Feeling discouraged

mrsboots87 · Oct 7, 2014

A&P is all about rote memorization. You do need to have an understanding for when you get to your core nursing classes, but you don't need to know systems inside and out. I am terrible with classes requiring rote memorization of detailed facts. I do much better with the situational based nursing questions, so don't be discouraged if you don't get a good grade in this class. Especially since it sounds like you are already admitted as long as you pass your courses.

Your syllabus should have objectives for the class. If not, then go off the objectives in each assigned chapter. There will be a lot of stuff written that expands on the systems, but you will be tested on the objectives. So make flash cards for all the key terms and then for each objective. If you know those well then move on to more detailed parts of the chapters. Also always review any charts in the chapters and know all processes. Like ATP production and such. Just keep your eye on the prize and drill those objectives I to your head. Also, if your professor allows lecture recording then record all lectures and listen to them in the car or before bed or when you work out. Many professors pull a lot if not all of their questions from their lectures. GL

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2014

Good day, WannabeNurse(:

Start getting in the good habit of seeing the professor shortly after getting a bad grade (not the second, third, etc.). Take your book, notes, and ask to go over what you got wrong to help you understand why, ask specific questions, including what to change in you. If your school has a learning/tutoring center, go there and get help. Do not blame the professor as you did in your opening post; take ownership of your own progress, and your own work.

For AP1, I allocated 18 to 24 hours of study time including time in the learning center. As shared above, there's a lot of memorization; as part of that process, I recommend doing any quizzes/exams related to the book being used. If you cannot find any, ask the professor if there is a student resource site for the book (ask where you purchased/rented the book as well). Do any review sections asking yourself if you know the details; do the chapter objectives asking yourself if you know the answers... and when you encounter those sections/times, talk out the answers, write out the answers, etc. Get to know your learning style, and use it; adapt as necessary.

Thank you.

dorkypanda · Oct 9, 2014

You need to find out what isn't working for you, do you need a study habit change ? Are you studying and reading every day ? do you cram studying ?

If you need help you need to speak to the professor ASAP, you can't wait on it. a and p is a lot of info thrown at you and the info builds upon the previous material.

Also talk to your classmates,the students who seem to do well on their exams/ quizzes about course material.

feeneishia · Oct 9, 2014

I agree with everyone's comments. I am loving Anatomy, but I have an awesome teacher and I study at least an hour to two a day. Our class asks specific test questions, and that seems to work. I also found some good notes on this site that I use in conjunction with my classroom notes. I do my own notecards and review them everyday. Just see what you're able to do. Everyone learns and studies differently. You know how much you can retain in one sitting, so do that and then repeat EVERYDAY. Just my advice! Good luck!