Really need some tips...

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Hi! I am new here and I would really like some advice. I started the LPN program in August and I never imagined how stressful this would be! I am a single mother of a 4 yo and a 2 yo. The kids go to bed at 8:00 and I stay up an extra 4-6 hours after that every night to study. I never get any sleep, but that is the ONLY time it's quiet at my house! I also listen to recorded lectures in my car on the way to and from school. (It's an hour drive) I feel like all I do is study, and I still failed a test last week!!! :crying2: I was in tears all weekend because I don't know what else I can do. I feel like such a failure. I can bring that grade up, but I'll need an A on every test in the class. I know it can be done, but at the rate I'm going it's not going to happen. I really need some study tips if you have any to offer. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but I have to change something so I can make it through this. QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION!!! I am determined to make it through this. I just have to figure out how.:confused:

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Medsurg.

I'm sorry you are going through this. Its tough and especially tough with kids. But you CAN do this!! and I'm glad to hear the determination in your words.

There is a great post somewhere on here about how someone passes tests. I can't seem to find it at the moment though, so I'll just summarize what I do.

Our school works in units so we have a test every 2-3 weeks on that paticular unit. The weekend after our previous test, I look at our outline for the next unit and will skim all the chapters. So I have an idea what we will be learning. I then go back and will read the entire chapter, taking notes as necessary. When we get into lecture, I use the same 3 ring binder to take notes and insert pages into my reading notes where they belong with a highlighted "LECTURE" in the upper corner so I can easily identify that this was the info the instructor deemed important enough to go over in class. (I like to keep all my notes in one place, makes it easier for me to study later on).

After lecture, I will usually go over my notes and make flashcards, if I'm able. I'm usually a flashcard person but so far in nursing school I haven't found them as helpful but I still do them. The process of writing them helps me. However, I have been known to read them in grocery store lines and while making dinner.

Once I have read all my chapters and studied my notes I then do the accompanying workbook or website practice tests or whatever I can find on the web to test what I know/or dont know. After I get a grip on that I go back to the books and concentrate on the areas I just didnt get.

I DO NOT study the night before the test. I go to bed early and wake up and treat myself to Burger King breakfast (thats my prize for studying so hard lol). I get to school close to test time so I dont have to listen to other students stressing about not knowing this or that.

OK, aside from HOW to study, there is something else that I have found. I have children also, granted I'm married to a wonderful man BUT...I have got to leave the house to study. I just can't study effectively at home. Is there anyway the kids could stay with their sitter/daycare for an extra hour after your class so you could study? What about on weekends? Its a great idea to study when they go to bed but if you aren't getting sleep you aren't going to absorb as much as you could. Maybe do a few hours but then quit and get some sleep, your body/brain needs that time to regroup. I think that is the biggest piece of advice I can offer you.

I know its hard to be away from the kids especially if you have to study but you are doing this to make a better life for them and its not forever. Its temporary. If you family or friends that could help you with child care it may be of benefit.

Just my :twocents:. Hope this helps and keep your chin up. You CAN do this!!

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Thanks! Those are some really good tips. I especially like the one about not studying the night before the test because I've been staying up really late that night to study too. Maybe that's my problem...maybe my brain goes to sleep on me!:lol2: As for the kids, I can't afford daycare right now. My daughter is in Pre-K and my mom keeps my son while I'm at school and clinicals. I've been trying to find a way to get an extra hour a day, but my mom can't keep them any extra time and I don't really have alot of options. I guess I'll just try these techniques for now and see how that works for me. Thanks again pharmgirl!

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Specializes in heart failure and prison.

I use Nclex books to help me, I only use the text books if I don't understand. Whatever my topic is on I study the nclex chapter. For example If we are doing respiratory in class, then I do the respiratory chapter in nclex and I do the nclex questions along with that topic. Also, focus on what is the question asking you. When answering these questions try to apply the nursing process assess, nurse dx, planning, implementation & evaluation (ADPIE). Always cross off two answers that you no is incorrect, then go back and re-read the question. Good luck, I hope this help you

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