CentralOregonCNM2B

Wow, Meriwhen pretty much covered most of my suggestions. One other thing I notice some of my classmates doing is overwhelming themselves trying to memorize every detail about every topic we discuss. Our instructor described nursing school as cyclical: each thing you learn will be covered again and again, adding a little bit more information as you gain more experience and knowledge. Then, things will ultimately "click" when you encounter them in your clinicals. So focus on the specifics that have been emphasized, rather than trying to understand every facet of a topic/procedure/disease process/etc. It makes the amount of material you need to study much more manageable. You will have time to become an expert, because you will continuously be learning, even after you graduate. Another tip one of my instructors gave for test questions regarding "the nurse's priority action": If you are in doubt, first think about the ABCs of life support, then move to Maslow's Needs. She indicated this would be a good strategy for the NCLEX...seems to be working for me on school exams as well. Above all, have confidence in yourself. You obviously have high standards for yourself, or you wouldn't worry about getting A's. Just don't let a lower grade trick you into thinking you will not make a good nurse. Nursing is about people, as a prior poster said. Keep safety and your patients' best interests in mind, always mentally question what you are doing and why, and continuously and honestly evaluate yourself. This is key in recognizing where you need to improve, and really helps focus your study time. Good luck!