is it possible to pass med surg or should I just quit

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Specializes in Med Surge, Rehab, Urgent Care, Pysche.

Hello all in the nursing world. I am considering quitting nursing school.

I am absolutely struggling to pass my Med Surg class. Majority of my classmates are in the same boat as I am. I really studied my butt off for this exam today. I studied my notes, books, and practice questions from the ATI, NCLEX books, and our required text book - for almost 6 days, religiously mind you.

When I was taking the test today, I was so sure I had a handle on these questions. I can see the answer pop out of the test paper. Nevertheless, I was still careful - eliminating answers until i can get the final answer. It felt good after turning in my test paper and scantron. I was almost sure I would only 4 questions.

After an hour later, my instructor came back with our scantrons -- full of red marks. I CANT BELIEVE IT. WHAT THE HECK WENT WRONG? I dont know what to do anymore to pass the class.

If I dont pass this class, I am out of the program. Maybe it will be less painful if I just accept the fact that GOD has not intended for me to become a nurse and quit.

So, I have to get 40/50 and 80/100, to pass this class. Please tell me nursing universe -- is it possible? If yes, how?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neonatal Intensive Care.

Don't give up! If becoming a nurse is your dream then you can most definitely do it. One way or another. I am not in the nursing program yet (I start in Jan.) but I have heard from students above me that med surg 1 and 2 are the most difficult and it gets better from there. You can do it! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

I have been through Med Surg I and am taking Med Surg II now. It is alot of material to handle. Go to an instructor or if you have an advisor and ask for help! They are there for your benefit. Don't give up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Get your test back and look to see where you went wrong in answering the questions. Nursing tests are not like normal tests at all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surge, Rehab, Urgent Care, Pysche.

[That Guy] - Yes. That is definitely what I will do -- is to look at my test to see what went wrong. Unfortunately, we are in different topics now and the next two exams will not cover the materials we had for today's exam. I am just afraid that with my track record of past exams, I may be doom to fail. Any other suggestion is truly appreciated.

[cuteinpinkNS] - I wish I can say that they are there for our benefit. I would like to talk to them and see how they can help me. Unfortunately, I found them to be not as sympathetic. However, I will ask my instructor soon on my options - to withdraw from the class or continue and gamble. Honestly, they are intimidating. Thank you for your advice and kind words. Any other suggestion is truly appreciated.

To the rest of the nursing universe.... is it possible to get 40/50 and 80/100 in med surg exams?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i haven't taken that class yet, but i wish you good luck and I hope your nursing dream comes true.. it really is something to put all the effort you have in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't give up: I failed med/surg the first time around. I tried to study everything and no matter what I did, it seemed to not be the right thing. I needed to miss 8 or less on my final to pass, and I missed 10. I was so disappointed and mad because I DON'T FAIL! Or so I thought prior to that. Well, instead of going on to OB with my classmates, I retook md/surg and got a B. What I did different: different teacher, less reading, more concentration on MAIN parts. When I read the book the first time, everything seemed relevant. So I studied everyday, read every line, and highlighted nearly everything. Luckily I saw a tutor and she said that was the problem. Everything is not important, and other than that you have to figure out what your teacher specifically asks for in regards to her questions. Each teacher seems to be slightly different in test writing. My first med/surg teacher prided herself on asking "tricky" questions, and when asked to explain the "right" answer, we would get "because it is" or a similar response. Please don't give up! I am here to say that you CAN do it, because I did it too! Good luck, and don't let one class deter you from your dreams! If I fail again, I get put out of my school, but if that happens, I will be applying somewhere else! I am determined to become a nurse, and will do what it takes for as long as it takes to make it. Good luck, again

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You can do it! I am in Med-Surg II now and it's easier than Med-Surg I because you know what to expect. :o

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When you go back to review your exam don't just look at it from a content perspective. (ie, I missed the 2 questions on topic x)

Do a FULL ANALYSIS of the exam, the questions, the answers, and how you handled each question. Start with the ones you missed but also look at ones you got right, especially you guessed at an answer.

Try to answer questions like:

* Did I miss this because I lacked knowledge (what you are already thinking...)

* Did I miss read the question - 1. Did I miss a keyword like NOT, 2. Did I not figure what the question is REALLY ASKING

* Am I having problems certain types of questions: Prioritization, Best Answer, multiple symptoms, etc.

* Do I have problems with Nursing Process questions

* Do I have problems with Diagnosis questions

I could go on, but I don't know your program or your tests.

You get the idea.

Sit down and write out a number of these types of questions before you go in so you can fully interpret your performance on the test and find patterns and trends.

HTH

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ortho/neuro/medsurg/peds.

Welcome to the world of nursing school. I graduated in 2002, but remeber very clearly. All I did was study, attend class and clinicals, and on occasion sleep. I had to quit my job and send my young children to their grandmother for 3 full days during the week in order to pass. There were many of my peers that were used to straight A's and had to adjust to just passing. You are not alone in feeling like it is impossible. You have to continue on after every test. Try not to dwell on a bad grade and somewhat wipe the slate clean after every section. You can and will do it! You will feel as though you do not know what is going on, you are there to learn it. Goodluck and study!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Does your school have a nursing tutor? Our school has one that you can make an appt w/ free of charge and she can go over anything w/ you including how to take the tests better, especially if you're confident you know the material.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No, really. You do need to find out what it is that is making you get these answers wrong. Is it a misinterpretation of the question? If you are understanding the concepts, and believe you have the right answer, it is possible you simply misinterpreted the question. Look carefully for things like "which of the following indicates a knowledge deficit" versus "which of the following indicates patient teaching was successful", "hypO-something" versus "hypER-something", or anything that might change the answer they are looking for to the opposite. If that makes any sense. If you can find a test-taking strategies guide or program of some sort, that will probably help. Here is a link to a small booklet that my nursing program provided to us. It is helpful. There are similar things out there that are also equally helpful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment