Help failing block 1!!!

rickelli · Oct 4, 2009

Wow that is my fear, failing. I am under even more pressure because I am in the banner fellows program so I can't fail LOL. Is it the instructors or are you not getting the infomation? I am a good student with a 3.824 but this is scaring me LOL. I start at the end of the month. Can you bring your grade up? Do you need to study more or study with classmates? I would try anything you can to bring your grade up because I don't think it will be any easier at another school. And like you said you will have to wait again. Is your program accelerated?

gilbertstudent · Oct 4, 2009

I am studing almost 24/7 I have a study group and I am an honors student. My GPA is 4.0 and I really believe the problems is the school. The instructors are nice but when it comes to exams nothing they teach is there. The information on test is completely foreing to me sometimes. My grade is not too bad but I am at the border of failing (meaning I am right on the 76% average I need to pass) I feel frustrated because no matter how much I study the information I learn is not related to what is on the test.

rickelli · Oct 4, 2009

I would make it a point to talk to the instructors and tell them what your feeling. Maybe they will be able to give some sort of explanation as to why what they teach is not what is on the exam. I hate when classes have you reading and studying one thing and then the test is something completely different. Well it is sad that your having to make such a decision when you have come this far to be a nurse. Hopefully it will turn around for you. Good Luck

serenity1 · Oct 4, 2009

I understand how you feel. It's very frustrating when a test does not reflect what you were taught in class. You need to get a good Nclex book and start doing questions related to the area you are studying every day. Try to do a minimum of 25 per day--more if possible. Saunders makes a great book that comes with a disk of over 4000 questions. It has helped me a lot. Not cheap, but worth it. Learning to study for the nursing program takes some practice. Nclex style questions take some getting used to as well. The more you practice, the better you will be. Almost all nclex books will have a chapter about how to take tests. Lots of tips. Do the chapter questions in the back of each chapter or on the disk that comes with your book. If you can tough it out, try to get through block one and then transfer if you don't feel you are getting your money's worth there. Hope this helps!

CPTLST · Oct 4, 2009

If almost half the class is failing that might indicate an issue with the program or instructors. I'd talk to the instructors but also maybe the head of the program or the dean. Follow the chain and be respectfull. I have found that sometimes an instructor has a diffrent way of thinking or explaining. And if you can figure out how they think, things will start to click with you. Also don't over do it. Study smarter not just harder. And try to relax. A little pressure is good but worring and obsessing are counter productive. Good luck

Hoozdo, ADN · Oct 4, 2009

I am studing almost 24/7 I have a study group and I am an honors student. My GPA is 4.0 and I really believe the problems is the school. The instructors are nice but when it comes to exams nothing they teach is there. The information on test is completely foreing to me sometimes. My grade is not too bad but I am at the border of failing (meaning I am right on the 76% average I need to pass) I feel frustrated because no matter how much I study the information I learn is not related to what is on the test.

Are they taking questions from the reading assignments? I had a few nursing instructors that liked to test on nothing they had lectured on. If you didn't do the reading assignments; you were going to fail.

After taking one test, I realized that I needed to read and then outline (by typing it in my computer) the reading assignments. I could then review my outline for tests. I went from a D on my first test to a high B, (nobody in class got A's!)

You might want to try that strategy along with practicing NCLEX style questions.

wmg246 · Oct 4, 2009

How are you studying? For what its worth, this is what I do. I read the chapter, all of it, then I outline it, like the above poster, and then I make concept note cards for things I think are important, always pay attention to the boxes and tables in the chapters. I then do the same thing for the powerpoints, I print them out for class, take notes during, then after the lecture I make the concept cards. Then when the exam is approaching I do every NCLEX question I can get my hands on, I have an old NCLEX review book and I just bought the Fundamentals one, which is very helpful because it pertains to block 1. As for dropping out and reapplying, that could take a while, not to mention you are out all the tuition money. I would stick it out, you have made it this far, and you said you were on the border, you still have time to raise your grade. I am at CGCC also and I feel that tests do reflect the material taught, so maybe you are focusing too much on the chapters assigned rather than the lectures? I guess the key is finding the right balance. Is it just the tests that are giving you a problem, how are the practicums going?

gilbertstudent · Oct 4, 2009

I did well on my practicums last week my only problem are the exams. I study from lecture and made flash cards, I also have a Nclex book I use but there are little questions on the test that just don't make sense to me and I don't remember them ever talking about it. Oh well I decided I'll stick it out until the end of the semester and we'll see hopefully I'll pass.

eljefe101 · Oct 4, 2009

I am currently getting ready to wrap up block II at MCC. There has been a lot of discussion on the best way to study. I would suggest elaborating on lecture power points with the book materials. Go thru your PP's for the week and relate them to the reading material. I like to add notes and questions that might help to ask and review during lecture. How many tests have you completed? Have you just started for the block? It takes a little time to adjust to the type of test we receive in nursing school. They are much more challenging and the first block throws a ton of information at you each test. Just breath and the best advice is to practice as many nclex questions as you can get your hands on! They really help come test time.

Good luck and don't give up, you can do it!

shannahan · Oct 9, 2009

I failed 2 fundamentals tests early on and it scared me to death! I immediately talked to my instructor and she told me what I needed to focus on when I study. She also reiterated that it's 3 hours of study for every 1 hour of her class. I took her seriously and hole up in the bedroom on weekends studying for 5 hours a day. Between that and taking her tips, I brought my grades up.

amandie24 · Oct 9, 2009

Oh the joys of nursing school!! I graduated from PCC in May this year and I was on the border blocks 2 and 4. At least not comfortable. Prior to nursing school I had a GPA of 3.9, that all changed with school and my goal was a 78% (which was still not very comfortably above a 76% for my liking, but it worked).

I would recommend that you study with NCLEX type books - the Saunders is the best and while it isn't cheap it is well worth it. You are in nursing school for two years, and it's the best book to study for the NCLEX with so invest now and get your money's worth. Also... study off of your competencies. If you are getting asked questions that aren't on that list - I would immediately go to the director of the nursing program. If they are listed on your competencies, but just not included in the lecture, well then you are still responsible.

Don't quit or give up... it's only October, you have time to turn it around. I would venture to guess that you are actually doing better than you think. Hang in there!!!!!!!!!