This is my first year of nursing school, and I'm right out of high school. I'm totally stressing because I'm taking Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology and Dosage Calculations, and Nursing Skills and Techniques. All my tests I keep getting 70%'s on. I've studied soooo much. I have nursing information coming out of my ears. Actually, in Fundamentals I got a 70%, 70%, and then today we took a test and I got a 72%. And in Pharm/Dosage Calc. I got a 60% and then on my second test a 74%. We have to make a test average in each class of a 76% or better. I'm just curious as to if this is common for the first few tests to be this bad, or if I'm just not good at Nursing School and need to change my major. I've prayed and prayed about it, and I keep feeling like I need to try a little harder that it will work out in the end.
Here's my studying ways:
Look through the chapter, print off powerpoints, do workbook pages, make note cards, study the note cards and workbook pages, then do the practice tests on Evolve and the CD that comes with my book.
Maybe someone can give me a little advice on studying??
And when I study, sometimes I get distracted: cell phone, tv, facebook =) ....the normal teenage distractions....
Hey its also my first year in school so I know what you mean. All these comments I found very useful but I get what your instructors mean. One very good tip that our instructors gave us is study in groups. If you find people that are similar to you in studying try to work with them. I'm not much of group learner but it really helps. You can teach each other, swap ideas and questions. Its a good way to APPLY what you are reading.
Hope this helps. Don't overstress though I know its impossible not to.
I don't know how common it is but for me it was the same. In the beginning of my studies i got lower scores and had to retake some exams. My scores were a way higher on the second attempts. I think it's because of reading twice. The second time you read the same text or presentation you get additional things that you missed the first time. So your teacher must be right saying you need to read 3 times. Although i have no time to read 3 times since i have to take care of a little daughter, do cooking/cleaning and have other "adult distractions". You have all the time at your hands and you can use it wisely and effectively. Also with more tests taken you'll develop some little strategies on how to answer questions. This will also raise your scores :)
A) Put the cell phone away and get rid of any other distractions (teenage ones or not). B) Plan a group study session with 1-2 other people a couple days before the exam, and not with people that you're close to in class - the result will be too much chatting. Find the older students with refined study skills who are succeeding and get with them. C) Find your learning style. Once you know what you're learning style is you can fine-tune your study habits. There are plenty of websites out there for it but a good one is VARK -- A Guide to Learning Styles
Oh! And PS - May I recommend volunteering or working as a tech/CNA if you can while in school. Being in the clinical setting will give you more exposure to the material you're learning in class which might help you with applying it. Every little bit helps!
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Once upon a time I was exactly where you are right now. You absolutely have to put your studies first!! Allright, enough preaching. One thing I've found that works for me is to tape myself reading my class notes, either with a tape recorder (if you can find one anymore) or with a digital voice recorder. I've used both to listen to myself read my notes - it refreshes your memory and reaffirms what you already know. Going over and over it for me builds a more solid foundation, so much so that I can listen to it and repeat it word for word...you know, kind of like when you watch a movie you like and remember the lines? Like that. And you can listen to yourself a lot...in the car, on your bike, in your room, wherever. Give it a try, it may help you too. Just don't give up, you can do this!!
@SingDanceRunLife, I'm glad someone can relate to me! I'm on the verge of a breakdown already! =) I'm not quite sure what PM is....I'm kind of new to allnurses.
And to everyone else, thanks for trying to help...I was more along the lines of looking for encouragement...I mean, I do just sit and "study" and check facebook every 5 minutes, and I'm not constantly texting. I tell my friends that I'm doing homework. i do not think that I worded the "teenage distractions" correctly. I mean, sometimes when I'm studying I get distracted by a text or a facebook alert. But, for the most part, I focus on what I'm studying.
I had a meeting with my teacher last week, she said what I'm doing is great, doing vocabulary, note cards, the workbook pages, and objectives and printing off the powerpoints and making notes on them during lecture. My problem is applying what I'm learning to nursing. I get the problems right in regards to vocabulary and stuff that's right out of the book. She told me when studying, to think "how does this apply to nursing? and "how will I use this in nursing?" I've been studying all weekend, I have a test on Friday, and I've been thinking "how will what I'm reading apply to nursing?" And, I think I'm doing better. I was just curious if anyone else made low test scores on their first nursing tests, and hoping to get a bit of advice on how others study. I started using quizlet, thanks enlightenedchild. That helped very much. If anyone else has any more ideas how to study besides note cards, and reading. And, I am aware that it takes a min. of 3 times reading something to "get it...." ( my teacher told me that).
I really do not want to hear anymore about the "teenage distractions," I was just being honest in saying that it does happen from time to time. (I am aware nursing school is top priority and that it comes first, but I'm sorry I am a teenager and it happens.) But, maybe that a was a mistake.....seems like more people commented on the teenage distractions than helping me with studying and telling me if it was common to get low scores on your first tests......
But, thanks for the help......
AZ911 and Haiku, I'll look into those books. thank you!!! =) Have a good week everyone! If anyone else has any suggestions (besides to comment on "teenage distractions") it would be appreciated!
Hiya!
I can relate to you big time! I just graduated high school (just turned 18) and am in my first nursing school semester...uhm can you say INTENSE!? There is only one other girl in my class (120 people...) who is around the same age as me. I am taking Fund. of Nursing, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment, so we're probably somewhere around the same place.
As for the tests, like you, we have to get at least a 76% average in the classes to pass. After talking to several people in my class after our first test, I think the average score was somewhere around 75-80, just from those I talked to. I know for me, personally, I had to adjust to the tests, because they aren't like any I took in highschool.
As for the teenaged distractions (I'm not harshing on you here, no worries!)...lol...oh man I have those badddd! (Right now, for instance, instead of browsing forums, I should be studying for my Pharm test on Monday) I can't focus worth anything, really. It got to the point where I have to deactivate my Facebook for the week prior to any of my tests (it annoys my friends lol). But you know, just that helps alot...and its not permanent.
I like what someone said about studying away from home...its a really good idea. I can't very well study at home. Go to the park! I LOVE studying outside! You don't even have to be in the library.
ALSO. If your teacher posts note outlines, USE THEM! For all that is glorious in the world! Take notes in class, and then you can go through, and rewrite your notes again, condensing them.
Imma right here with you! I've had so many people tell me that I can't do this, but lets prove them wrong, mm?
and YES YOU CAN DO THIS age has nothing to do with it, you just have to adjust to where you are in life just like any other 18 year old that is taking on a demanding career,
Thank you!!! Your post all around made me feel better. I never thought about deactivating my facebook...good idea! Might have to try that. Especially around finals!!! =) And, yes, let's prove them wrong. I've had some people say I can't do it, but I've have more people say I can. I believe (this might sound stupid to some people) that God would not allowed me to get accepted into a nursing program unless it is what I was meant to do....So, I'm just going to try my hardest and if I fall, there's a great group of girl (and a few guys) who are in my nursing program and will help me get right back up again. My program has abour 50 people, and their all great!!! But, if you need anything either just ask!! =) or needs words of advice or to vent.
It's been 13 years since I was in my original nursing school. (I am now in an RN to BSN online program and it is sooo much easier than before!) There were times I had a 6 credit class!! That is an insane amount of reading. I spent hours and hours reading and studying. I am now helping to teach nursing students at our local community college.
One thing to expand upon: you were saying that your instructor would ask how would you apply what you were learning to nursing. That is part of critical nursing skills. One thing that helped me was to think of diseases, conditions and bodily functions as a linear flowsheet. If XYZ occurs, what do I expect to occur next in the body's response. Also ask yourself "why is this happening in the body". Think about lab results and what they mean to the body. Some of these things you will get as you go further in nursing school.
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s.a.i.
1 Post
Hey its also my first year in school so I know what you mean. All these comments I found very useful but I get what your instructors mean. One very good tip that our instructors gave us is study in groups. If you find people that are similar to you in studying try to work with them. I'm not much of group learner but it really helps. You can teach each other, swap ideas and questions. Its a good way to APPLY what you are reading.
Hope this helps. Don't overstress though I know its impossible not to.
Good luck