I can't pass these tests. What to do?

Nurses General Nursing

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I am in the med/surg semester and I am very frustrated and worried about everything. We have to pass these HESI exams after each semester in order to graduate and I couldn't seem to pass my first 2 so I had to retake them. I just finished retaking my Psych Hesi exam and I failed it again worse than the first time. I am really frustrated and I just want to quit. If I can't pass these tests how am I ever going to pass the NCLEX? I study all the time and put so much effort into it and it seems as though everyone else in my class passes everything just fine. I got a 72 on my first med/surg test and we need to pass the class with a 73. I am always like 1% away from the borderline everytime and I've talked to my teachers about this but they don't seem to help. They just tell me different ways to study (which i've tried) and i've done NCLEX practice books and everything. I'm so close to changing my major but i've come so far I know i shouldn't give up and i'd be in school longer if i changed and probably a lot more unhappier. I just don't know what to do. It's embarressing when everyone in your class passes the tests but you have to retake everything like 4x. Any words of advice?

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

Sorry to hear about this. Is there anyway you can get together with others to, like, brainstorm ideas? Say friends, or other groups of ppl going through similar problems?

that is just so unfair what you are going through (((worrywart))) and I wonder if it has something to do with you studying too hard

Are you are stressed to the max and can't concentrate? Have you tried to get out and do something like swimming (ok I live in Australia but I am sure that there are ways you can do a bit of exercising while getting out of the house for half an hour). Are you eating healthily. Do you make sure you have a break every hour and do something completely different?

Its really important to do the above. I used to find my mind going round and round and round in circles otherwise, and feel like I was hitting my head against a brick wall, because I'd lose focus and almost panic. And you need to look after your health as the body and mind needs as much as it can get during times of stress.

I know, nothing you didn't know already...

How do you cope with exams? Do you find them terrifying? Many ppl do even though they have the knowledge and therefore are not able to convey their knowledge adequately.

If so maybe you may also need to learn some relaxation techniques, or find some agency that can help you get over the fear or stress. Do you have a student counsellor at your school who can help you with such things?

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Your stress and anxiety level is so high right now, it is no wonder you have problems with these tests.

I have no real answers for you but I am praying for you. Good luck.

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Go to the academic counseling/academic support department at your school. Lots of people have trouble taking tests and they know how to help you. Several things might be at work here (do you know how to take tests? this is a skill that must be learned. are you more anxious than you realize? this can get you special consideration and assistance.)

Do not try to do this by yourself. Good luck.

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Specializes in oncology, trauma, home health.

I had the same problem...sign up for Kaplan! Do it now! It will help you sooooo much!

Good luck!

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Go to the academic counseling/academic support department at your school. Lots of people have trouble taking tests and they know how to help you. Several things might be at work here (do you know how to take tests? this is a skill that must be learned. are you more anxious than you realize? this can get you special consideration and assistance.)

Do not try to do this by yourself. Good luck.

I fully and wholeheartedly agree with this poster. You really need to let your school work for you. One of my classmates has been having trouble and now sees a tutor once a week. She is doing practice tests, and one-on-one with the tutor. Make sure they are doing all they can do for you. Remember, that want their pass rates to be 100%!! Have faith in yourself and remember that there is always another path to get to where you want to be (i.e. different study methods)!:wink2:

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