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Okay, so I took my first nursing exam ever that happened to be in pathophysiology. I worked and studied my ass off and did everything I could. The average for the class was a 79/C+. I got an 87.5/B+. I can't help but feel somewhat disappointed and a little frustrated. I wanted a higher score, around 90%, and I just feel like somewhat discouraged by this first test score.
If you were in my shoes, would you feel disappointed in this exam score? Btw, it is worth 20% of my grade!!!
Believe me, I understand your frustration! The program at my school is known for being one of the most difficult programs in the area. That being said, I usually score pretty good on my tests and I spend most of my free time studying - I'm a mom and a wife and I work so I have lots to balance. I'm in the RN program and when we took our F&E test, I got a 96%! However, when we took our Renal/Urinary test, the class average was a 73% and I only got an 82%, even though I studied nonstop. Also, in our program, we don't have B+ or B-; we just have A's, B's, and C's and getting anything below an 80 is considered failing. Needless to say, I was really disappointed in myself. However, I felt like I should be happy that I at least passed, because I had the highest score in the class and only 6 of 25 passed the test.So yeah, You have the right to be disappointed in yourself and frustrated but also know that you're lucky to be above the average. That's how it is in nursing school - sometimes you work so hard to achieve something and you may fall short. Nursing school is difficult and many students are lucky to even PASS. Our class started out with around 100 students LPN year and now we only have 80. I'm sure by the end of this year we'll be down to 70 or less. Some people just can't handle the stress. Some people refuse to study more and end up failing. Some people get burnt out and drop out. Just keep trying your hardest. Try different study techniques.
Also, if your school uses NCLEX type questions on the tests, by a Kaplan NCLEX study book. Kaplan may not be the nest school, but their NCLEX books are AWESOME. They tell you how to break down the questions and figure out the answers, even if you're not sure what the answers are. It teaches you how to deal with those pesky "select all that apply" questions. It's worth every penny.
Thank you. I am not a mom or a wife, so I cannot imagine how hard it is for you to juggle nursing school as well. As for kaplan, all students were required to purchase their book. And wow! How high is your program's fail rate? That is a lot of students.
I completely understand. I made mostly As in LPN school. Last semester my average was 86, that was me studying all the time. So this semester I have given myself a break, I don't beat myself up and I have made an 85 on both tests so far...well above class average. I will definately take it.
ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP
1 Article; 2,594 Posts
I know I am imperfect but when you try so hard to obtain a goal and you don't reach it, it can be very frustrating, ykwim? I realize that the score is not bad but for all the hard work I put into studying, I feel like I should have done better. I guess you could say I am venting.