I'm so scared:(

I have my second to my last test in med-surg 1 on monday plus a final and i'm so scared about failing. I am in the 70's overall in the course and i have to get a 76 percent in order to pass...and i feel like i'm a failure...i do study but what i'm studying must not be good enough since i'm in the 70s. This time around for this test, i am studying a different way and hope it helps...i read the important info in the book, i'm studying Nclex questions related to what we are on, which is respiratory, and i am also making note cards to help me study. I am also focusing more on the nursing implication aspect of it all, rather than knowing the disease and what it does, etc. I studied all throughout the week and stayed in this weekend to study...and I pray to God i pass. It's so emotional draining and i even have shed quite a few tears because of this. The only thing i can really do now is to trust God that he has a plan for me and that everything happens for a reason.. I just really hope i do good and if i dont, i'll be crying for several days, not even kidding..this means a lot to me..this test has been on my mind throughout the whole week. If any of you have study tips, please let me know. thank you for reading about my scary life right now:)

Med-surg is a tough class, no doubt. I had a class where I went through the whole thing and still wasn't able to figure out how to study for it (normally I'm able to get the feel of things after the first or second test). Is this your first NS class? If not (or even if it is), then look at what has helped you in the past to retain info. I bet that you are not the only one in this situation, so I also suggest getting into a study group.

I don't think I've cried so much in my life before NS. It means a lot to you; I know, because it means a lot to me. This isn't just a job; it's a career, it's a profession, it's a way to change others' lives. Plus, it's a way for me to give my family stability (my hubby's unemployed right now d/t the oh-so-lovely economy, so there's even more pressure on me to succeed).

The only other advice I can give to you is try to decrease your anxiety. Anxiety decreases your ability to focus and concentrate. I say that from experience because I normally am a big bundle of nerves, and I had to receive a good grade on one of my recent finals to pass the class. When I felt myself getting freaked out, I closed my eyes, breathed deeply a few times, and said to myself a few times, "I will succeed." Hokey, I know, but it worked for me. It helped me to focus. I've kept up that little de-stressing routine, and I'm currently getting 90% and above on my tests in my current class.

Bottom line is, no matter what, you will either pass or you won't. Soon enough, it will be over, for the better or the worse. And I have a feeling that you will do just fine. For me, the not-knowing is worse than the knowing.

Oh, almost forgot - mnemonics. Make them personal; that really helped me, too.

Keep us updated!!!

D'oh, forgot one more thing - look at your name. Believe that all really is possible. :redpinkhe

I recommend that you buy the Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination book. The ISBN number is 978-4160-3708-8. I used it to study for my med-surg class last year and found it very helpful. The book is organized by body systems which makes it easier to study. There is also a chapter on test-taking strategies, and it comes with a disk which has hundreds of practice questions.

well, my results: i got an 80% on my test, and a 100% on my other test(we worked in groups on the one i got a 100 on)... not bad because that brought my average from a 70% to a 76%... i need a 76% to pass this course...i'm STILL scared. i have my final left which is next monday and i'm already preparing... any suggestions on how to study for the final would be very very nice. I'm thinking looking back at old tests might help a little??