Fundies is killing me

[wannabmidwife]

I have no prior medical experience what so ever. I was a teacher in my previous life so I thought that I knew how to study and tackle difficult material but this is something else. I try to dedicate as much time as possible to studying and I go through questions and think that I'm prepared for the exams then a 78 comes my way. What the heck? I'm barely passing. If this gets much harder, I don't think that I'll be able to make it. My average is an 81, so I'm passing but by the skin on my teeth. This is very discouraging to spend so much time, engergy, take time away from my family then WHAM a 78! Please tell me that the next semesters get somewhat easier. I'm trying to do my best and really study hard but OMG!

[ooomonkeys]

Why do you think you are only getting an 81% average on the tests? Are you missing a lot of questions because you didn't study it or because you are having a hard time with nursing questions?

[Hygiene Queen]

I'll place bets the OP is having the same trouble I had.

I'm sure she grasps the material, but the testing style is the problem.

I know I was very frustrated with people who tried to imply I didn't understand the material.

Oh, I got it and I could explain it and apply it... I have done extremely well in clinicals.

My instructor sat down with me, after I failed her class, and told me I "got it", but... I did not get the tests.

I have since worked my fanny off learning how to take the tests. I get it. I can see how I thought I knew the answer, and I would be right... if that were what the question was really asking!

I'm sure that if OP says her problem is with understanding the tests, it is.

I do want to put this out there, though: don't get hung up on the pathophys. Yeah, know it and understand it, but put most of your energy into learning what to do about it and the drugs. I loved the pathophys part too much... and I didn't focus enough on what the hell I was in school for in the first place: "what am I going to do about it?"!!

Cheers, OP.

Hang in there.

[anonymousstudent]

Well, I guess I didn't have a common experience, but I really struggled with fundamentals and the rest of my stuff has been very easy.

Don't let people scare you about med/surge and pharm, etc. You never know how YOU will do in those classes.

For me fundamentals was just way too broad. There was no discernible system or pattern to any of it, and it drove me crazy. Now things make a heck of a lot of sense and I did learn what I needed in fundamentals and can do a KA assessment. So, get through it and don't be discouraged. :)

[pockunit, ADN, RN]

The Saunders Illustrated NCLEX study guide is FANTASTIC and I can't recommend it enough. I also got a Davis Fundamentals study guide that was a big help in fundamentals. I still use both, especially the Saunders. ITA about getting some NCLEX study guides. They really help you learn how to read the questions. The Saunders has a great section on how to take the boards, but you can apply it to the classroom as well.

[wannabmidwife]

I appreciate all of your responses. I have been studying my fanny off and I do think that it is the tests that are getting me. I haven't put much effort into figuring out how those work and I think that's were my problem is. Thanks for all your insight and I will redirect my focus and see what happens. Happy studying!!:)