I need some advice and help...ANYONE!!!!!

seasoned hopeful · Oct 7, 2009

do not feel like you are alone. this is hard stuff. however, i am in my 8th semester of my first year, and when everyone does the same, then the study guides come out and the other help for exams. hang in there, everyone is in the same boat. you will do this!!! :yeah: :yeah:

sweetiepeas · Oct 8, 2009

I am not sure what books you are using but mine has questions and then the answer are on the disk. It is really helpful to know how they write the tests. If you haven't already talk to your instructors, they should be able to help you. Also I have a NCLEX book that gives sample questions. It is good to know how and what they are looking for.

Good luck and don't give up!

cingle · Oct 8, 2009

Before you can decide whether it's possible to pull your grades way up so you can pass the program, you first must find out why you're doing poorly. Some areas to explore might be:

Poor preparation prior to admittance to the program (Prereqs a long time ago? Did you do poorly in prereqs? Did you go to a school that wasn't challenging?)

Inadequate study skills for the nursing program?

Unrealistic time committments outside of school?

Lack of understanding what your professors are looking for?

If you really can't determine what the problem is, contact your academic advisor and see if you can meet with he or she. They will respect the fact that you want to get to the bottom of the problem and do well in the future.

jcummins32 · Oct 8, 2009

I have changed my study habits greatly this semester and last semester from my first. I try and study each day for a few hrs and not put all of the studying for the last day before the test. I feel like if I study every single day before the test, no matter how long, by test day everything is like a review for me.

pharmgirl · Oct 8, 2009

Ok like a previous poster said, try to identify your problem area. Obviously, something isn't working so you need to change something. Are you studying in a study group? maybe you need to study alone and THEN review with a group. Are you taking notes as you read? Are you making flashcards? NS is way different then pre-reqs and therefore, a different way of studying. What worked before may not work now.

I can tell you how I study and maybe my system will work for you. As soon as one test is over the next day I open my book and start reading the chapters for the next test. While I'm reading I take extensive notes by re-wording important stuff in my own words. When I am done with all the reading and have my bizillion pages of notes, I go through and make flashcards in Jeopardy style. For instance "what is one unique contraindication with streptokinase?" on the back of the card I write the answer "no strep infection within 6 months". Thats it, thatis one card. I break all my notes down into 1 simple fact per card. I may have 500 cards. But I need to have everything broken down into pieces or I get overwhelmed.

After my cards and usually a few days before the test, I start doing the practice exams from every book I own. That helps me apply what I've learned, ya know the whole "critical thinking" thing. After I've done those and have reviewed things I've identified that I needed work on, I meet with friends. Usually the day before the test. I bring my flash cards, they bring any materials they have used. We quiz each other, bounce things back and forth, make jokes about new words or whatever (humor always helps to remember). The next day is the test.

DO NOT cram the morning of the test. Have yourself a good breakfast with some protein, meet friends for coffee or whatever. DO NOT go to the school with time to spare before the test. I have found that there is mass panic/chaos the morning of the test with people running all over the place asking questions and usually passing off wrong information. I get to school 5 minutes before the test. Get myself a water, walk in, sit down, take some deep breaths, give my friends a "you're gonna kick butt" smile, and take the test.

This has worked for me. It may not work for you but at least it gives you an idea of what others are doing that works. Find your own style and tweek to suit you. You can do this!!! You will do this!!! Good luck!!!!

caliotter3 · Oct 8, 2009

If you have not done so already, you need to make an appointment with the instructor, and get to the bottom of your problem with the class. The instructor is equipped to help you find the best way to study and be successful. Good luck.

newbebop, ADN, BSN, MSN · Oct 8, 2009

You have gotten some good advice above. You are NOT alone here and plenty have struggled and still made it to the end of semester with a passing grade. First I would talk to your professor. They will look at the test with you and help you figure out where you are struggling. Like if it is the type of questions or even the material itself.

Then I would look at how you are studying. And change it up a bit. Nursing material is not like any other beast you have studied for before. It is a process that you have to really understand and not a list to be memorized. I believe 20 15 minute study sessions can be more effective than 1 or 2 large cram sessions. (these are random numbers just for example.) The more times you see the material the more imprinted it will be in your brain.

Study guides and chapter review questions are your friend. These questions are going to be very similar to how you will see them on a test. Not only that but the book will have the answers with the rational right there. So you get the right answer and get to know exactly WHY it is the right answer. You can also find these online if your textbook has a website.

I like a visual. if we are studying the urinary system, I will draw out what I can, or find a nice diagram /or pic online and then i can check that visual reminder of what is really going on and actually follow the process.

Hang in there! You can do this.

luvlyf · Oct 8, 2009

To PharmGirl: You sound like this pharm teacher I used to have...

sajah · Oct 8, 2009

Thank you all for the Advice. I have not yet met with my advisor but I have an appointment scheduled. I really appreciate the replies.. I am already reading for the next exam.. I am determine to bring my score up.. I will keep you all posted on my progress.. I now take you all as a family...we are in this together.

Any advice on what book to buy that you think would help me practice nclex styke questions and includes specific topics...

Thank you for your time.

pharmgirl · Oct 9, 2009

To PharmGirl: You sound like this pharm teacher I used to have...

LOL oh lordy no, never a teacher but used to sell veterinary pharms.

luvlyf · Oct 9, 2009

LOL oh lordy no, never a teacher but used to sell veterinary pharms.

LoL.. Okay, but I'd like to thank you for the good advices you give here anyways. Stay cool!