Failed checkoffs

[Britney J]

I have failed two check offs, although they only count 5% each I am basically distraught. I feel as if I need some kind of medication because I ha e never been in this kind of predicament. If anyone knows what I should do to try and resolve the problem I would greatly appreciate the advice. P.s. I know most of you have said that your school allows you to redo the check offs... Mine doesn't. I failed the Foley catheter because I broke sterile technique and she gave me a d. I also failed the po meds because I didn't hear her tell me what time medications to give, so I calculated all of the po meds correctly , but I ran out of time.

[MDG0407]

In my opinion failing a check off and not being able to redo it is not very effective. I question why your program thinks this is the best way to do things. My advice would be to accept the failure and practice in the lab so it doesn't happen again. Maybe work on time management since you mentioned you ran out of time. Faculty should be willing to help you. Keep in mind you pay their salary!

[lealee]

Agree that your school should let you give a failed checkoff a second try. You do need a chance to show that you can correct what you did wrong the first time. Does your school have open lab times where you may be able to get extra practice in? If so, utilizing these lab times would be my advice to you. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you feel you may be misunderstanding something. Also, don't be afraid to contact faculty members about how you are feeling; as the PP mentioned, that is what they are there for. You said something about needing a medication? If you feel you are failing due to some type of anxiety, or otherwise, I would make sure to contact your health care provider about that...they can lead you in the right direction. Good luck :)

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Huh. So, if you "fail checkoff", do you just not get to perform that task in the clinical setting - - ever? Sounds like a really dumb approach to teaching skills.

I agree with utilizing free lab time to practice skills - especially if you can do it with some study buddies that will act the part of the instructor. It can even be fun. Hey, EVERYONE gets nervous when an 'authority figure/judge is watching over their shoulder.

[rumwynnieRN]

Good grief, what the above posters said. Were you allowed a calculator for the PO meds? Where was the MAR? Was there a change in the orders?

Ai ya.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I have failed two check offs although they only count 5% each I am basically distraught. I feel as if I need some kind of medication because I ha e never been in this kind of predicament. If anyone knows what I should do to try and resolve the problem I would greatly appreciate the advice. P.s. I know most of you have said that your school allows you to redo the check offs... Mine doesn't. I failed the Foley catheter because I broke sterile technique and she gave me a d. I also failed the po meds because I didn't hear her tell me what time medications to give, so I calculated all of the po meds correctly , but I ran out of time.[/quote']

Few tips:

If you break sterile technique, STATE it... I have done this in testing and stated it, was able to verbalize what I would do in response to the break.

Seek clarification ALWAYS...do like a "read back" method with a "quote back". I find during any type of testing scenario to have done form of anxiety during return demonstration techniques, even during testing situations.

Do you get to stay in the program?? Then, you WILL be OK. :) It happens. Looking forward, you can and will do better. Follow through with those tips during the rest of your studies.

If that is 10% of your grade, how are you doing in the rest of the course? If you need help, seek out your instructors to help create a plan on achieving success for passing. If you are doing well, then it may make a difference in points as far as a B+ to a B-, and that is still a great grade.

If you feel as though you "need some kind of medication," I suggest you seek out counseling and support at your school. Find out what is occurring in your thought processes on why you feel this way, and find strategies to help you through nursing school. If you make a plan, you will find a way to your success. Good luck!!!! :)

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

This is an important question: Did you take every opportunity to practice in the learning lab, often, well before your check-offs? If you didn't, and you thought that it's a one-and-done, you missed a big chance to ace your testing period. Don't make that error again. There's very little in nursing that doesn't benefit from multiple opportunities to practice.