First exam, feeling discouraged :(

Now it wasn't terrible or anything. ( like a 20%) but I feel really upset. I am not one of those all A students, usually B's with occasional C's. It makes me question whether or not I can do this. I start questioning whether or not I am smart enough. I am by no means quitting but I can not fail at this! Anyone have any tips? Or did you go through this?

Now it wasn't terrible or anything. ( like a 20%) but I feel really upset. I am not one of those all A students, usually B's with occasional C's. It makes me question whether or not I can do this. I start questioning whether or not I am smart enough. I am by no means quitting but I can not fail at this! Anyone have any tips? Or did you go through this?

That's a normal feeling anyone goes thru. Just hope and pray(if you're religious) that you pass.. But if you didnt get a good outcome, take some days to internalize it. Cry if need be.. You're human. We have emotions. It normal. But dont let that dwell on you. wipe those tears away and get back on that horse.. Study again. Read again. Practice again. Failure is when you have given up. A nurse is not measured by how many times he/she took the test. It is what you know and how you apply critical thinking/judgement. I know a nurse who took it 7 times and she is a DON. So, don't be discouraged. Just know, if you really will it... You'll be a registered nurse. Hope this helps a bit...

-smontenegro23

[Hibbzem17]

I'm right there with ya! I got an 84. And I don't know whether to be happy that I scored above the 77 minimum or devastated that I can't afford to get any bad grades or my average will drop drastically. I went into the exam after studying everything and she mostly focused on two of those 20 chapters. It's very frustrating!

[Hibbzem17]

By the way I'm always looking for study partners so we can possibly help each other improve

Me too! But I live an hour away. So idk what to do.

[Miss.LeoRN]

First is the worst. I'm sure they told you it would be hard. Now you understand. Nursing exams require a whole new level of thinking foe most people. Now that you know what is expected and have seen what you'll be asked, you are more prepared. Also grab an nclex book or two, use their questions to prepare you for the content and question styles of nursing exams.

First is the worst. I'm sure they told you it would be hard. Now you understand. Nursing exams require a whole new level of thinking foe most people. Now that you know what is expected and have seen what you'll be asked, you are more prepared. Also grab an nclex book or two, use their questions to prepare you for the content and question styles of nursing exams.

What NCLEX book do you recommend for content studying while in school?

thanks

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

What NCLEX book do you recommend for content studying while in school?

thanks

PrepU has an NCLEX 10,000 that's great. Many of your books may have a code on the inside for free NCLEX questions and resources. If you buy supplemental books, definitely check the inside covers of these as well. I know the "Made easy" series have codes that allow more questions.

If you have not bought any of the Success series, it's a must have.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Med-Surg-Success-Applying-Critical-Thinking/dp/0803625049/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410568935&sr=8-1&keywords=med+surg+success

Hope that helps!

[sharpeimom]

I think the first exams in any college class are traumatic for almost every student, if they're honest with themselves and others. My husband is a college professor and he has said that nearly every student slinks out of the room after the first test or paper is handed in, thinking he's failed it miserably, or sails out convinced he's aced it. College tests and papers are graded differently than those in high school are graded. Not because all the faculty and T. A.s are mean-spirited old grinchs, but because you will be expected to learn more than you ever thought possible in a very short time. Guess what? Once you adjust to the idea, you'll be off and running.

What about making an appointment with your instructor and ask her for help getting acclimated to the class. She can give you lots of ideas for becoming a better student and have lots of tips on developing better study habits. Remember, she (they) want you to well.

Another thing that will help you is joining a study group.

Over this weekend, don't sit around and worry. It doesn't help at all. You're going to do better from now on. Hugs.

For one, do not feel bad smontenegro23! A lot of people failed our first test! It was definitely different than any typical test. The critical thinking aspect is certainly hard to adjust to but is completely necessary. Now you have a little more knowledge going into the next one and some experience knowing what methods of studying may or may not work for you personally.

