Maybe nursing isn't for me

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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We had our first anatomy test this past week and I studied like no other! I did outlines of the chapters, read extra books, google searches, flashcards, attended lecture/lab, copied others' notes, formed study partners...I was set! I woke up late but still made it to the test on time (phew!) The test was okay, nothing that I couldn't handle. I started getting really freaked out as I was taking it (i.e. "Oh my gosh! This question is worth 14 points so if I don't get this than the highest grade I can get is bla bla bla. These questions are so in depth! I'll never get an A....") and my mind started blanking and I couldn't remember the answers to even the simple questions. We had to compare and contrast the structure of the tunics between the espohagus and gut tube and it was torture! Then we had fill in the blank and I was freaking out because I knew exactly what they were talking about but I was looking at the clock and freaking out because I had so many questions and this test is such a huge portion of my grade (three tests and the final...) I thought I got maybe a B at the least....well, we got our test back and I got an F!!!!!!!!!! (66%) :eek: I was so sad. I went and cried alone for a bit after class and was thinking nursing wasen't for me :crying2: (but I don't know what else I would choose because I have had my mind set on it for so long!) This class really scares me because many people have to retake it but I don't have the money to do this again and anatomy is the core of the nursing profession and if I don't know it...! I am really sad because I don't know if it was the anxiety or if I needed to review my flashcards more or what...I seriously studied my butt off and didn't leave anything to the last minute. Now I feel like a failure because I really tried and I did bad and now I'm assessing my capabilities to be a nurse or get into nursing school (If I can't do this anatomy class, how can I get to physiology or patho....) I just need some advice. Should I withdraw? I am taking ONLY anatomy this semester (I work FT) so there is no excuse for such a bad grade which makes me feel worse. Plus, I was planning on applying this coming fall so if I don't stay on track, it will screw up my schedule... I have an A in the lab portion, which is 30% of our total grade. Phew, okay I feel a little better after writing it all out. Any advice would be appreciated.:icon_hug:

Keely

NO...you can't give up yet. This is just one test. Is it possible for you to go over what you missed on the test with the instructor. Most of the time, instructors want you to do well. If they see that you are making an effort, they will make suggestions on how to study. How did the rest of the class do? Was this instructor new? As for you...try to integrate things if you can. When I just try to memorize something, I can't retain it. If I try to associate it with other things, it sticks better. Good luck! Don't give up!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
As for you...try to integrate things if you can. When I just try to memorize something, I can't retain it. If I try to associate it with other things, it sticks better.

Very good point. I did not know how to study. I treid to memorize, not necessarily trying to understand. You need to understand, b/c if you draw a blank b/c you don't remember, you need to rely on your knowledge to try to understand it. That, my friend, is the beginning of critical thinking :)

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Specializes in Peds ER.

And obviously you're doing something right if you've got an "A" in lab. I'd have a look at works so well for you in lab that you can pull off an A in there, and see what can transfer over to the lecture.

I'd be willing to bet, and this is just a guess, one of two things:

a) as many have said, test anxiety. But I guess I wonder. How have you done in school before? is this your first bout with test anxiety?

b) maybe you're not studying in the right way. Flash cards are great for terms and specifics, but limit getting the big picture. How are you hooking it all together? What is helping you grasp the big concepts? I'd bet good money you get the big picture in lab. Maybe the visual nature of lab lets you pull it off? Maybe you need to study more on a visual level for lecture?

Here are a couple of sites about learning styles:

http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html

http://www.metamath.com/multiple/multiple_choice_questions.html

Might be interesting to see if your learning style is matching your study style.

On top of that lighten up a bit. It's not the end of the world. :D I'll tell you when you know a profession is not for you. You take a look at my example. I went into college (the FIRST time) right after high school. I was going to be a mechanical engineer. I had, in the first semester, Calculus, Chemistry for Science Majors, and Physics for Engineering Majors. At the end of that semester, my GPA for those three classes was a POINT THREE THREE THREE. :D yes. Two F's and a D for those three. My cumulative GPA for my first semester was a POINT NINE. (Daniel Simpson Day HAS no grade point average...) That, my friend, is when you know something is not for you. Until you're ready to go down HARD and really blow it, you've got a ways to go before you decide nursing's not for you. :D so buck up, learn from what's happened, and know that one test an education does not make, and one class a nurse does not make. You know, I'd bet good money there are some VERY good nurses out there who are VERY successful who would probably fail the class you're taking.

