OMG why Im I not passing my nursing exams

WahineMakai · Sep 20, 2012

Sorry to hear that! It sounds like you need to find a new way to study. Whatever you've been doing obviously isn't working, so you need to shake it up. Would a study group be helpful to you? Using flash cards? If you're allowed to record lectures, you could try listening to them again at home, or while driving (this is a method that works well for me).

Don't get too discouraged. You need to stay positive, or you will destroy yourself. Good luck!

jtmarcy12, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2012

What about getting the assistance of a tutor?

bankssarn · Sep 20, 2012

What about getting the assistance of a tutor?

This!

I also agree with WahineMakai; you may need to try some different study methods. Have you started your clinicals already? I found applying my classroom knowledge to the clinical setting was very helpful. Read the text, study your notes, re-write your notes (I found this very helpful, too), answer the questions at the end of the chapters. Find a study buddy and quiz one another. I hope you find something that works for you!

dayanara · Sep 20, 2012

I'm sorry you are having such a hard time in your classes:-( My advice would be to change the way you are studying. I am a first semester student as well, and I noticed that the tests in the nursing program differ from other classes in that they expect you to understand and apply the concepts.

Read the chapters assigned and highlight the important terms(in bold), and then apply them to different situations. In my last test, I had a question about negligence from a nurse. I knew the meaning of breach of duty and causation, but failed to answer the question correctly because I didn't know that without causation a patient cannot sue the hospital because the patient wasn't harmed. From that question I learned that it is not enough to know what a term means. How is your teacher? Does she/he give hints as to what you need to know for tests?

Always sit in the front and listen to the lectures attentively. Whatever the teacher emphasizes will be on the test for sure. My teacher did not go into detail at the beginning, and I thought that she was not a good lecturer. But after the first test I realized there was a reason for it. She only mentioned what it was important to know, and spend time putting us in groups so we could discuss the terms. Now, I'm studying smarter and not harder by focusing on the important terms and applying them to different situations. My last two quizzes have been perfect score because of it. Also, always study in the library for a test. I noticed that when I study at the library I can understand and analyze better what I'm reading.

That's the only advice I can give you. I wish you the best of luck!

allnurses Guide · Sep 20, 2012

This is my second exam for pharm and second exam for fundamental and i failed all four exam:mad:. I don't know what im doing wrong. Im study making notes etc. Please help I need some advise

Seek out a tutor and if you are struggling with English, let someone in student services know as you may be able to get assistance. ,

MeganG.James · Sep 20, 2012

This is my second exam for pharm and second exam for fundamental and i failed all four exam:mad:. I don't know what im doing wrong. Im study making notes etc. Please help I need some advise

First semester is hard, trying to get used to the NCLEX format. If your book has an online version, look it up. Some times they have extra practice questions with rationales.

amarinez26 · Sep 20, 2012

It takes some adjusting to "think like a nurse." That's how the exams are usually written. Have you tried practicing questions on the NCLEX 4000? That should really help. Don't just answer the questions, read the rationales as to why the answer is the correct choice. :)

okcu.alumni · Sep 20, 2012

Try getting the book, Pharmacology Success. It had helped me out so much for Pharm.

jacquelyn. · Sep 20, 2012

It's not just about studying you have to learn and apply the information. Most nursing tests ask you what you would do in the perfect worl or what is the best answer not just the correst answer. I know it is something we have all struggled with, but as you go you will develop your nursing brain where you are able to answer those questions. Just think what would be the best for the patient, always think safety. Find your way to learn. I honestly dont study very much, I learn by my own CNA practice and clinical practice. I like to observe and be hands on. I always relate new information to a patient I had or an example in real life, this helps me alot. Good luck and dont be discouraged.

Luv4LTC · Sep 20, 2012

How is your teacher? Does she/he give hints as to what you need to know for tests?
Always sit in the front and listen to the lectures attentively. Whatever the teacher emphasizes will be on the test for sure. My teacher did not go into detail at the beginning, and I thought that she was not a good lecturer. But after the first test I realized there was a reason for it. She only mentioned what it was important to know, and spend time putting us in groups so we could discuss the terms. Now, I'm studying smarter and not harder...

I agree. I am an LPN, and senior semester RN student. My advice is be proactive! Talk to your instructors first off. Mine were not very helpful as far as study advice, but I did find that mine mostly "only mentioned what is important to know". So do whatever you need to to pay attention. Some even repeat things 2-3 times. If it is highlighted, bolded, in a box, or written on the board, you better know it. Next, find out who DID do well and ask them their secret. (Make friends with the smart kids;) Talk to the class ahead of you, find out how your instructors test. In Fundamentals, your book probably has free study questions on it's publisher's site. Go there and create a log in to find them. There are probably also test bank questions you can purchase of your Fundamentals from a couple editions back which have rationals. These have been life savers for me! Google it! Pharmacology, I found to be a lot of memorization. I used index cards and kept them on me. I used them at work, while driving, in the tub...you get the picture. Also, when it comes to the math, do extra calculations. Practice, practice, practice! Lastly, people study differently. Find YOUR best way quick! Mine is perfectly quiet without distractions, hours at the time, no phone, no music, no television. I study at home IF no one is there to bother me. Sometimes I go outside for a bit (we live in the country), or I go to the back of the library facing a wall. Some people like study groups, I do not. I find there is a lot of time wasted. If I am extremely tired, or distracted, I stop. I ONLY read sections that I am struggling with, and things in boxes. Don't just read to say you did. It's too much! Hope this helps, hang in there! :up:

EduardoLugo · Sep 20, 2012

I suggest doing practice test online and see what are you weaknesses and try to study your weakness more.