HELP! Having trouble in fundamentals and need advice!

[punkindoodl]

Hi all! I am in my first semester of nursing...fundamentals. It is actually alot harder than I thought it would be! I am having some trouble and may have to repeat this class. I study and know the material...terms and definitions, but when it comes to the test I don't do well. I think I am having trouble with the type of questions they ask. I'm not sure if I am not comprehending them, or if I'm reading too much into them or what. I was hoping some of you could give me some advice on how to excel in this class. I know there are some books that have several of the critical thinking questions in them, but I am not sure which one's to get.

Did any of you have problems or have to repeat fundamentals? I feel all alone in this, like I am the only one that is having a difficult time.

Another student told me that I study TOO much..is that actually possible??? I study all the time, so I decided to take today off and just relax, but now I am feeling guilty for that. How do you all have time for it all and have time to just relax?

[blynn9173]

I can relate exactly how you feel. This is my second time taking Fundamentals. I had my first exam last Friday. I made a 77.5%, but 78% is passing. At the school where I attend, they dont round up, so my test grade is 77. I missed the mark by one question. Talk about disgusting. I reviewed my test today and found that I changed two answers, and they were the right answers. I learned my lesson and I am not going to do that any more. I have been bummed out since I found out what I had made. I did everything possible to get ready for the test. I recorded the lectures and listened back to them in my car, did the questions at the end of the chapters, did the practice questions on the CD that came with our book, read the chapters, did the study guide, and study my lecture notes. I just don't understand stand what happened. My professor said I might have a touch of anxiety. I am going to check out some anxiety web sites and see if I can figure out how to relieve my anxiety. I felt good when I took the test, I really didn't feel stressed, but I guess I was after all. I know that is just my first test, but I want to pass this time. I don't want to get down to the last and fail by .5 or 1 point. So I just hope I do better next time.

[whiteoleander5]

hi, i posted basically the same concerns recently, and got really helpful advice. first of all get nclex for dummies, it will get you used to the types of ?'s on the exams. then go here http://evolve.elsevier.com/staticpag...velopment.html it has some good test taking tips, like you i was amazed at how difficult the ?'s on my first exam seemed. one last bit of advice, understand the reading but don't memorize it. just make sure you really comprehend the concepts.since i started using these strategies i am doing much better answering the ?'s at the end of the chapters. good luck:mad:

hey, thanks for that video..i just watched it and it helped! my first test is on wed and after watching that, i feel a bit more confident:clown:... and its very true about understanding the concepts rather than memorizing. understanding the concepts really make you say "oh, well that makes sense.." and i find it easier to recall.

[determined-deedee]

whiteoleander5, we are all just trying to make sense of the material right now. It sounds ridiculous but I think my school is "thinning the herds" or weeding out the weak the first semester. I had 12 chapters to read, 20-30 pages each, this weekend. No way I could memorize that volume of material! that isn't counting written assignments or pharm class. My fundamentals prof. said science of nursing, or our next class is even harder. Way to motivate I am a wreck, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to succeed in this program. Just hang in there, and don't stop trying:pumpiron: We can do it others have.

[ICU/CCU, BSN, RN]

I agree about buying some NCLEX books to help you learn the type of questions. An instructor I had told us not to change an answer on a test unless God Himself stood on our desk and told us to! When I changed questions, I missed them. Try not to overthink them. Good luck!

[Dianacabana]

I've also used this book during my fundamentals class, (because NCLEX did not have to much beginner info in it)http://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Success-Applying-Critical-Thinking/dp/0803619219/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222005212&sr=8-1

This book will help you to get used to the different style of questions in nursing school. After first semester use NCLEX books with the Cd's. One tip, throughout nursing school, do as many questions as possible, everyday. I tried to do at least 10 a day, and 200 or more before a test. This will also prepare you for NCLEX.

Good luck , you can do it.

Several students (including myself) have this book and it is very good (we think) for beginning Fundamentals (we're in it too). My Saunders NCLEX book has great questions...but not for this stage of our program. The Fundamentals Success is very popular and many school bookstores carry it. Check it out.

Good luck!!!