Scared Crapless

1969 · Apr 30, 2011

No, don't quit. There are a few things you could do. First, talk to your instructors about your testing and studying habits. There is definitely a WAY to study for this nursing stuff. It's tough. It's not just memorizing, it's understanding the whys of it all. People don't realize how hard it can be to switch up your brain to learn this way when you're not used to it.

Also try doing the questions in the chapters of the text, ATI, Davis, etc, they all have websites you can use, some need codes some don't. Check the websites in all of your books, they are usually there.

By all means, though, don't quit. You can do this, just ask for some help asap,

good luck.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Apr 30, 2011

Tips? Dont wait until you have 6 days to ask for help.

jweb · Apr 30, 2011

Thank u, 1969. I wasn't doing too terribly this whole semester but something trhew me off on this last test. The positives are that we get a study guide. I already have an advanced copy from a previous student. I'm gonna try some different things in preparation. Including what u suggested. I also read on this site that turning each note into a question. That may work. I will certaibly try it. That guy, I realize 6 days isn't a very long time. However, I stated that the test that I didn't do well on was just last wednesday. I do have some sort of a knowledge base that has kept me afloat during the semester. I merely wondered if I could get some tips to enhance my studying for my last test since it is very important that I get a B. I understand the need for realism, but I thought this site was to assist and encourage and give real advice. Sarcasm isn't beneficial to me; nor did I make the testing schedule for the class. Just failed the test wednesday. I didn't think Friday was too late to ask for advice for to assist in the studying that I am already doing. People come to this site for real advice, if u don't have any to share please be kind and leave the posting of replies to someone who does.

whichway · Apr 30, 2011

For me, I make flash cards. I make about 50 from the study guide. Then I have someone flash me. Those cards I didn't get right, I write 25 times. Reflash and repeat. It helps me retain the knowledge base. Then go to practice test questions on concepts and see where the disconnect is. There's normally 4 answers- 1 is off, 3 are good. Of the 3 good, 1 has detail which is a little off and of the other 2 good ones, 1 has higher priority.

Once you get through this test, there's something else which has helped me. When we take a test, we review the test so we can see what the correct answer was and what we answered. That review helps me understand the logic. If don't have that review as a class, you might want to request if your instructor would do it with you for future reference.

starry_midnight · Apr 30, 2011

Good luck!!!! Don't give up! :)

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Apr 30, 2011

Okay, here is what I figured you need on your final to pass (based upon what is in your post) 92%. You can do it. Can you look at your old tests? If so, look at them. If your final is a comprehensive, you may see similar questions on the final. Also, you will be able to see why you missed the questions, especially the last test. THEN you will know what is being asked. Finally, with six days left, make sure you have a working understanding of the pathology and the nursing assessment/interventions associated with it.

“Teach” the material in your room. I know this sounds silly, but those who can teach the material have a good understanding of it. Besides, you will be able to “listen” to the lecture again!

Good luck. You will be fine.

jweb · Apr 30, 2011

Thanks guys! It's fortunately not that dire. I only really need an 80. We had a paper and some other things to help ou But I don't habe to tell u how hard it is to get an 80sometimes in nurseing school. I'm gonna study as hard as I can and use the tips u guys have suggested. Thanks for all the encouragemen. I was so down because -'d really been holding steady until that last test.

jweb · Apr 30, 2011

Wow.... that touch screen key pad is a beast. My replies are barely legible!

mangopeach · Apr 30, 2011

Don't panic. Last thing you want right now is to be in panic mode. Just tell yourself you can do it and believe it! I don't have much advice, I'm a first semester student myself.Still working on what works best, I've done well on all my exams but I still have not figured out the best way to study. I spend a lot of hours studying and doing NCLEX questions. One suggestion, if you can get your hands on a copy of Nursing Fundamentals Reviews and Rationales, it might help. It doesn't replace the textbook or powerpoints but I find it to be a nice review and sometimes helps me understand a concept better than the textbook.

Good luck!

pitaya · Apr 30, 2011

6 days left - split up the chapters into days. Like if you covered 24 chapters, I would go over 4 chapters/day. Go over the notes, no time to read everything. Spend more time on what didn't make sense. Do practice questions. Breathe. Good luck!

kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN · May 1, 2011

To the OP, I just want to clarify something...I'm doing some math here. You said that you were doing ok this whole semester, and something "threw you off on this LAST TEST". You say you got a 65 on this last test and now have a 71 average right? Even if you have 3 tests and a final in the class, you haven't made over a 75 on ANY test this semester. 75+75+65 average will give you a 71.7. And if you had 4 tests this semester, you made UNDER a 75 on all tests. 72+74+72+65 averaged will give you a 71. Not being sarcastic, but it sounds like you should have been looking for some advice way back in the semester because something threw you off on ALL the tests. The problem is that you have 6 days to completely change what you've been doing the past few months, on information that you honestly probably haven't grasped the way you should. It's possible, but I can't tell how to do it because I'm not sure what you've missed, what you don't understand, and what information you have to cover. Everyone on this board will tell you a DIFFERENT way to to study, and what works for one person may not work for the other. I strongly advise against using someone else's study guide. You'll find out that someone's notes and little ways to know stuff will often confuse you. And if you go to the instructor, they'll see that you haven't done so hot this semester, and know that you are JUST NOW coming to them for help. When a student has struggled the entire semester, and come in within the LAST WEEK of the semester for help..you won't get much sympathy and will probably be told that you should have come sooner. Good luck though, find what works for you.