Highest intention, lowest attachment!!

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I remember sitting for a microeconomics exam... it was supply side calculus and the same calculus that I had used when I had aced the demand side test. (As a marketing major I was great with demand!) Well, I couldn't even remember my name!!!!! Not to mention my clothes were drenched and I stuck to my seat when I stood up.

I agree with the others. I think you had MAJOR test anxiety. There are a lot of schools that have centers that offer supportive services for individuals who suffer with this disorder. You may want to investigate if your school offers anything. These services are usually free. It sounds to me like this may occur on a regular basis for you (at least on the first exam). So, if you can develop strategies to keep the anxiety at bay... :roll !!!!

Here's a site that offers some helpful advice. It may seem a little hokey but, hey, it beats the alternative...

http://www.test-anxiety.com/index.html

You CAN do it!

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The first test is always rough, now you know what to expect on the second one, and third one. Some instructors expect to much, if I had my lab instructor for lecture, I would drop the class she is a nightmare but I had to take her for lab so I would only have to drive 1 hr. each way once a week and not two. Its only the first test, keep going, I know its aggervating but that is anatomy for you.

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I completely sympathize with you..i went through the same experience. I was a freshman in college taking 17 units including Anatomy and Microbiology and had the worse case of anxiety! . I studied and studied and used all of the available resources and in my first exam i was expecting an A ..instead i got a C in lecture and a C+ in Lab which is not bad but one of my worst mistakes was to compare myself to my classmates so i was hard on myself.. ...i cried to my mom every night and truly believed i could never be a nurse with those grades. After that first exam i didnt study as much and with every exam my grades kept on going downhill until the final where i came back to reality and studied and got a B but unfortunately it was too late and ended up with a D in the class. i had poured my heart and soul on that first exam and it didnt pay off and my negativity resulted in me not passing the class. That is the greatest mistake you can do!!!! Please PLEASE!!! dont let this test determine your future...its only the first test! YOU WILL DO BETTER! and think positive thoughts.. think of the difference you will make!...this is only the begining!..good luck!

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:icon_hug: Thank you all sooo much for your support and advice. I am going to stop beating myself up over it. I checked out the websites and I'm just going to push it behind me and focus on the material and reducing my anxiety for the next test. I love you guys (hug):icon_hug:

Keely

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Just an update...

I am outlining all the chapters (which especially helped with the nervous system) and I also picked up a flyer for some text anxiety presentation at the Student Resource Center. Okay, I think I'm getting back on track...:nurse:

Keely

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I just failed my first phsyc test with a 64% but passed my A&P lap practical (I think) both test in the same day. I need a bottle of asprin. I know how it feels, I studied alot for the test I failed also, was nothing like our review, oh well, there is more.

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I just failed my first phsyc test with a 64% but passed my A&P lap practical (I think) both test in the same day. I need a bottle of asprin. I know how it feels, I studied alot for the test I failed also, was nothing like our review, oh well, there is more.

It is not easy taken two tests on one day. I know that feeling. Two weeks ago, I had A&P lecture and lab exams back to back. Fortunately for me, I was able to pass both. I hope you do well on the next exams. Good luck to you.

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I am in anatomy right now and YES, an entire semester of time could be consumed devoting energy to anatomy only! I think, from what you have written, your problem is not one of being incapable of handling the knowledge required for success in nursing courses, but one of testing anxiety and testing anxiety alone. I hate to suggest a crux, but have you considered having a glass of wine before a test? Of course I'm not suggesting enough alcohol to even put you close to being "buzzed"(detest that word) but enough to calm you down (1 glass should do the trick):mad: until you can work on a long term remedy for the test anxiety.

Cheers

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I HIGHLY recommend just going up to your instructor a few days before the test, and go over the study guide with him/her. My instructor LOVES to show what he knows, and when i go to his office and talk about a certain topic, then go...but I just don't know how you would word a topic like this on a test...how should i be studying this? He sings like a canary. I do this every single test. Be it that I've had him for both APs helps too. I know how his tests are structured now.

That should help you too...now you know how the tests looks. but DONT give up, go online and take as many practice tests as possible

Best of Blessings to you

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