2nd semester and has failed first two tests!

caliotter3 · Mar 8, 2008

I highly suggest that you approach your instructor immediately and ask for help and suggestions. Your instructor is being paid to assist you in learning the material and passing the course and is the best judge of where your weaknesses are and what you can do to pull this around. If you don't talk to your instructor, you will find less empathy if you continue to do poorly. Another source of help is your classmates. Someone who is acing the course might be willing to give you some pointers on what is working for them and might agree to help you study for the next exam. Good luck.

zsbaby · Mar 8, 2008

What I find helpful before tests is I go through all my NCLEX books and go through all the questions that have to do with whatever the test is going to be over. This really helps me more than reading through the books!

Kim

poohbear1968 · Mar 8, 2008

I found some really good books that have helped me with my test scores. There is a series called "Straight A's" you can get them for Medical Surgical, patho etc. This book really helped me in my patho class. Also there are some good condensed books from Hogan that really get to the point and make it understandable. I know how difficult it is believe me I have cried so many times and just wanted to give up. But for me there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel! I am graduating in May. So dont give up!

amybethf · Mar 9, 2008

What I find helpful before tests is I go through all my NCLEX books and go through all the questions that have to do with whatever the test is going to be over. This really helps me more than reading through the books!
Kim

Yes, get an NCLEX book to help reinforce the types of questions on nursing tests and understanding the rationale. After reading the NCLEX, go back over your assigned material. People study lots of different ways, it depends on what kind of learner u are - auditory, visual, aural, etc. Flashcards don't work me. I read the assigned material and do the homework before each lecture and then I reread the parts I didn't grasp. I reread everything and do the questions at the end of each chapter too and I reinforce it with the NCLEX. I do it over and over until I can recite it!

It is VIP that u LEARN the material and not just memorize for the tests.

Talk to your teacher ASAP and review your tests. R u changing answers?

Always go with your first instinct. U can make up for these last 2 tests!

Can u reduce your work hours? All u can do is study more and more efficiently.

I wish u best of luck! U can rebound!

Nursemiki61 · Mar 10, 2008

Hello.

First, does your book supply rationales? Does it have a work book that you may not know about? Are you familiar with Saunders NCLEX 2008 REVIEW..This book has turned a lot of student 's lives around. Cut and paste the rationales into categories on a word document with headings about what you are learning. It works miracles.! Good luck.. may your next grade be an A+

missninaRN · Mar 10, 2008

The best advice I can give you is to start studying for the next test immediately after taking the last one. If you wait until a few days before, you just won't know the material.

I prepare for tests by making my own study guide. I don't wait for the blueprint; we get ours a week before the test. In my opinion, that's too late to start studying.

I rewrite lecture notes, power points, and notes from the textbook in my own words. I keep it as brief as possible. Instead of paragraphs to memorize, I want key points in very short lists.

I'll write a disease process a the top of my page. Then I'll write separate, brief lists of key points under each of the following headings: pathophys, signs and symptoms, labs and diagnostics, risk factors, medical management, meds, complications, nursing diagnoses, interventions, etc.

For complicated disease processes I may draw a flow chart or concept map instead, or even a drawing of a person with the disease. For example, I might draw Mr Hypoglycemia with drops of sweat and snowflakes because he's cold and clammy. If I draw a candy bar in his hand, I'll remember that we give simple carbs to reverse low blood sugar.

If there are two disease that are very similar, I may draw a poster, where I compare/contrast them, using color, pictures, etc.

All of this information that I have written down becomes my new study guide. I add any new information covered in lecture as soon as I can, while it's still fresh in my mind.

Then I read through my study guide every day, preferably right before bedtime. My brain seems to still be thinking about the info when I wake the next morning.

I tried typing my study guide once, but did worse on the test. Apparently I learn by writing the info. This is especially true for me when it comes to memorizing charts and tables. I just write them out a few times a day.

The only thing I have found index cards to be useful for are vocab words or meds.

Hope some of this helps you or points you in a direction that will make your study time more profitable!

Nursemiki61 · Mar 10, 2008

Instructors can be helpful depending on where you attend school. Our students are referred to student tutors.. whose talents, patience and attitudes vary!! Good luck!

travel soon · Mar 10, 2008

What are you studying right now? I am set to graduate in May and I won't lie, it is really hard at the end, but you just have to pick yourself up and decide you will try harder next time and then do it. I agree with the others, I use Saunders' and Straight A's and I really love them both and even though this has been a rough sem. I have not had to worry about passing a test yet.(thank God) I also take a lot of questions. If you haven't bought the NCLEX 3500 CD yet I suggest you do and take as many questions as you can every chance you get. It can only help you. I study alone and I find that it works best for me, I don't care to have an occassional study session for a quiz or something but I have to have peace and quit when I work. Hope this helps. Good Luck To You!!!!!

beth66335, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2008

What I find helpful before tests is I go through all my NCLEX books and go through all the questions that have to do with whatever the test is going to be over. This really helps me more than reading through the books!
Kim

I was going to suggest this too. It really helps to see the rationales in the NCLEX book so you learn why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong or not the best answer. It helps develop critical thinking and nursing process.

M&M+RN · Mar 11, 2008

I can see that you have a tight schedule. During classes/lectures make sure you get what the instructors is teaching, try not to be distracted. Read the book/chapters that is not clear to you, if it's still not clear ask someone who grasp the concept. Set a time for your studying without worrying about kids/etc. Try to explain to yourself what you've just studied if you can do that, move to the next one. Always remember your priority ABC's, ADPIE and know what the question is really asking. Don't over analyze. Repetition is very important in studying but make sure you understand it too. Good luck! :yeah:

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2008

There is a sticky thread on the student forums that has advice on how to take nursing tests. Here is the link to it:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/looking-test-taking-stratagies-224581.html - Looking for test taking strategies (on the Nursing Student Discussion Forum)