be to study hard not just to memorize the material bit to understand it in and out, and remember when answering a question to think ABC's airway, breathing, circulation then of course pain. Think least invasive thing to do first, umm and definitely get an nclex book and read the rationales. It took me a while to adjust to the way they ask the questions, but i am in Block two which in our school is supposed to be the hardest and Im getting B's on my tests so it is possible. You are not dumb! You can be the smartest person and not know how to answer their questions it takes work to think like a nurse. Remember they are not weaving people out that's not what they do, but it is their responsibility to make us think like nurses so we don't kill someone. Hang in there and also do a lot of nclex style questions they will help you adjust quickly!

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Specializes in Ortho/Med/Surg.

I would suggest to go and talk to your teachers.

We have some wonderful and supporting personnels who willing to sit and discuss your mistakes. Try!

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Are you taking Fundamentals now? If so, I highly recommend Fundamentals Reviews and Rationales and Success Fundamentals as well as Saunders. Read the rationales for the right and wrong answers when you do the questions. Does your school use ATI? If so there is a module that goes over how to answer NCLEX style questions. Have you tried joining a study group?

Yes nursing school is tough, but certainly doable. Good luck!

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I second talking to the teachers. You can also talk to your advisor, and you can visit your campus academic help center. DON'T let yourself get too far in a rut. Get help before nothing will help.

Don't alow yourself the time to wallow. Pick yourself up and get help.

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Right now your at an all-time low. I suggest to take a walk to ease your mind, Pray and tell God what your heart so desires, listen to some motivational music/sermons, eat a light meal, take a nap, open your book and work from the beginning to where the problems are difficult for you. Don't over think/stress your mind, just casually read the material to have and gain a better understanding of what their asking of you. Review you exams and see where the mistakes are and review it. Please don't give up, just hang in there. The only regret is giving up. Your NOT the only nursing student going through their touch time(s). Don't look at your fellow classmates success; only focus on yours. Life is not easy; and for every test there is a testimony. You can make it through just remember to have a talk with God and have Faith. Your wife is there to support you; and just because your a man does not mean that you have to hold the world on your shoulders. So chillax. Best of Blessings to you and yours.

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(((hugs))) I am sorry that you have not scored well on your most recent tests.

I want you to know something. Failure in nursing school is not a sign of being a loser, stupid, etc..It does not mean you are not worth a damn. There is something out there for you, if Nursing is not it, something you will rock at.

There are attorneys who fail Nursing school, one such woman was in my LPN program, she failed the first semester. The questions just did not resonate with her, she could not understand "nurse logic". Just the same, I cannot understand "legal logic".

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PREP U is amazing software to help study for nursing tests. It's much better than Saunders or Kaplan. What is your study time like? How much time do you devote to studying and learning the material?

We have several in my class that are not passing tests simply because they are not adequately studying. I'm not saying that is the case for you, but do you have good study habits?

I wish you the best and hope you can get your test grades up. Hang in there. Nursing school is tough, but it will be worth it.

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it funny how people think nursing school is a walk in the park, you must go in the program with the mindset that this is going to be one of the hardest challenges in my life therefore i cannot take it i slightly, you half to work for what you want so you can provide for your wife and future kids, i myself just started my BSN ad i having difficulty with biochemistry but i'm trying my best not to fail and i haven't so far so just work harder and get your confidence up.

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