Do nursing student feel like they may fail EVERYDAY ?

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Jun 26, 2009

Different strokes for different folks. All the advice here is great however you need to find study habits that work for you. Be optimisitic you can do it !

muskylounge · Jun 27, 2009

I was also told not to work or work

I do record lectures mainly to listen during own times. This would be considered to be used when its inappropriate to drag around 50# books. Like soccer games or practices or sporting events etc. I only live 1 mile from school and 15 minutes from work but would listen to lecture every time I got behind the wheel of a car.

In short I gave up an "A" to spend some time with my children/wife but I decided that I would be as efficient with my study time as possible. Reading all the material was not efficient for me. I am sorry the amount of reading material given for each test was sickening. I could only read bold faced and first sentence of paragraphs and title to subjects when reading text. We bought 3 different NCLEX study books each with thousands of questions with rationale. This was great practice for removing pre test anxiety. Especially for "all those that apply" questions that we all love.

Having a good study partnet is key. Study groups can be counter productive. My wife is awesome study partner we both strive for right answers and sometimes on the competitive side. Some of our friends didn't make it to semester 3 , but we hope to see them next year make it.

Make your study time effective. Pay attention in class,take good notes,create flash cards (and study more often the ones you don't know) find a good study partner one who is positive too! Spend a few bucks and buy at least one NCLEX study guide full of questions and rationale. These can be worth their weight in gold.

Then buckle your seatbelt and think positive! You can do it!

:)

jdub3 · Jun 28, 2009

IHMO you do not need a book for ADN. I do have a batchelors degree in HLHP, which gave my an anatomy and health promotions background. I never read one book the whole time I was in the ADN program. Took notes, kept it simple and devoted a few hours to studying each day. Learning to take notes efficiently is also a key to this type of studying IMO. I guess over the years I have learned whats important and what isn't. The only time I was scrambling to write everything were with 1rst time instructors. Needless to say those instrutors didn't make the cut for the next semester, poor things.

Edit: Oh yeah, passed NCLEX-RN in 75 questions in 45 minutes. Every day is a study day in nursing school.

awoods0042 · Jul 26, 2009

Umm.. well. Even when my grades were A's i knew that if i got lazy, and failed a test, that i could fail the class... its sad that one test could fail you in the class.. and at least in my program if you failed a class you failed out of the program for a year. My first semester I worked 40 hours a week, and it honestly was too much for me, but some people can do it. This semester im going down to 24 hours a week, and i'm pretty sure with all the extra time to study my stress level will be down. =) just stay focused.. you can do it.

Nicki1980 · Jul 27, 2009

Shann106 - I may need some advice once I get starting into my LPN program this fall! I am a single mother and feel like I must work in order to continue to provide because I have no help from my sons father. I know I can do this and will do whatever it takes, but with your schedule and you being able to make it work gives me more motivation and lets me know it CAN be done! Thanks for your input!

cardschicarn · Jul 28, 2009

I feel like that every single day. We always have a written test, some other test we have to pass, or a skills test. I hate those skills tests. I swear they will be the end of me!! LOL!! I also feel my school is cliquish so I also worry about fitting in. I worry I will fail and I also worry I won't make A's. I have set extremely high standards for myself that make it hard to reach. I ended up making a "B" my first semester of nursing school but I have become okay with it.

I get so nervous when performing a new skill at clinical! I am so afraid I will get a bad clinical write-up. I am afraid I won't get that IV on the first try or find the right spot for that catheter! hahhah

No seriously, I am thoroughly enjoying my break. I am scared to death to start back because I'm an extremely tense person. Nursing school isn't the best for that. I will get thru this!! That is what you have to tell yourself EVERYDAY!

aud06lin · Jul 28, 2009

Well coming from a nursing student who just finished my first level of nursing school...yeah, you will feel that way. On that note...dont let that discourage you cause its not always going to be like that. Our level one was nuts but if you study and be completely committed you can pull through! Just try and remind yourself when you feel like your about to lose it, that other people have done this and it is not an impossibility. And yes, if at all possible do not work, if you have a family be prepaired to not be around alot...but ALWAYS remember the sacrifies you are going to make know will be well worth your future.

Hope this helps :) Audrey :nurse:

chuckz, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2009

I used to feel a ton of pressure (I am in Term III now), but now I think I am kind of numb to it. I prepare for tests, realize that I am going to have to cram some information in due to having a high volume of things to do...as well as work...as well as take care of my 3 year old...as well as cutting the grass and handling bills and such, that I do my best and that usually gets me a decent grade. I had one test in my life below the 80 percent (it was as 78) but they gave us 6 extra points of extra credit that brought it up.

I think you just have to understand that you will get through this, it just takes a large effort and a huge sacrifice on your part and on the part of your family.

JomoNurse · Jul 28, 2009

no, it's not that bad. they're just trying to "Scare you". you have no more chances at failing a nursing class as you do any other class. just study what youre supposed to study and youll do fine.