I just failed an exam...

[ama03819]

Hi everyone,

I'm in my second semester of nursing school and I just got my grade back for the 2nd exam...a 61.5. I got an 80.5 on the first exam and I'm now failing with a 71 overall and I need a 77. I have 4 exams left and a final. I can't fail nursing school. Ive worked too hard for too long to get in...our tests are all about applying the information we learn in class. I did great last semester. Finished out with a solid B. I had an entire study system down but that doesn't seem to be working for me this semester. The exams are way more in depth. Any suggestions on how to go about studying for them? Right now I review all my powerpoints and notes from class and do some practice questions on the topics for the exams. I just don't know what to do and I'm scared of failing.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

The first thing that I would do is to ask for an appointment with your professor during office hours. Ask to review the test, and if there's anything you are not doing study wise that you should be.

When you read the chapter for homework, highlight the key points (and read the chapter objectives) add sticky notes to the book if there's a concept you really need to review. And review it. VOCABULARY IS YOUR FRIEND. LOOK it up, write it down, memorize it.

Take class notes to add to the power points, again using your highlighter to any concept that you are having difficulty understanding.

Then YES, I know this is old school (cause I am old HAHAHA) but get yourself index cards. All vocabulary goes one one color, all of your disease processes go on another color, "typical" lab results on another, and meds on another. Collect them all in a little plastic "recipe" box and use that to review as well.

You are beginning the process of thinking of a whole patient. How the patient presents, thinking about head to toe, and what the results of tests are showing you. How to medicate a patient safely. And what that patient will need to function going forward.

Best wishes, and if you continue to have a hard time, I also would not hesitate to speak with your guidance counselor about a tutor. Another thought is a study group of like minded classmates.

Best wishes!