Can't seem to pass nursing exams

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Specializes in Surgical Heart ICU.

Hello all. I am in my 1st semester of nursing school,and it is kicking my butt. I have taken 2 tests and can't seem to get more than a 74. Of course many say 74 is not bad,but you need 78 to pass an exam. I study,and read the material. I show up on time. I realized I am not the smartest person,but feel I should be able to pass nursing school. I have even started using a successful test taking program we have in our nursing lab. I have two other classes that I am doing very well in. It just seems that my foundations or med surg class is killing me. What can I do? I am so scared of failing. I am so distraught. Someone please give me some info. I am planning on going up to my instructors and ask them for help. Any avice is needed. So my grade for midterm is 74 "D". :confused:

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Specializes in Med Surg, Post partum, peds, newborn nur.

Nursing test are different that any other test you will take. It is not just about learning the material, you have to also be able to apply that knowledge in a critical thinking way. It took me a few times to get it right, but just keep up your reading and studying and you will get it.

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

i am posting links to old post about critical thinking. i hope this helps. hang in there.

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=207640#post207640

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

another one...

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=460535#post460535

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Specializes in OB.

Do you have an NCLEX review book? These books will give you lots of practice questions and rational for the answer. They are ususally broken down into modules such and GI, Cardio, Respiratory etc. They really do help you get used to the types of questions that the exams ask. You can get one at any book store (Barnes and Noble, Borsers etc.) When a student in my program is having trouble the first question the instructors ask them is "Do you have a NCLEX reveiw book?"

Good luck and hang in there!!!

Molly

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

last one i have time to look for. let us know it goes. i will keep you in my thoughts.

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=223670#post223670

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

molly, great suggestion.

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I am also a nursing student and I really believe that the NCLEX review books help. Also try to find a little time to relax before a test sometimes studing to much isn't good.

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

Great advice, wanttobeRN....all the other students in my program run around before a test, all stressed out and trying to cram more information in. There I am in the corner, reading a magazine or just relaxing with my own thoughts. I don't believe in freaking out before exams and figure if I know it, I know it. I have never been one to get all worried and stressed out. The few times I have, I ended up doing very badly on the exams. I am doing quite well in my nursing program and feel much more relaxed than 75% of the class. You need to take time for yourself and time to relax, otherwise all the information you learn will have a hard time being recalled if you are stressed. I have always done very well on tests with this strategy and will continue to use it throughout the remainder of my program.

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

Oh, I forgot to mention that you are also correct in that the NCLEX books help a great deal!!! They prepare you for the way exam questions are written and are great practice for learning how to take WHAT you know and USE it. Knowledge is not enough....thinking/problem solving is key. I have the Saunders Review and a Lippincott. I prefer the Saunders and it has been a big help. My first test was okay, but after seeing how the questions are worded and what answer they are really looking for, my grades went up tremendously...in fact, I got a 98 on my last exam...WOOHOO!!! = ) My pharm test didn't go as well (86) but that's okay because I didn't study all that much for it, so I am relieved that I received the grade I did. It was all about diabetic meds, an area that I'm not familiar with AT ALL. But I think the Saunders book helped with that.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Stepdown.

NCLEX books are very helpful, but have you tried using flash cards while studying? After I read the chapters I go back and make notes on my flash cards on info that seems important and I also jot down anything that I don't understand on them too. It has really helped me out a lot. Remember to think like a NURSE when your taking the test, it really helps out! Good luck to you :)

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Specializes in Surgical Heart ICU.

Thank you all for the advice. I am going out in the morning to get a NCLEX review book. I hope it helps. I plan to really study and try to make a difference on my next test on November 4th. Please all wish me look.

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