Feel like giving up need some advice (First semster of nursing school)

Published

:crying2: Well here is the deal. Im currently in my first class which is Fundamentals. We have 5 test and a final. Each test is worth a 195 points and we should consider 156 points or higher passing. The final is worth 300 points and we have to have 240 points to pass the final. Here is my deal I passed the first test with a C 156 points, the second test 162 points. Today I took the 3rd test and it was horrible it seemed like everything I studied was not on the test. This test was on vital signs and excersie, and activity. I just know I failed it without a doubt. We have 2 more test and a final. I feel like im not getting it I feel like giving up, I have worked so hard to get to were I am write now. I got a scholarship for nursing school, I study everyday, I read the entire chapter and still nothing. I feel so stupid. The next test is on the Nursing Process, and Nutrtion, and I am terrified. Another thing is with these test we sometimes only have to study the material (our class is only 8 weeks long). What should I do any tips or advice, please I need some help.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

don't give up.. as long as there in breath in your body you have a chance. join a study group, do flash cards, you can do this and think positive, i send you prayers and hugs !! keep us posted !!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thank you. I have tried study groups they don't work for me. If anything they make me more confused, I have tried flash cards also, and I never know exactly what kind of flash cards to make i.e. defenitions etc. I made flash cards for the last test and it had none of the material i wrote on the test. Also I work at night from 3-10. I have to for right now until my husband gets a second job. Good thing is I have no children.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

Hi there

Dont give up first of all!! A study group is good but there is a book called Fundamentals of Success (available at Barnes and Noble) that contains most of the material you cover in fundamentals. I found that book a big help with tons of NCLEX RN questions. Also I have learned that I cant memorize the material like in A&P, you have to use critical thinking and find out why we have to do it. Stay positive, you can do this.

Good Luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do you have a syllabus to refer to? Can't think of the official word, but what about a list of goals that are supposed to be mastered during the class? Can you talk to a student that has had the class in the last year, see if they can give you any pointers on what information is most important? Would you be willing to talk to the instructor, explain that you're having trouble defining the most important information, and ask if s/he can offer some guidance?

I have found that if I can explain "nursing" information to someone totally out of nursing, well enough for them to understand it (even if only momentarily), and explain it back to me, then I really know it! Instead of a study group, how about 1 or 2 other people? Prepare possible test questions for each other (multiple choice, just like the boards), and give the rationale for the right and the wrong answers. You can study that way through email, you don't need to find the extra time to have a group meet and possibly waste precious time socializing when you want to be studying!

If school hasn't been difficult until now, you may just have to try some new strategies! Nursing is a "whole brain" way of thinking--hard sciences and soft sciences are mixed up pretty evenly, and you have to have a good grip on both. Don't give up easily and good luck! Michele

Up Vote Up Vote ×

you passed both tests and i think you are too worried in which i can understand becuase when i was in nursing school even though i passed my tests i was still in fear of failing because during my second year we only had 3 tests plus a final exam. just concentrate on doing better on your next 2 tests and give you a enough point so you dont have to worry about final exam. use a nclex review book and do the review questions. its just between you and me but nclex review book practice questions were in my real class test. :p :bugeyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Intermediate Care.

Yes! the goals for students are called Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's). I am in my second semester right now and I too had problems with tests in my first semester. When I asked a classmate her studying technique she told me that she just went straight off of the SLO's. After I tried doing this my test grades went from low C's to high B's.. and now in second semester I have gotten in the 90's on both of my tests. The SLO's help you concentrate your studying, instead of reading all of the chapters word for word which takes forever. When studying before lectures for quizzes I also focus on images and tables within the chapters and look over the teachers powerpoint or outline. Hope this helps!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you guys. You have really lifted my spirits. I have spoken with my instructor on the first two test and she has the same feedback, whatever you did keep doing whatever you didn't do don't do it again. She doesn't give really good advice as to why I answered a question wrong or what my weakness is. I have the fundamentals of success book, but I find the test questions at school to be completely different. Also it confuses me when the instructor says "know this for the test" and I really study it and its not on the test. That just happened with the last test. I swear the last test was in a different language. So tonight I am going to start reading my critical thinking chapter and see how much I can retain.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with LoveAlwaysV! I'm in my first semester of the nursing program as well. We have 4 tests plus the final. Each of our regular tests are only worth 40 points...so every single point is a big deal! At least you have a lot of points to work with!

For the past 3 tests I have made up my own study guides. We have a syllabus that lists all the learning outcomes (which are the same as the ones listed in the beginning of each chapter in our fundamentals book). I take those and type them up along with all the info I can find to answer them. (It usually turns out to be like 8 single-spaced typed pages.) Just finding the answers is a great way to study! We have powerpoint lectures, and the answers are quite often right in there. So - if you have them - study powerpoints as well.

I've read a little quote somewhere that said "In nursing school 'C' is the new 'A'!" You're passing so far...focus on that!! Keep aiming to pass each test one at a time and before you know it you'll be through first semester! Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with all of the posters previous to me. The one thing I wanted to say was..... Do NOT use flashcards!! First, it's way too time consuming!! Besides you need to be a critical thinker, not a fact regurgitator. I remember how it feels! I felt the same way when I was in school. Just remember that you are learning this stuff because you have lives in your hand, so you need to KNOW the material. P.s. I LOVE nursing! Don't sweat the small stuff!! By the way- tonight I am taking care of one of the instructors from where I graduated from- talk about pressure!! lol. Good Luck and always care about your pt's.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion