Help!!! 2nd Semester is Killing me!!!!

FarmgrrlRN · Mar 12, 2004

Ackley & Ladewig has an awesome careplan book! I love it!

As far as careless mistakes and second guessing...read the questions carefully and the answers completely...then choose one! What ever you do, don't change your answer! You are most likely correct! Every time I change an answer I had it right the first time!

Most importantly, believe in yourself!!! You can do this!!! I think that self confidence and giving yourself a good kick in the rear-end will be what gets you through this!!!

I too am in my second semester and thought I was doomed. Every week I thought I was doomed. But I made it! And thoroughly believe it will be that way until I graduate from this program...(Mantra to self: not IF I graduate, WHEN I graduate!)

Treat yourself kindly!!! You are doing your best!!!

emmy · Mar 12, 2004

Hang in there, it's bound to get better.

Your teachers are obviously not worried so take a deep breath and tell yourself you CAN do it.

I've also heard the Akcley book is good so maybe you should get yourself a copy, I ordered one from Amazon the other day.

Good luck

:)

Trauma Columnist · Mar 12, 2004

Carpenito's book is the best for care plans. I have the Ackley and Ludwig one too, but Carpenitos includes the interventions and expected outcomes. Also - in the back they corellate the medical diagnosis with possible nursing diagnoses. Much nicer! Hang in there. Its easy to fall into the trap of second guessing yourself. Take the break and get back on the horse. Good luck...

Repat · Mar 12, 2004

I think second semester has it in for all of us. I am in my second semester of an online course, and our seminar postings last week were all of the panic variety. We are exhausted and overwhelmed, and need a break. You sound as though you are going about things in the right way - you aren't putting your head in the sand and hoping it will go away, but asking the "experts" (your instructors) for help. I think FarmRN2Be's hints were on the money - believe in yourself, don't change your answers, take your time. Good luck -

LadyT618, MSN, APRN, NP · Mar 12, 2004

Hang in there. Carpenito works for me. My best advice when taking tests....don't second guess yourself. Go with your gut instinct (providing you know it's the right answer) and don't go back and change answers.

colleen10 · Mar 12, 2004

I have the Ludwig and Ackley book which has been a life saver for me. I highly recommend it and have also heard that the Carpenito book is excellent as well.

What specific "types" of problems are you having exactly?

Do you have an NCLEX review book with sample problems? Those always help me narrow down what areas I need to study more.

There is a good book for first semester students called "Test Taking Success for Beginning Nursing Students". It has a ton of sample questions of the first semester / Nursing Fundamentals variety. I used it to study from last semester and found it very helpful as well. It was a good way to narrow down what areas I need to study more.

Another idea is to check out the website of the publisher of your nursing book. Many publishers post sample tests that you can use to study from.

If it's any consolation I feel very out of sorts this semester as well. If I had to right up a care plan right now I doubt I could do it well. Our school is 3 weeks behind in our subject matter so now I not only have to read 20 Chapters of Pediatrics but I have to start Med. Surg. material at the same time too.

8 more weeks!!

emmy · Mar 13, 2004

Hi

You could also try looking at the 'incredibly easy series' I've heard these are supposed to be good. :)

Hooligan · Mar 13, 2004

Hey Bangin,

What's the only common thing in all three of your nursing classes besides you?...Yup, you guessed it!...That crazy lady!!!...I am not a fan of hers, as you know.

Anyway, I think that for her tests, the best thing to do is to go over her study guides and find all of the information for each topic in the book. Make your own notes based on the book's information, then go back and read her packet. Compare your notes with hers and make sure all her information is in your notes. Then highlight all of her information in your notes so you know where to focus. The rest is just added info. that will more than likely come in handy. I've noticed that on the last test in pharm and patho, her questions were about the topics but not necessarily on the info she provided in her packets. Does this make sense? It's a lot of work but I think it will be worth it. I didn't do so well on the latest tests in patho & pharm...so this is the approach I'm taking this time around.

I think that this will be much easier if I keep up with it on a weekly basis...I unfortunately am just starting now...so I"m feeling a little overwhelmed. As for micro...that's another story! Ick!!!! I'm soooo dreading Monday's exam!!!!

You can do this...I know you can. Just please don't panic! Have a great spring break and have some fun between all your studying!!! Let me know if you have any problems, I'd be glad to help you out!

Also...do you have your cox book? That really helps out with the care plans...

~Bean

Banginplates · Mar 13, 2004

Well, I have had a chance to breath a little. I am feeling alot more confident, and am going to kick butt this last 8 weeks. I have done some serious soul searching,and have realized I am in control of this. I thank everyone who responded. Especially my buddy Bean!! You are a an angel in disguise. Thank you for your words of encouragement. Thank you all. Well it is 5:13 a.m. time to study while I am up. Take care all and good luck to everybody this last 8 weeks. Let's go kick some BUTT!!!!