Graduation pushed back a year due to failing a semester!

[stdntograd06, BSN, RN]

I am an LPN already and in a program to get my RN Associates degree. The problem is that I cannot get past the stupid tests!!! I understand what I'm learning, but when it comes to the exams, I'm lucky if I can get better than the required 75% pass grade .

I was supposed to graduate this week, but since I failed the semester in the fall, I have to repeat that course (in the next fall), and then continue on with the final semester- essentially making me graduate a year later. I just feel so defeated and left behind while my classmates (and friends) graduate. Hearing all the "congratulations" and "way to go"'s and jobs they're getting doesn't help either. I've always had this problem with exams and am wondering if I should even continue on to be an RN. If I can't pass the tests, how in the world am I going to pass the NCLEX to get the license??

At this point, I feel like I have no choice but to continue on since I'm not working (my husband is the only one working), and graduating ASAP so I can get to work is the goal here...but now being a year behind just killed me . How do the nurses that have gone through this handle it?

[tlc2u]

Are you out of school until the fall?

Get a Saunders NCLEX reveiw book.

(To some the book is overwhelmingly thick, Don't worry your goal is to practice questions not read the entire book.)

Near the front of the book read the test taking strategies.

Write a concise list of the test taking strategies to keep beside you when you practice questions.

Practice NCLEX questions in this book.

Set a goal to practice a certain amount (of time, or number of Q's or chapters each day). Determine number of questions or chapters to practice each day so you complete all the chapter questions in the book

Do not mark the correct answer to the question in your book so you can go back and quiz yourself later.

As you mentally answer the question check your answer to see if you were right or wrong. With a pencil place a check by the question for right and an X for wrong. After answering all the questions at the end of one chapter analyze why you got the question right or wrong. Do this using the test taking strategies. This will help you determine; what content you know best and what you may need to reveiw and which test taking strategies you have mastered and which you need to focus on improving.

"only read content for the questions you missed due to lack of knowledge." If you miss a question due to weak test taking strategies continue to practice those strategies.)

When finished all Q's in book practice Q's on the CD from the book. Do this to get used to taking test on computer like the real NCLEX.

Newest edition in stores approx. $60.00

Online you can search for a used book from the last few years and find one much cheaper. Make sure it will come with the CD and check the price of shipping.

Hope this helps. Best of Luck.

[CharcoalPepper]

Great advice tlc4u. I would also suggest speaking with your professors and asking for assistance from them. Many professors are more than willing to help students who ate obviously trying. Just ask for help early in the semester rather then waiting until you are already failing. Best of luck. :)