help overcoming setback

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 22, 2014

Welcome to allnurses.com

I just wanted to say welcome and wish you much good luck as you continue with your nursing program.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Dec 22, 2014

Think positive. When you repeat the semester you will know what to expect and know what is expected of you. It is a set back, but not a failure. Good luck and welcome to AN!

Red Kryptonite · Dec 22, 2014

One of my coworkers just graduated and is being precepted into a nursing role at our employer after having to repeat a semester. It can be done. Like I said to him, know what they call the guy who had to repeat a semester?

"Nurse!"

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Dec 22, 2014

I failed the first semester of a ADN program 14 years ago; my note taking and preparation was solid, I excelled in clinicals; but test taking was the issue; I could've returned, but for other reasons I didn't. after a few years of completing pre req's to eventually return and get my BSN (an uphill battle with the big fat D in nursing) and working as a tech, I got the courage (and push from my older sister) to try again, this time at a PN program.

They helped me figure out that I had test anxiety, and that was the main reason why I didn't do well; I also figured out using the nursing process as a means to apply the material; something I had done in my initial program, but was exposed to better supplemental instruction than my previous program; I also got to know the instructors better and two stood out and helped me the most, and gave me support that I really needed, however, I initiated those interactions to ensure that I had a pathway to success; those habits carried me to my BSN program and each time I passed the NCLEX.

I also learned about breathing exercises and even began practicing yoga as a way to decrease my anxiety; I feel as though that helped with the anxiety.

I will suggest at this time a great book one of my PN professors gave me to help sharpen and harness my critical thinking skills: Critical Thinking and Nursing Judgement

By Alfaro-LeFevere :

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0721697291/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1419289583&sr=8-3&dpPl=1&dpID=51BYRJ669XL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

The link is the book I had since 2004; but there are updated versions as well. I still use this book as a refresher to continue to sharpen my critical thinking skills as I advance from RN novice-to beginniner in this stage of my career; I still have my foundation as a LPN-was proficient after 7 years-but I had to evolve that foundation into my new role to ensure my success.

Many people on these boards have survived, and thrived post-nursing school failure. It can seem like a crushing blow; however, how one responds to the adversities of life can determine how well they can succeed.

Best wishes.

Ayanna93, BSN · Dec 23, 2014

I'm a pre-nursing student and just like you my first semester I did horrible, I got a F in my math class and had to withdraw from my psychology class. This semester..I was motivated to do better. As long and put school first and do the best you can do you should be fine. This semester I studied more and I didn't wait to the last minute to do assignments.

What motivated me is seeing the bigger picture of becoming a nurse. my second semester I ended up with 3 B's and a A. I re-took my PSY class and math class and brought my GPA from a 2.0 to a 3.2 in one semester. Just put your mind to it andyou will get back on track. Everyone has setbacks.

and many schools have help if you need it

Good luck and I Hope you do well to get back on track.

dchavez777 · Dec 24, 2014

thank you, for all your great advice. I know this is not the end of my nursing journey and i will definitely keep it positivefrom now on, maybe that was one of my downfall, that i was a bit negative, that is why it didnt go well.

dchavez777 · Dec 24, 2014

wow, thank you for the great advice, it definitely helps to know that people went through this and were able to get back up. I will definitely keep it positive from now, i personally think that negative thinking was my downfall... It will always win over me... On the other hand, i am surprise to see that you specialize in Geriatrics, the class that i fail. wow, that class was a nightmare for me, idk if the NCLEX type questions or the wording.... pain in the ass!!

Think positive. When you repeat the semester you will know what to expect and know what is expected of you. It is a set back, but not a failure. Good luck and welcome to AN!

dchavez777 · Dec 24, 2014

Thanks for the link, I must buy this book, since crtitical thinking is not my forte nor test taking. I see that we both (I) struggle with reading NCLEX type questions comprehending and understanding what exactly is the question asking... I think i have test anxiety also, eventhou i havent being diagnosed with. I tend TO GET nervous before a test still do. I am definitely not giving up!. i wanted to be done with nursing before 30, so i can spent more time with my 4 year old, but oh well Life is LIFE... thanks a million for the advice.

I will suggest at this time a great book one of my PN professors gave me to help sharpen and harness my critical thinking skills: Critical Thinking and Nursing Judgement
By Alfaro-LeFevere :
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0721697291/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1419289583&sr=8-3&dpPl=1&dpID=51BYRJ669XL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SY200_QL40
The link is the book I had since 2004; but there are updated versions as well. I still use this book as a refresher to continue to sharpen my critical thinking skills as I advance from RN novice-to beginniner in this stage of my career; I still have my foundation as a LPN-was proficient after 7 years-but I had to evolve that foundation into my new role to ensure my success.
Many people on these boards have survived, and thrived post-nursing school failure. It can seem like a crushing blow; however, how one responds to the adversities of life can determine how well they can succeed.
Best wishes.