First semester LPN student

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I am a first year/first semester LPN student at Davenport University. I thought I was doing well until my first test in fundamentals class. I got a 72% on my first exam. I am feeling pretty low right now and was wondering if anyone else had this problem when they first started nursing school. I studied my butt off for this test. I was in a study group (they did 76%) and still didn't do well. We needed to get a 77% to pass, so you can see where I am in the mix.

I have a Pharm test coming up and my lab final assessment coming up. There again, if we don't pass the final assessment we don't move on. The head to toe assessment has me scared. I am in the process of writing a step by step guide so that I can practice on my family.

Is this normal or am I just not going to make it? I am so afraid of flunking out. I want to be a nurse more than anything.

Thanks for reading,

Linda

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Specializes in AA&I, research,peds, radiation oncology.

Hi Linda, I truly know how you feel!! I completed LPN school 8 years ago but I remember the fear, stress, unsureness, terror, fatigue, incompetency you're probably feeling at this time. :chair: Kudos for getting into a study group-this is totally what helped me. I studied with a group of "older"students such as myself who were totally focused and didn't have time to waste and of course studying whenever and wherever I could alone.

You probaly think you'll never "get it", that it won't get easier-you will and it does. For me-I'm a visual and physical learner-I have to see and do things; so hands-on works for me. I'm still getting those "AHA" moments-I read things in my nursing magazines or do things on my job and I GET IT!! Practicing with family and friends is a great idea. Take it one day at a time!!!! Wishing you all the best!!!:hug:

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Specializes in LTC.

You will be fine. You may not have much as a cushion for the next exam but you know what you will have to do. The LPN program is not easy and I'm sure you studied hard. Maybe you can think of different ways to study that best suits you. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med/Surg and ANCC RN-BC.

I think that going over the head to toe on family members is a great idea. When I did my fundamentals class I would have my husband be the patient and I would practice head to toe on him. If you just keep repeating it over and over again, it will become more familiar and less stressful.

As for testing/exams, I think study groups are a great resource. Also, have you ever thought of doing notecards. I used to write the term on one side of the notecard and the definition on the back. I would go through them over and over again until i understood it and could apply it to a situation. Does your book come with practice questions at the end of the chapters or have a website that you can go do to do some questions? I always found that helpful, that way I could start thinking and learning how to answer the questions in a nurse mentality.

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

Nursing school is definitely a challenge...but you can do it. Find a study method that works for you. Study groups are great if there is actually more studying going on than talking. Saunders and HESI are good books for practice questions. Flash cards if you're a visual person. Reading things aloud if you learn by hearing. Read leisurely throughout the day everyday. Place a sign somewhere you look everyday that says your name, LPN. I did that and put it on my fridge with RN. You can do this. Take a deep breath and know that you can do this...and prayer can only help. Good luck.

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Hello Everyone,

Thanks for all the good advise and listening to my stresses. I didn't mention that I am 52 years old and finally realizing my dream. It was just a shock and I thought I "was getting it". I look up to all of you and value your advise and experiences. Thank you for not only caring "on-the-job-" but in everything you do. Love and hugs to all of you. I will do this. I will be an LPN and be the best LPN that I can be! My spirits are up this morning, the birds are singing, and I am determined to push forward and not look back. I am on my way to school this morning to view my test to where I went wrong and where I need to put more effort.

I don't get on here much because my studies are my first priority. Thanks again to all of you.

Linda

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Hello Linda! Congrats on going to LPN school! I am also in my first year and I am also overwhelmed... I am struggling a little but I continue to keep pushing and I also study with friends in the class. Good luck as you continue on. I am in your cheering section because I know that you can do it!!!!

:)

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Linda,

I am feeling the same way as you..overwhelmed! I am also a first semester LPN student. So far we have had two exams in Nursing Fundamentals. I got an 84% on my first exam, and a 76% on the second one (our passing grade for nursing classes is a 78%, so I was extremely upset to find out my second exam grade)

Maybe you have the same problem as me, but I know my problem is not the way I'm studying, or how much, but that I over-think too much on the critical thinking questions. I recently purchased a book called "Fundamentals Success" on Amazon that has critical thinking questions for each topic in Fundamentals. Maybe this or a similar book can help you out?

Good luck & we both can do this!!

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