Anyone Failed 1st year 1st semester in nursing school(RN)

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 23, 2008

Moved to nursing student assist forum.

Hope you get something sorted and good luck

amybethf · Jul 23, 2008

HUGS! I am sorry. I think most of us struggle with picking out the 'best' answer when 2 answers are usually right. I underline the cue words such as first, priority, initially, evaluation, etc. during the first read. I cover the answers and think it out. Then I look at the answers, 2 are usually wrong off the bat so I reread and look at the remaining 2. Does one give more info.? What is the difference between the 2? What is the question asking? I refer to my knowledge and role and responsibilites of the nurse and make my choice. And I never change it; I made that mistake many times and stopped bringing an eraser!

Do you get test anxiety? Try breathing exercises before you turn the test over. Get enough sleep the night before and avoid studying too much that night; either I know it at the point or I don't. Do you review your tests? If you feel you are studying enough, are you studying the right stuff? There is alot of information to read through but if you don't understand the nurse's role, you can get bogged down with material that will never show up on a test. Half the battle is learning how to take the tests.

Do not allow this to deter you from your dream! Do what you need to do and get back in. You aren't the only one to go through this. Many ppl were in your shoes and made it thru to become excellent nurses! Keep a positive attitude and realize that yes, this is a bump in the road, but you have another chance. You can do this.

Utilize all resources available and GOOD LUCK!:redbeathe

beth66335, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2008

Try covering the answers while you study the question...sometimes the answers can influence what you read into the question. I do this and most of the time when I uncover the answers, the right answer pops out at me. If you have an NCLEX practice book do some of the questions in it that way before you do the real thing this next semester. Hope this helps!

dorselm · Jul 23, 2008

I know just how you feel as far as knowing the material and being able to show this on the test. Last semester, I was in a study group and we were learning about hepatitis, pancreatitis and gall bladder disorders and I swear I basically taught the study group without using any of my notes. I really studied the material and was ready for the test. The night before the test one of my study buddies called me and said she felt intimidated because it seemed that I knew my stuff and she wasn't ready. She said the other three ladies in my group felt the same way. I told her to pray on it and to try to calm down and focus on the material. Why did I fail the test and all three of them passed and the one who called scored an A!!!!!!!!!!!! :banghead: I figured out that I was not really taking the time to think about the questions. I would read them and just focus on two answers and then pick the one I felt was best instead of reading the question at least twice, making sure I fully understand what is being asked. The next time you take a test, take a blank piece of paper and write: ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate (Yes, the nursing process). When answering these questions, these are the things you focus on first. The other things you focus on are those directional words: first, always, never, priority, immediately, and also focus on those phrases such as "You know that teaching was effective when the patient says this....", "You know that more teaching is required when the patient says this....." Allow yourself a little time to feel sad but don't wallow in pity. You still have time to get together and do better and that should be your goal. Remember to give yourself sufficient time to study, get a good night's sleep, watch the caffeine before taking the test and also and eat something nutritional and pray that God gives you the wisdom and confidence to knock the rest of the semesters out!

You can do it!!!!!

Dancinagain · Jul 23, 2008

You might also want to talk to your counseling center about getting some advice on test anxiety and the best way to approach the test. Most people don't know they can get help like this one on one.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2008

multiple choice questions in nursing school are usually application type questions that require you to "apply" information that isn't even hinted at in the question. it is "assumed" that you will "rationalize" and know that to get to the correct answer you will have to consider "applying" this unmentioned information. that is the way nursing school tests and the nclex exam is constructed. they want you to think and learn to make decisions based on all the possible information you are supposed to know. the objective of nursing school is to turn you into a problem solver. to do that you have to be able to think: what is all the assessment data, what are all the options of treatment available and which has to take priority. were you aware of that? i'm not being disrespectful, but a smart monkey could be taught to do most nursing procedures. please read the information and weblinks on this thread:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/looking-test-taking-stratagies-224581.html - looking for test taking strategies

tiggerdagibit · Jul 23, 2008

My instructor told us to try to answer the question before looking at the answers, then see if that answer is there.

NEVER change your answers unless you know for SURE that you picked the wrong one. If you're unsure, go with your gut instinct.

Thorougly read the question and ALL the answers. Sometimes the first one that you think is right is not the BEST answer.

Don't overanalyze or read too much into the question.

Remember your ABC's.

Underline key words. Like someone already said.. focus on those phrases such as "You know that teaching was effective when the patient says this....", "You know that more teaching is required when the patient says this....." These have been known to trip people up when they read too quickly and think it's asking for one, when it's really asking for the other.

I really think part of the key is to learn your instructor's teaching style too. For example, some teachers will repeat information that will be on the test, or say "this is important" or "you will see this again." Not all of them do, but if you can figure out what THEY feel is the most important information, that will help you a lot. I know you said you're a dedicated student, and I'm not doubting that.. The reason I say that is because a friend of mine used to try to remember EVERYTHING but once she figured out HOW to study for the tests, her grades improved and she saved some time as well. lol

I know some of these have already been said, but I wanted to post everything that has helped me. I think now that you know what to expect, it'll be much easier this time! Good luck!!

preciousdread · Jul 23, 2008

I did the same I would help my study group and a few individuals that were having a hard time understanding the Nursing Process and so on, but guess what they all passed with A's and B's at the end of the semester. I know when I go back to school this coming semester alot of my classmates will be surprise that I will be repeating :banghead: . But I know one thing,s this time around I will do it right. Last semester I studied all night and went to bed extremely late (2am - 3am) trying to study all my class materials and books. Now that has to change, I need to get more sleep. Caffeine, I already have that under control as of now. Serioursly everyday I think about what I did wrong. Failure is an eye opener and an awareness of self. Thanks!

preciousdread · Jul 23, 2008

This Test taking link is very helpful I need that.

preciousdread · Jul 23, 2008

You're right I think what I do is overanalyzed and read to much into the questions. One of my study group partner did mention that I'm not the doctor and why do I go into all details and info when I study. Now I recognized my weaknesses and I have to work on them.

blueangel2 · Jul 24, 2008

hi Preciousdread, :crying2:

I withdrew from my 1'st semester of the RN program. I cried for a week. I over thought the written exams,although I managed to pass them. My test anxiety came up more when I had to perform skills tests. My hands shook,and during the BP demonstration my teeth were chattering. I was so nervous I forgot to put my stethescope in my ears. Strangely that was the one I passed! After failing setting up a sterile field the 1'st time (everything seemed to go wrong),I sat in my car and cried. I called my doctor and told him what happened,and he gave me a prescription of Inderal,a BP medication wich has a beta blocker that helps with anxiety.It was non-sedating,and I passed the test the second time. The second instructor was really nice,wich helped more than anything,but you can't rely on that. On my 3'rd acute care clinical day I failed. I have tried to learn from my mistakes,and I have been accepted into the LPN program this year. You are not alone. Don't give up. It's all a learning experience!