Is it normal to feel down before finals?

Nursing Students General Students

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We have finals in one week, and I've felt so depressed.

I've done awesome this whole semester in all my classes, so mostly A's, B's, and a few C's but on these last 2 tests in my PYSC and OB class I bombed the last two final tests. I'm still passing all my classes with B's though but we need a 75+ to pass on the final exam. And it doesn't help that my mental health instructor always just destroys my clinical paperwork with all their remarks, which I'm normally really good though at clinical paperwork and even in class, so this isn't me. I don't know what's up.

So with finals in literally one week and them all being back to back to back, I'm just so afraid that my last tests are going to reflect how the final is going to look. Any advice or help?

I'm definitely going to keep though studying hard this whole week though and hope it pays off.

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afdslk

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Specializes in Medical Surgical/Addiction/Mental Health.

Is your final exam cumulative? If so, make an appointment with your instructor to go over previous exams- in fact, it may be a good idea to review the two tests you failed. Do not focus on the questions you missed. Rather, focus on all of the questions and be certain to understand the rationales. Don’t get psyched over the last two exams. They are in the past. Focus on what’s ahead. As far as the clinical paperwork, you should not expect to have perfect work. The fact the instructor is taking out the time to provide that kind of feedback is of great value. There are times when I have students who question why I make so many comments on their clinical work. I always respond with, I am here to provide suggestions, which is what I did. You would not learn anything if I did not nitpick your work. It does not mean you are below average- in fact; you are where I would expect you to be. However, I want to be certain you’re ready for the next clinical; the course that will be expecting better quality work.

So, don’t take it personally. Go knock out the finals and take some time off before you have to hit it again! Good luck!

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Thanks for the tips ParkerBC, really appreciated it and took it to ear and ended up passing all 3 nursing classes this semester, plus an elective :). I'm glad I can at least now say that I had a tough clinical instructor because it will prepare me for even tougher ones to come.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical/Addiction/Mental Health.

This is great! Congrats! One more semester down! Make it a point to celebrate your victory!

Thanks for the tips ParkerBC, really appreciated it and took it to ear and ended up passing all 3 nursing classes this semester, plus an elective :). I'm glad I can at least now say that I had a tough clinical instructor because it will prepare me for even tougher ones to come.
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Congratulations! Glad you feel like this was an encouraging experience. That attitude will get you through school, the nclex and beyond.

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