Helping a classmate

[TheAmazingMrsA]

I'm in my second quarter of nursing school, and doing way better than I ever imagined. Today we had our third test of the quarter, which is considered the hardest test thus far, and I came out of it with my best grade yet. As excited as I want to be about my grade, I'm upset because a friend of mine in the program isn't doing nearly as well. The last two tests she's failed by a small margin, and this test today she failed by over 10%. We are in the same study group, she gets all the same information as I do, and yet she's really having a hard time.

Basically, I'm not sure how to help her. I can't imagine nursing school without her, considering we were accepted together after taking all our pre-reqs together. She is such an amazing person, great with patients and people just adore her.

I need some advice on how to help her get on track. I realize I can't carry her through NS, but I can't just sit back and watch her fail another test.

I already recommended she try and get a tutor, but I'm not sure what else to suggest to her. I succeed with study guides and flashcards, and apparently that's not her learning style. Anyone have any ideas?

[funfunfun550, BSN, RN]

I agree with your sentiment....so many people blindly follow the crowd instead of trying to give geniune honest help. I had a friend that sounds like yours. I knew she would make an amazing nurse(and was the first in our class to get a position in critical care!) I would stay up almost all night helping her cram. Do I regret it....Heck no! Your support of just encouraging and hanging in there with here will mean more to her than anything! I believe you will find someday someone will go out of the way for you. Help her all you can. Study with her when you study. Maybe she just needs to learn some new study habits and gain confidence because she has test anxiety> All I know is do not throw a friend under a bus....

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

you cannot open her brain and pour it in. If it is convenient to study together SOME OF THE TIME, then that might be ok. But I would not be surprised if she spent the time whining about how hard things are at home and at school. That is a waste of time for you. I think you have already given her good adivce. The only other advice I can think of is for her to talk to an advisor or intructor for guidance. That is not your role, you are not trained in it, and all your good intentions will not accomplish the goal.

[bbble 25]

There's nothing you can do, sorry, regardless if you guys are such great friends then you'll be friends no matter what. I hope you can focus on your own work. A tutor may be her only option, I don't believe anyone meant harm, keeping it real. I wish you both gl!