I failed twice and I have one more chance

eager2bnurse · Dec 2, 2011

I just began nursing school so I can't relate to what you are going through with the NCLEX but I do know other graduates that have failed the NCLEX and they are now paying for classes designed to help them pass. Many of them have favorable success rates. Try to see if there are any of these types of classes available in your area. I hope this helps!

sherryfazal · Dec 2, 2011

Thanks dear but I am not referring to NCLEX i have failed 2 courses in nursing school.

layleebug · Dec 2, 2011

I'm about to complete my first semester, and I had a pathophysiology course. I'm sorry that you barely miss the cut off, here are some things that may help you that I am slowly starting to realize:

1) It's not enough to read and memorize. It took me half way through the semester to figure. What I do is read EVERYTHING and memorize facts and terminology. That is the bare minimum. In addition to that I do NCLEX questions and case studies to get me in the mode of critical thinking. This is still something I am struggling with.

2) Calculate grades every 2 weeks. What you need to score on the next assignments, midterms, etc to get passed that 76% or whatever the passing grade is- just to keep yourself on track

3) Motivate yourself that you can do it. I know, cliche, but really it helps. When you set your mind for success, it is easier for material to stick and get more done.

4) I've detailed to do list for every day in my planner, even down to my shower times, etc. Knowing exactly what to study for, what your 10 hour day will entail will help in the long run.

5) Record your lectures. Listen to it in the car randomly. I plan on doing this more next semester, but re-listening to your lectures really keeps it to stick (i'm not sure if your auditory learner, but try it, you may find you missed an important fact or just for the purpose of re-emphasizing the material).

6) I've never done this in my undergraduate degree but: read material BEFORE coming class. It has helped me sooo many times. I actually do it all the time now, and even if you don't understand it, the lightbulbs will fire once your professor puts it all together during lecture.

Ok that's it for now, but good luck and hope this helped a little.

mommyof2Tees · Dec 3, 2011

You might want to post your question under the "Nursing Student" forum.....this forum is for NCLEX Discussions.

sherryfazal · Dec 3, 2011

Thank You dear so much. I will definitely start recording the lectures and I hate doing case studies but you said it helps alot so I will definitely look at those as well.

I'm about to complete my first semester, and I had a pathophysiology course. I'm sorry that you barely miss the cut off, here are some things that may help you that I am slowly starting to realize:
1) It's not enough to read and memorize. It took me half way through the semester to figure. What I do is read EVERYTHING and memorize facts and terminology. That is the bare minimum. In addition to that I do NCLEX questions and case studies to get me in the mode of critical thinking. This is still something I am struggling with.
2) Calculate grades every 2 weeks. What you need to score on the next assignments, midterms, etc to get passed that 76% or whatever the passing grade is- just to keep yourself on track
3) Motivate yourself that you can do it. I know, cliche, but really it helps. When you set your mind for success, it is easier for material to stick and get more done.
4) I've detailed to do list for every day in my planner, even down to my shower times, etc. Knowing exactly what to study for, what your 10 hour day will entail will help in the long run.
5) Record your lectures. Listen to it in the car randomly. I plan on doing this more next semester, but re-listening to your lectures really keeps it to stick (i'm not sure if your auditory learner, but try it, you may find you missed an important fact or just for the purpose of re-emphasizing the material).
6) I've never done this in my undergraduate degree but: read material BEFORE coming class. It has helped me sooo many times. I actually do it all the time now, and even if you don't understand it, the lightbulbs will fire once your professor puts it all together during lecture.
Ok that's it for now, but good luck and hope this helped a little.

sherryfazal · Dec 3, 2011

I wasn't sure where to post but thx for telling.

You might want to post your question under the "Nursing Student" forum.....this forum is for NCLEX Discussions.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Dec 5, 2011

Moved to the General Nursing Student forum

caliotter3 · Dec 5, 2011

You could probably benefit from a tutor or study partner (someone who got an A in the course). A good technique is to explain things verbally to another. I would write a concept down on paper, go over it until you think you have an understanding, then recite it back to your tutor the next day. You would be surprised how things stick in your mind when you can teach them to another person.

Kuniklo · Dec 7, 2011

I would stop making flashcards. If they're not working for you, don't waste time on them.

What REALLY helps me out is online stuff. Many textbooks come with a code that gives you online access to practice tests, quizzes, summaries, etc. Some even offer you an e-book, which is super handy if you want to look up a key word. If you don't have online text material, the questions at the end of each chapter help a lot too.

I also go on Youtube and look up videos on topics from the book. There is a WEALTH of free lecture videos from other classes on Youtube.

Another thing that helps me when all else fails is to cross reference with another textbook from the library. Different writers explain concepts in their own way and one writer may work better for you than another.

I also check out emedicine.com for patho stuff, but only if I have to look up relevant lab tests for different conditions.

tkm2005 · Dec 7, 2011

I agree, stop wasting time on the flashcards. You can't just memorize nursing material, you have to be able to apply it.

I read and outline the chapters, then I read my outlines over and over and over again and do practice questions.

Your lucky, if we fail one class - we're out!

NikiCharles_01 · Dec 8, 2011

For pathophysiology ensure you have the required textbook as well as some supplemental textbooks (what you may not understand in one book you may understand in another), READ READ READ!! i cannot stress this enough......if you know the lectures to be taught before hand read it through to get familiarized so you wouldn't be lost during class and that you'll be able to ask questions on things you didn't understand.... Get into a PRODUCTIVE study group if studying by yourself isn't working out( maybe conversing and exchanging ideas and getting different view points may help), this is a challenging subject to learn on your own...... Always try to tie it in when you're in the clinical area so you'll understand what is taking place and why and it also helps you retain and understand the information better since you've had hand on experience with the condition.... If you have an approachable lecturer have a chat with them voice your concerns, ask for tips (doesn't hurt to ask) and if not ask another lecturer if you can... One more thing to understand the abnormal you must know what the "normal" is it may help being able to see what impairment or defect takes place, why it takes place and how it affects the rest of the body.. So it may be good to brush up on your A & P if you need to.... Do you know what kind of learner you are? (musical, kinesthetic, visual etc.) Maybe your approach to studying should be adjusted to help you retain and understand the information more( I'm a musical learner so things like mnemonics and making little silly songs helps me alot. Others may do better when they look at a video)....... Hope this helps :)