Need encouragement

[qtgirl4u04]

Hi all I feel like something is not clicking I passed the NC1 and failed 2 & 3 I started through the traditional RN program but had to drop out. The material should be a review I go in thinking that I know the stuff and the question are not that bad but then the computer gives me the D. Please can any one help me give me any study tips or prayer I would like to Finnish all the exams by the end of October.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I think October is a little rushed, too, especially if you're still trying to find your best method for studying and learning/retaining. I'm averaging about 1 exam a month, and that is working for me -- I should be done by December, but if a particular exam is giving me trouble, I won't hesitate to take longer to learn it. I don't just want to memorize material -- I want to really know it and understand it.

I've found that the Chancellor's guides don't always cover everything that's on the test. The best way to study for me so far (after NC1 and NC2) is to read the Chancellor's guide, then take the first EC practice test. Then I figure out the sections where I'm having trouble, and I read those areas in the Kozier's textbook -- that's the Excelsior-recommended text (Fundamentals of Nursing) ... I just can't see myself learning and understanding all the material just using Chancellor's or the notes you can find on the study groups online. I bought my copy of Kozier's used on half.com or Amazon.com, I don't remember which ... it's beat-up, has highlighting, and someone spilled something that looks like Kool-Aid along the side of it, but it's the most current edition and came with the interactive CD, too. I paid $13 for it. Good investment! Because where Chancellor's NC2 didn't cover TPN or tube feedings in detail, Kozier's sure did. And that's not something I'm likely to do in the ER, so I had to learn about it elsewhere!

[qtgirl4u04]

Thank you all for the help I am going to try the tips that you gave me and come up with a good study plan for me.