Final Semester

[chowsare]

Hello all. This is my first post on this site. I am currently in my final semester of nursing school, and I am quickly falling behind. I, along with around sixty percent of my class, am currently failing. Our school requires an average of 80% with no rounding to be considered passing. The only grades calculated into our overall score are test grades. This semester is split into eight weeks of class and eight weeks of preceptor-ship. Only six test (worth 100 points each) and our cumulative final (worth 150) will count. From first semester I have found school to be difficult, but I have never been failing. My first exam this semester covered emergency medicine/disaster relief, and I scored an 88%. My second exam was oxygenation (68%), and the third exam was perfusion (74%). The worst part was I went into these test feeling confident. Up to this point, my studying has consisted of reviewing the PowerPoints, skimming the book, and tons of practice questions using PassPoint, Evolve, and Quizlet. I rewrite information from the PowerPoint and the book in my own words to help commit it to memory, and I also watch YouTube videos regarding disease processes. At this point, I am at a loss for what to do. I have a 76% in the class, and the remaining exams are renal, intracranial pressure, endocrine, and the final. I am constantly anxious, and I feel like I am drowning. I have scheduled time to speak with one of my instructors after class tomorrow to find if there is any advise they could offer. This semester, my school has two brand-new instructors in fourth semester and one senior instructor. I am sure that is some-what attributable to the stress and performance of myself and many of my class-mates. I am reaching out for good vibes and any advice you have to offer whether it be regarding studying habits or resources.

Thanks!

[Sour Lemon]

I've always been a big fan of actually reading the material ...not skimming, not looking at powerpoints. It gave me a better understanding of the big picture, which allowed me to guess correctly- even when I was unsure of the fine details.

[AnnieNP, MSN, NP]

I agree that you should read the asigned chapters in your book, then skim them over and over again. Definitely work with your instructors. Good luck to you.

[Nurse.Kelsey, BSN, RN]

Try not to focus too much on rewriting things. Try changing up your studying a little. Do you like watching videos? RegisteredNurseRN, Khan Academy, and Osmosis on youtube explain disease processes very well.

My main advice to you is to do more practice questions and take your time reading the rationales. And find ways to alleviate your anxiety before tests - getting in your head can mess you up too. Good luck, you can do it!