I failed my first exam. Now what?

[amanda081106]

I just finished my third week of nursing school. Our first exam was on Monday and I was feeling pretty good about it. Two days ago, we got our results and I was terrified to look at my score - and for good reason, seeing as how I only made a 69. I cried like a baby for the rest of the day and now I have this feeling of hopelessness weighing down on me. Our next exam is Tuesday and it doesn't seem to matter how hard I try or how much I read, I can't get the material down. I can't seem to focus, my brain seems to be on a completely different planet at some points.

[inthere]

Discover the art of practicing nclex style questions, buy a comprehensive review book, or one from the success series by Davis...even use mynursing lab if there is one for your text....it really makes adifference.

[morecoffeepls, BSN, RN]

What a few other people said: nursing school tests are a different animal altogether and you need to adapt. The key words in the question, prioritizing responses (choosing the best or most appropriate answer out of several correct answers), eliminating answersm and so on. These tests are ambiguous, and taking them is a skill unto itself that must be learned. I remember thinking how ridiculous it was that instructors met in conference after each test to decide which questions to eliminate because it was asked poorly or was taught incorrectly or their correct answer was obviously erroneous. Sometimes you gained from this process, sometimes they scratched something you had answered correctly. I know before I started nursing school I was told to stay under the radar and keep my mouth shut (evidently a large percentage of nursing instructors have ego issues, etc.), but if you can cite something either in the text or in your notes (which may be contradictory at times), then why not argue for your answer if they try to squash it? It won't change anything, but there's a principle. I had one-and-a-half good instructors in my program, the rest were not very nice, and not very fair, and definitely self-important and condescending. None of this helps, I know, but you get what you pay for. My apologies & good luck.

[morecoffeepls, BSN, RN]

*answersm

m = comma

I didn't fail any tests (I don't think), but I remember having to not horribly fail a final test or two in order to pass. You've reminded me of that anxiety, and I sincerely hope you get over the hump & not have to feel this way again.

[missdirection928]

Take a deep breath and relax:) I made the lowest grade on my first exam that I've made since I've been back in school which was pretty devastating to me. That being said, I cried. After the initial stupid feeling wore off, I emailed my professor and set up an appointment to go over the questions that I missed and talk about my study techniques. It made a huge difference. I feel more confident for my upcoming test on Monday. I may not still get the grades that I made before being accepted into nursing school until I get grounded in a solid study technique, but I am determined to do better each time. Do buy an NCLEX review book(I'm very fond of my Saunders edition) and do talk to your professor if you haven't already:) Good Luck on the next one!

[FafaneG]

Boosting this thread. I had a medication exam the first day of class and failed badly. Have been crying everyday. This thread made me feel better. All I can do is learn from my mistakes, work with the instructor, and try to do 1000x better on the next exams. Thank you everyone