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!
That's a tough situation but you're a mom & a nursing student -- you can do this like a BOSS! This might be weird for you, but is it possible to have study groups at your house? I know some of my fellow students who are parents do this so they can be home. It may take some getting used to but it could help. However, in your situation, something has to change. What kind of childcare resources are available at school? This is something that is top priority and needs to be addressed ASAP. You can do this. You just need to get creative and expand your resource pool.
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.
Hey, if you have internet access at home there always the idea of Skyping. You and another friend Skype study. You can have the kids at home....you and the friend can actually see face to face and go over material. Just an idea. Hang in there. You did great on your test. You can do this!
Just a quick update. I have managed to get my grade up to above passing with a teeny tiny bit of room to spare. There are only 4 weeks left in this semester and I am holding steady.
Study groups haven't worked out for me. But that's ok. My lab group meets once a week to review and we group text.
I pretty much lock myself in my office Monday-Saturday and spend time with family Saturday night and Sunday. I'm looking forward to a new semester and a fresh start.
My house may be a mess and the kid might be eating Spaghetti O's more than I like but it's only temporary. Spaghetti O's won't kill him right?
Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiology, Hematology,.
You need to relax. Sounds like you spouse needs to step up a bit, I can say that because my wife just graduated with her CNM degree with the help of me working, taking care of our son, and cleaning the house. You will be better off owning the material. Reading all of it, maybe even to your child as a bedtime story, I am not kidding. Further more understanding it and being able to explain it, your child is a great listener I am sure. I have a learning disability and I know what it is like. But, once you are capable of explaining material to someone you are good to go.
My son at the age of 3 now says he wants to go back into my wife's tummy as well as enjoys watching open heart surgery on the TV. I am not saying this is normal but I do not see anything necessarily wrong with it.
la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN
1,260 Posts
That's a tough situation but you're a mom & a nursing student -- you can do this like a BOSS! This might be weird for you, but is it possible to have study groups at your house? I know some of my fellow students who are parents do this so they can be home. It may take some getting used to but it could help. However, in your situation, something has to change. What kind of childcare resources are available at school? This is something that is top priority and needs to be addressed ASAP. You can do this. You just need to get creative and expand your resource pool.