I'm FAILING!!!

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I guess I should begin by saying that I am an LPN-RN student. I though maybe I would be able to get more response from here, so I decided to post in this section of all nurses. Since I an lpn-rn student we started in med-surge 2. We had our first test today, it was on the respiratory system. I used saunders NCLEX bookto study for my test, this is the book that I used throughout my whole LPN program and I probably failed like 3 or 4 tests in the whole program. I got my score today 59.2! WHAT? I though to myself how? there must have been a mistake. There were 73 questions, so this means I only got 43 questions right. I feel like a failure and I'm trying to think positive and not to cry. I really though I understood the material, I studied from saunders, then I used kaplan to do nclex questions? What could possibly have gone wrong? I though I new NCLEX questions I passed by LPN boards. Saunders has never let me down, so I hope its not the fact that I mostly from an NCLEX book. I'M meeting with a tutor monday to discuss my habits; but i just can't pinpoint what I did wrong. I though I knew the material and now I don't think I do. This class is only 12 weeks, I don't know what to do. Only 9 more weeks left. I'm desperate and I just don't know if I evene have what it takes anymore. A 59! At this point I think I might have received the lowest grade in the class. I don't know never felt this down before.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Your source of study needs to be adjusted.

When I was studying for my RN, I used RN resources, NOT PN resources; also, I used recommended sources such as Davis (The Success Series), Pearson and Lippinicott; they have specific Med-Surg, Peds, Pharm, etc books that have tons of questions.

I also used an in-depth case study book that was very useful along with LaCharity.

You have access to a tutor, which is a good thing, it will also help pin point what type of questions you are struggling with and help with a test taking plan.

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I have both the saunders lpn and rn. book. I also use kaplan to do nclex questions.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I have both the saunders lpn and rn. book. I also use kaplan to do nclex questions.

That's too broad, and probably not enough questions related to respiratory or cardiac questions.

For example, When I studied respiratory as a subject in my BSN program, I used The Med Surg Success books for strictly respiratory questions, and reviewed Pharm Success for respiratory pharmacology questions-they are more specific that an NCLEX-review book for questions I found. I also looked into questions hat had vents and diagnostic preparations and after-care; something that I didn't find in Kaplan's NCLEX review, and Saunders I used their NCLEX cards during the most appropriate time-studying for the NCLEX and those where more geared towards the NCLEX, where the questions are based on key concepts, (Safe, Effective Care; Health Promotion, Physiological and Psychological Integrity) not subjects. :no:

Also, LPN questions do NOT apply to RN questions-two different scopes, and that may be tripping you up as well-you are answering from a LPN perspective, when you are supposed to be answering from an RN perspective.

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I'm not sure. thank you very much for your advice. I meet with a tutor tommorow and she told me to bring my notes. so ill bring what I used to study for this test and see where i can go from here. I really didn't expect such a low score and its just hard to focus on other materials or move on. But at the moment I'm just doing homework that doesn't require alot of thinking, because I have so many thoughts in my head right now its just difficult to focus on the next upcoming test. Thank you!

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

My first question is- what text book is your INSTRUCTOR teaching from? That's the book that you should be using to study for the exam, as that's where the information will be based. The Saunders book may be good for NCLEX prep, but I doubt it is covering the exact same material in your syllabus.

Second, as your instructor if you can sit down with your exam and go over the questions that you got right and wrong. Evaluate what kinds of questions you're getting wrong and see if you can identify why. Did you not understand the content? Did you fail to prioritize correctly? Do you understand the concepts but fell down on applying the information in critical thinking situations? This might help you see where you should focus and adjust your study techniques.

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We are using a medical surgical book by Lewis Dirkson. I just though the saunders was a really good book, because I used it throughout my whole LPN program instead of the one for class and never had an issue. One of our instructors in the RN program (not the one giving our test) even said that we would probably be able to pass the test just by using NCLEX books and she reccommended saunders. I thought, great! this is what i've been using along. it hard to change study habits but if its not working I have to. IDK i'm hoping this was just a speed bump. It was the first test. 4 more to go.

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm confused as to why you are studying NCLEX books for your classes. Study what your instructor is teaching. It's ok to run through NCLEX style questions before a test to get you in that thinking mode, but they should not be your study guide. Read your book, study the powerpoints as well as your notes.

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Specializes in ER.

The Saunders book is better for reviewing basic information but it shouldn't be your primary source material. Your primary source material should always be from your book. You should see if there are review questions in the book or supplemental materials online.

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Specializes in Flight Nursing, Emergency, Forensics, SANE, Trauma.

I would consult the book assigned by your instructor first and foremost. Use any electric testing sources supplied with that FIRST.

A good adjunct study aid is the Success series ( http://www.fadavis.com/nursing/Success-Series )

The Lewis book comes with online test practice questions. Do them frequently.

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If your Med surg book has a study guide available, check it out. I used the study guide for my Med surg book for Med surg 1. I worked on questions from the chapters being covered and questions specific to what we were covering. If it provides rationales read them for all the questions especially the ones you get wrong. If there is an area that you are finding yourself weak on when doing the questions go back to the text and review the info.

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

Out of curiosity, how old is the Saunders book your using? It may be out of date. Also, you used it for a PN course. Is the book geared toward the NCLEX RN or the NCLEX PN? The two may be quite different in terms of appropriate interventions and scope of practice.

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