Second, dorkypanda, we use a book called Fundamentals of Success. It was an optional buy for our program but almost everyone has bought a copy. It is filled with NCLEX type questions over most of the chapter topics our fundamentals of nursing book also covers. They help get you in the mindset necessary to answer those questions correctly. As well, it explains why the correct answer for each question is the best option because, as you've probably figured out, sometimes all the answers are right. Hope this helps!

For one, do not feel bad smontenegro23! A lot of people failed our first test! It was definitely different than any typical test. The critical thinking aspect is certainly hard to adjust to but is completely necessary. Now you have a little more knowledge going into the next one and some experience knowing what methods of studying may or may not work for you personally.

****thanks so much!!!!!!

Second, dorkypanda, we use a book called Fundamentals of Success. It was an optional buy for our program but almost everyone has bought a copy. It is filled with NCLEX type questions over most of the chapter topics our fundamentals of nursing book also covers. They help get you in the mindset necessary to answer those questions correctly. As well, it explains why the correct answer for each question is the best option because, as you've probably figured out, sometimes all the answers are right. Hope this helps!

-smontenegro23

I haven't taken my first test yet, but I'm having a pretty bad time with the practice questions I've done so far. It's a different way of thinking that we need to get used to. I never thought I'd say it but I miss A&P. It was much nicer to learn and memorize FACTS and not have to deeply understand rationales behind them! Our program recommended Davis' Test Success so I have that as well as the Fundamentals Success that PP posted. I haven't touched the Fundamentals one yet, but the Test one so far has been pretty helpful in identifying the areas I need to work on as far as studying habits, time management, etc.

I was reading an article from Kahn academy last night that made me feel a little bit better about not understanding everything right away. It was all about how making mistakes and getting things wrong is what helps us to learn. It forms new neuronal pathways in your brain (or something like that, it was midnight when I read it and I was exhausted haha)

Try not to beat yourself up too much, this is new for you and if you keep trying and practicing you will get it. Abandon the negative thinking and stop asking yourself if you're smart/good enough. Your intelligence and worth as a person is not determined by one test.

It is so much easier to memorize facts! That's how most test are, memorize, take test, pass test, forget all info. That is not going to work in nursing school, flash cards are my BFF when it comes to studying. But I need to adjust my studying habits some how because that's not going to work anymore.

Don't get discouraged, you would be surprised at how many don't do well on those first tests! I just barely passes my first few tests, and now I'm pulling in 100s about 3/4 of the time! As you have found, its not about regurgitating facts like we are used to. Its about understanding of language, some critical thinking, and some content. Mt study method is to study often for short periods. I will study one topic for 20 -30 min, take a bresk and pick another. Everyone is different. Some swear by flash cards, to me they are a waste of time. I have typed up a few study guides though. Good luck!

Excuse my awful spelling please. This tablet and I don't get along:no:

[ArrowRN, BSN, RN]

The first test in nursing school always feels like a smack in the face. I was a straight A and B transfer student but in nursing school I failed my first test, it was in Fundamentals. Yep the first taste of nclex questions makes us feel dumb, like what just happened? you mean all the answers are right? welcome to critical thinking!

Needless to say I am now a new grad. You can do this. As I always emphasize, get an nclex book from day 1 of nursing school and start using it. I'm a big fan of the Review and Rationales series and its what got me through my first semester. If you get another nclex book make sure it divided into body systems so you can use it as a parallel study throughout nursing school. Another option I also recommend is Kaplan exam prep. I'm not a fan of kaplan but this particular program is cheap (like $130) and has access for 2 years and comes with kaplan content videos and 2000 plus nclex study questions.

In my current program so far, the highest I've ever gotten on an exam is a 90...which is not an A, btw LOL. But I am happy with my grades.

[studentnursemon86]

I'm in the same boat. We have our first exam next Monday for Fundamentals. I feel like I know the material, but I'm still freaking out.

I am one of those with test anxiety and sometimes my mind just goes blank. I'm more worried about that happening than anything.