I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong

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I'm not even sure what kind of advice I'm looking for here. Maybe I just need to cry a little before I go back to studying?

I just started my core classes. Pre-req's have been a struggle but I maintained honor roll throughout. I've already come to terms with the idea that I most likely won't be able to maintain that through my nursing classes. That's not the problem.

I'm going into the 4th week and am below passing grade in one class. I made a bad grade on the first quiz in this class (57) that I have been trying to recover from. The first quiz was an online math quiz. I opened the wrong quiz however and wound up taking a reading quiz, the week before it was due. I also didn't use my book once I realized that I opened the wrong one, because it did not say that we could. When I talked to the professor the next day and explained what happened she looked at me like I was an idiot. I figured lesson learned, be more careful next time.

Our first exam was yesterday and even though I got an 80 I still received an unhappy email from my professor because my grade only came up to a 76 overall. There are only 3 quizzes and the exam so far which is part of why my grade is so low.

I am doing the reading, studying, practice questions. But I still feel like I'm drowning! I have an appointment made with a tutor for study skills help this week. I also have an appointment with my adviser regarding my grade, per the very strong suggestion of the professor.

I'm a nontraditional student with a documented learning disability. I have children at home and a spouse who is only home on weekends. I'm not saying any of that to excuse my grade or to dodge responsibility. It's just background info that might be useful if anyone were to offer advice.

I just feel like I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing. I can;t get a handle on how to go about things. It's literally making me sick with anxiety!

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What I found worked in my favor was to have study groups with friends. When studying, try to teach another the material as you review the notes. If you have a better understanding of a certain subject, try to explain it in your words to them, and the reverse. Teaching someone will help you remember the details much better than them teaching it to you.

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I'm not sure a study group will be possible for me. If I'm not in class, I have to be home because of the kids. We did try to have a study group before this exam but it ended up being a chat fest, so I left. It was too distracting sitting amid 15 people all talking at once.

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Specializes in Nursing Management.
I'm not sure a study group will be possible for me. If I'm not in class, I have to be home because of the kids. We did try to have a study group before this exam but it ended up being a chat fest, so I left. It was too distracting sitting amid 15 people all talking at once.

You have to study with people who aren't close friends in the program. Trust me when I was in first semester, my study groups always ended up at a bar somewhere. It was fun but we accomplished nothing.

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You have to study with people who aren't close friends in the program. Trust me when I was in first semester, my study groups always ended up at a bar somewhere. It was fun but we accomplished nothing.

That should be easy, theoretically, I don't know anyone yet. I'm a transfer student.

I also don't know anyone who has the same availability as I do. I have to be home by 3 everyday to get my kiddo off the bus.

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Specializes in Nursing Management.
That should be easy, theoretically, I don't know anyone yet. I'm a transfer student.

I also don't know anyone who has the same availability as I do. I have to be home by 3 everyday to get my kiddo off the bus.

Maybe you could have them over your place after 3? Also keep a study group to under 4 people. Too many people increases the number of interruptions.

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Perhaps you can approach a classmate who is doing well and get her to team up with you for assistance. Offer to pay her a nominal amount for her trouble. If you sit next to her or behind her in class, it will be easy to verify assignments/instructions with her. Check in with you school's department that deals with students with learning disabilities. You will be surprised what they can do for you. They might be able to intervene with the nursing department on your behalf, to team you up with a classroom aide, as well as arrange other accommodations, such as extra time for exams. Good luck.

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I agree with the above posters. Definitely talk with the Department that deals with disabilities, the one at our school is a wealth of help. While I agree with the knowing how to explain things, I have trouble with study groups (just personally, not as an "all study groups stink" kind of thing!), but I know that if I can explain something to someone else then I know I understand it. Many a time I have explained concepts and practices while I am doing laundry, emptying the dishwasher, or any of the other gazillion other things I need to do LOL. I also explain things to myself in the car...I probably get some looks but no one has come after me with a straightjacket yet ;)

You've taken a great step by seeking out tutoring. Make use of your instructors too...schedule an appointment once a week to see how you're doing and if you're on the right track with your studying. They ARE there to help (contrary to popular belief LOL).

Good luck to you!!! Remember to not fill your head 24/7 with school. Take a little bit of time to relax and recharge. I know that's difficult to do, but it truly will help you retain information and come back to studying with a fresher look :D

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As a person who has an alternative learning style, my suggestion would be to figure out what accommodations you need and ask for them.

For example, in my case, I need audio. My instructors let me tape the lectures, which helped immensely. I also have a hard time remembering information unless I have used it for something, so doing case studies (they were available in my books) and making compare/contrast charts helped me. I also used to have a whiteboard where I would take notes off of my taped lectures. I never re-read notes, so I didn't waste paper, but the act of writing it down helped.

Finally, don't use the "shotgun" approach to learning. I have seen too many people try too many strategies and completely confuse themselves. Find a handful of things that work for you and stick with them.

I offer these in case they may work for you, but you will probably have to figure out your own:

1) Tape your lectures

2) Get a "Test Success" book Test Success: Test-Taking Techniques for Beginning Nursing Students: 9780803628182: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

3) Get a NCLEX review book and use it to review the content you are on and practice questions

4) Read every rationale you can so you know WHY the answers are correct

5) Make an appointment with your advisor/instructor to go over every quiz/test afterward so you can see where you went wrong or can improve.

Good luck!!!

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That should be easy, theoretically, I don't know anyone yet. I'm a transfer student.

I also don't know anyone who has the same availability as I do. I have to be home by 3 everyday to get my kiddo off the bus.

Is there someone who can relieve you of some home and family responsibilities for a while? I know of no one who went through school with kids/family responsibilities who didn't need a lot of help revamping the family schedule. You need to come to grips with this reality, so do your kiddos and spouse. You're in the Army now, so to speak, and you need freedom from family/household responsibilities to focus on school.

Hire a babysitter, put the kids in day care at their schools, enlist a neighbor or relative to pick them up, watch them, feed them, drive them wherever, help with their homework, whatever. I know it's tough, I know it's costly, but it might be necessary.

Get a tutor.

Meet with no more than 2 other people for study. If they have kids, maybe you can work together and share child care? Meet at each others' homes?

Best wishes. You can do this. Millions of nurses have done it.

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Specializes in ICU.

I second so many of the previous responses!! Just wanted to give some extra encouragement!! You can do this! Don't give up. My wise mother likes to tell me: You can do hard things! It's a simple mantra- but one that helped me through nursing school with two kiddos and is helping me through grad school with three! Just do your best and recognize that you're not going to be perfect (and that's okay)!

Hopefully you found useful info in everyone else's posts! Hang in there!

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Is there someone who can relieve you of some home and family responsibilities for a while? I know of no one who went through school with kids/family responsibilities who didn't need a lot of help revamping the family schedule. You need to come to grips with this reality, so do your kiddos and spouse. You're in the Army now, so to speak, and you need freedom from family/household responsibilities to focus on school.

Hire a babysitter, put the kids in day care at their schools, enlist a neighbor or relative to pick them up, watch them, feed them, drive them wherever, help with their homework, whatever. I know it's tough, I know it's costly, but it might be

This is probably the biggest problem I have! And the one that I have yet to find a solution for. I have barely been able to get coverage for classes. There is no wiggle room and no one to help me with the extras of parenting like doctors appointments and school activities. Finding a reliable sitter is damn near impossible!

I appreciate the replies from everyone! I may not have a solution but reassurance is always good too.

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