Finals week....the test that will decide everything

[rnintwo]

To say Im a wreck is an understatement. I worked my butt off getting prereqs done (GPA 3.9 Deans List), I studied like a maniac before I took the TEAS (where I got a 92), Ive taken out $15K in loans and I am currently 1 POINT, yes, I said one single point away from FAILING out of the RN program. This is my 1st semester and had I known what I know now, I never would have entered the program. I have done all the 500 pages of reading between tests, Ive studied the Powerpoints from class and I have failed (failing is 74 or below) 3 out of 4 tests. Next week is our cumulative Final and I am a wreck. That test will determine if I make it to the next semester or if I fail out of the program. I cannot believe that the program is this hard. 8 people have already dropped out. And they say 1st semester is supposed to be the easiest, that Med/Surg in 3rd semester is the killer. I feel like It wouldnt even help to bury myself in my books bc its about the way my school tests! Instead of picking the most major points out of 500-600 pages to test on, they choose some of the most obscure, random details! It makes me soooo mad! I feel like they almost set you up to fail-there is no way the tests need to be this hard. When I read the practice NCLEX questions at the end of the chapters, I always get at least a 90. But I fail my tests at school. GRRRRRRRRRRRR

Anyone else standing on the 'Finals' edge???

[decembergrad2011, BSN, RN]

http://www.positivepause.com/

You sound really stressed out, I'm sorry. I think NCLEX questions are hard because they are structured differently from most other exams in college. I had a friend who almost failed the first semester of nursing school but did better with more practice with NCLEX questions.

I would recommend getting an NCLEX book with questions and rationales and just going over the sections your class studied this semester. It will help you recognize the types of questions rather than just the information.

Good luck.

[caliotter3]

At this point all you can do is the best that you can muster and hope and pray for the best. If it is not in the cards for you to pass, then find out what your alternatives will be. Are you out for good, or can you return the following semester, or in the equivalent sequence next year? Can you repeat in the summer? If you can return to the same program, you need to seriously look at your methods and get with a faculty member for assistance in making changes so that you are able to succeed next time. Best wishes.

[JaykneecoleRN]

Do you all have test review after you've taken a test? Being able to look back at my test and see where i made my mistakes helped me greatly in preparing for future tests. Don't give up. Many of my classmates have had grades in that area and were able to still pass. I agree with the poster above, try getting more practice with nclex questions and not just the ones in the book. Those are mostly knowledge based and sometimes with the tests you have in school they want you to be able to apply that knowledge so the questions can seem a bit random. Also try "you are smarter than you think" its a book that helps identify what type of learner you are and helps you develop better study skills. Good luck!

[rnintwo]

There is no option to repeat if I fail.

No, they do not review the tests after we take them. We can see our tests during office hours and Ive done that and it didnt seem to help:(

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Are you friends with anyone that's done well in class? Can you meet up with anyone and get their study tips? Not knowing your testing format I certainly couldn't advise you whether you should concentrate on your book or powerpoints, but maybe other people found one or the other particularly helpful. I'm sorry that reviewing the tests wasn't helpful, but since it's a cumulative exam I would hope that seeing where you might have gone wrong the first time around will help in the end. Best of luck. When you get to the next semester maybe you can find some resources early on, a tutoring center, the instructors themselves, and get some specific resources that will help you be successful in the rest of the semesters.

[anonymousstudent]

Oh no! Sorry!

Two things that help me with testing - Read EVERY word of the question. Some of the answers get disqualified right off the bat because they aren't applicable to the question. And don't look for the right answer. Look for the wrong answers, and work backwards.

I had a very hard time first term, but it has gotten much better. Good luck to you and try to relax.

[mollyj91]

I know how you feel. At the nursing school I attend, you need at least an 85% average on all the exams before the homework is added in and if you get below an 85% you have the retake the class. Also, you can only take ONE class that includes a clinical out of the whole program. I just got done with finals and am going into my third semester or nursing and my Health Promotion class was almost the death of me. Before the cumulative final I had an 86% and was above the class average and was totally freaking out about the final because I know A LOT of people who had to retake it and I'd really hate to retake it and the whole clinical along with it and not have a chance to retake a more difficult clinical course. I knew I knew the material but my instructor seems to put senseless questions on the exam that she never talked about. I always rewrite all my notes and making diagrams has turned out to help me A LOT. Not sure if this will work for you, but many people in my class have tried this and they all passed. I wish you the best of luck!

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

The only thing I can say (which won't help now because it's too late) is to revamp your studying. You apparently have done a lot when it comes to studying, but you failed 3/4 tests. There is something that isn't working for you - perhaps try a different learning style (for example, some people are more visual learners - that's how I am). Anyway, I will be keeping my fingers crossed and wishing you lots of luck!!! I was on the "finals" edge last week. Two weeks ago I took a nursing research final (GRRRR nursing research!!! the most confusing and useless class I have ever taken!) which I was sure I failed. We basically have to maintain a 74% average in the program, but every class has different "requirements." We had a ton of "busy work" assignments in the class but unless we passed that final with a 74%, we would automatically fail the class. Luckily I wasn't in the boat of failing out of the program, but I was supposed to graduate this semester. After praying like I have never prayed before, waiting an agonizing 10 days for the grades to come in (this was the ONE class that would determine I would graduate) and being certain that I failed and preparing myself to spend another 15 weeks taking a stupid 2 credit-hour class, I passed my final, passed the class, and graduated yesterday with my BSN.

BASICALLY, just do your best, don't second-guess yourself and go with your gut instinct. Don't go back and change your answers!!!! You're more likely to answer a question right on the first try then you are to go back and change around your answers. Many students (including myself) have seen their tests change a lot (mostly for the worse) just from going back and changing answers. Be sure to read every part of the question and don't get into that "what if" mindset.

Good luck!