Help, failed first exam in Med-Surg

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Feb 16, 2018

Have you asked your instructor for guidance? Most students do not and that is where they go wrong.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Feb 16, 2018

We have 3 unit exams each 33% and 1 final which is 50%.

I'm confused. 3 tests worth 33% each is 99% plus a final worth 50% is 145%.

Crush · Feb 16, 2018

Of course there is hope. Continue to go over class notes, especially if your teacher repeats anything or outright says it will be on the test. Jot down everything written on the board. Read all the required readings and don't skim. I liked to read chapters and review notes into a tape recorder and put my headphones on while listening to myself as I washed dishes and cleaned the house. Take advantage of YouTube as a supplement. Ask for time with your instructor to go over your tests and assess weak areas you need to brush up on. And as mentioned you can get great feedback from your instructor too.

Sour Lemon · Feb 16, 2018

We have 3 unit exams each 33% and 1 final which is 50%. My first exam in med-surg was 52 on MS. Everyone says the second exam is harder since it deals with Neuro. I'm very nervous. Is it possible to recover from a 52% in Med-Surg on your first exam? We need a 75 to pass the course. Our instructor makes her own exams by the way and she does not use any test banks. What you think is important was not on the exam.. Is there any hope for me? I studied my butt off.

I bombed my very first nursing exam in Fundamentals. The question style was "weird" and took some getting used to. I was able to adapt and do well from there on out, so yes, it's possible to recover.

sandy 45 · Feb 18, 2018

Thank you. I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I just found out that there were others that did worst than me if that is even possible. I just have to study smarter and adjust to the professor's style of testing.....

sandy 45 · Feb 18, 2018

33.3%. That's what we were told....

sandy 45 · Feb 18, 2018

I'm going too. And hopefully get a chance to sit down and review the exam with her.

sandy 45 · Feb 18, 2018

Thank you. She tends to skip chapters. We are suppose to do a lot of independent studying. Practically feels like we are taking an online course. And don't get me started on the skills. We have to purchase DVD's and teach ourselves in lab. We can ask for guidance from the lab instructors if we are doing it correctly. Then we have to set up a time to test out. Are all schools that way?

klone, MSN, RN · Feb 18, 2018

33.3%. That's what we were told....

And you didn't question the math? Perhaps they meant that the 3 quizzes were 33% of the grade (total), and the final exam is 50% of the grade (which would then suggest that there is an additional 17% somewhere in various random assignments).

Sour Lemon · Feb 18, 2018

Thank you. She tends to skip chapters. We are suppose to do a lot of independent studying. Practically feels like we are taking an online course. And don't get me started on the skills. We have to purchase DVD's and teach ourselves in lab. We can ask for guidance from the lab instructors if we are doing it correctly. Then we have to set up a time to test out. Are all schools that way?

Yes. Independent studying in the norm, as is understanding the big picture. If you're used to "taking notes" that are simply answers to upcoming test questions, you're going to have to adjust your expectations.

If you hit the "quote" button before you reply, people will able to see who you're replying to.

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Feb 18, 2018

Thank you. She tends to skip chapters. We are suppose to do a lot of independent studying. Practically feels like we are taking an online course. And don't get me started on the skills. We have to purchase DVD's and teach ourselves in lab. We can ask for guidance from the lab instructors if we are doing it correctly. Then we have to set up a time to test out. Are all schools that way?

In my program, we are required to read, review powerpoint slides and watch skills videos before coming to class. Most of my classes have quizzes at the beginning of the lecture to test your knowledge and the lectures are essentially "review" of the material.

Edit: as to my actual advice, talk to your instructor! If your school offers tutoring or group study sessions or anything like that - go. Use the resources available to you.