Freaking out!

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Hey everyone! I just started nursing school 3 weeks ago. We recently had our first exam and I thought i did good on it and I ended up getting a 68% im embarrased by my score and I feel as if im not smart enough to be in the program.. My anxiety level is way high because you need a 76% in order to pass(theres 6 more exams):confused:. Could you guys give me some advice or try to make me feel a little more positive!

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hey, dont freak out. take a breather or two.

i got a 70 on my first exam too (out of four exams). But my grades improved with every exam after the first one. You're just not used to the questions theyre asking.

Nursing one at my school, i see that it is mostly memorization. I suggest listen to your lectures, and reread over your notes as much as you can. nursing 1 is foundation, it will be carried onto nursing2-4.

good luck!

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I'm a 2nd year nursing student, I was just there! The types of questions they ask do taking some getting used to! "What is the BEST response?" and "What intervention would you do FIRST?". Frustrating questions, I know. I think the best way to improve is by going to see your teacher, and reviewing the questions you answered incorrectly. That way your teacher has the chance to explain the rationale for the "correct" answer, and you'll be better prepared for such questions the next time around. :) Speaking from where you'll be in a year... test writing does get easier! Oh, and something I just recently learned... it takes more time, but it is REALLY worth it if you can take the time to understand WHY certain things happen in the body rather than straight memorization. Boy I wish I'd known that first year!! :) Hope that helps!!!

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Specializes in oncology, med/surg, ortho.

I failed my first exam in my first semester by one stinkin' question! Anyway, I was able to bring my grade up during the semester by studying harder and taking my time on the exam instead of freaking out and rushing through it. That was until I took my final. I failed the final but winded up passing overall. I bought this great book "Test taking strategies for beginning nursing students" This book is great if you have problems taking tests. It helps you break down the questions and helps you start to think like a nurse. It tells you why your answers are right and wrong. Don't be discouraged...there is always a chance on the next few exams to bring up your grade. There were people who passed in the beginning and failed out in the end. They got too cocky, or they got points deducted for tardiness or absences.

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Specializes in Case Management, ICU, Telemetry.

The first tests are always the hardest because the test formats and the way that questions are worded can vary widly by teacher, after the first test you might have a better idea of what to expect next time. Other than that all I can suggest is good study habits.

1. Study at night, before bed

2. Actively think about EVERYTHING in class and while you are studying

3. Take good notes, even if you KNOW FOR A FACT you will remember something, write it down anyways, it helps.

4. Flash Cards

All of these things helped me A LOT through my AA in psych and my AA in elementary education. Try it, find out what works for you.

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Specializes in Home Care.

Get an NCLEX book such as the one by Saunders. Use it to practice test questions and read the rationales. The more you practice test questions the better you'll get at doing them.

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Specializes in pandemic, public health, disasters.
Get an NCLEX book such as the one by Saunders. Use it to practice test questions and read the rationales. The more you practice test questions the better you'll get at doing them.

I've heard this advice from SO many other people. :yeah: Thank you!

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

see the information on this thread: https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/looking-test-taking-224581.html - looking for test taking strategies

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Thank you guys for making me feel better! I got a 100% on my medical math exam today! =) It's nice when you do good in something, it motivates you.. I need to start thinking more positive about school..so I can succeed:D

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Specializes in pandemic, public health, disasters.
Thank you guys for making me feel better! I got a 100% on my medical math exam today! =) It's nice when you do good in something, it motivates you.. I need to start thinking more positive about school..so I can succeed:D

:) YAY!

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