First semester nursing

I just wanted to post and give my experience for my first semester so far in nursing school. (All nurses has really helped me and maybe I can help someone out there).

Right now I'm taking fundamentals and pharmacology. Last week we had our first fundamentals test and I bombed it. I got a D. I was really upset and thought that if I failed the first test that it was only going to get harder and that I would probably fail at nursing school. I studied really hard, but like everyone says nursing tests are unlike any other test.

I was being so negative on myself. I was even looking at other options (becoming a surg. tech) but I had to get those thoughts out of my mind. Becoming a nurse is my dream and I worked very hard to get in my program.

I had to stop beating myself up. I spent the next week studying for my next exam and doing a ton of practice questions. I made an A. I am so proud of myself. The only person standing in the way of becoming a nurse is yourself.

Basically, I just want to let other nursing students know that one bad grade doesn't mean your not good enough or your going to fail. Thinking like a nurse is something that comes with time. And everyday when I leave class I learn something new.. And I learn how to think like a nurse more and more.

Once I started thinking positively it seriously helped me pass the next exam. If I can do it you can too. So if you fail a test don't best yourself up just learn what to do different and grow from it.

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Thank you for sharing, SarahStoddard14 and good job at turning the situation around!

[lovenotwar14]

Where are you getting the practice questions from?

[SarahStoddard14]

Where are you getting the practice questions from?

The CD that comes with my book.. And I know it sounds kind of different but I "google" the section I'm working on and take practice tests that pop up on the internet. There's not a specific website I go to. I also started studying with someone and sharing and comparing notes. That really helped me as well.

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

Congrats for not giving up and striving to do your best. That's a well-earned A :)

[sjalv]

The CD that comes with my book.. And I know it sounds kind of different but I "google" the section I'm working on and take practice tests that pop up on the internet. There's not a specific website I go to. I also started studying with someone and sharing and comparing notes. That really helped me as well.

I do the same thing and I ended up making a B overall in Fundamentals. It really works :)

[NurseKateC]

Thank you so much for posting this. I needed to hear that this morning!

[emconner]

Hi! I've felt like that before as well, thanks for sharing that it's very encouraging. Keep up those positive thoughts!