can't seem to keep up

[keristillwell]

I am in my first semester of Nursing school and already can't seem to keep up. I try so hard to keep on top of assignments and the reading but the teachers keep adding so much I can't keep up. I don't know what to do, I feel like I'm just getting through it and not really learning the material and that is not helping me at all. I know it is so important to actually learn this stuff, not only does each semester build on the previous but it's kind of important to know this for my career also. II'm already stressing out that if I do pass the NCLEX and get a job I'm not going to have a clue. Does it get any better or will the next few years just be more of the same? If so, does anyone have any recommendations on how to keep up? And to the mix that I have 2 kids, single mom, and work -HELP!

[Sand_Dollar, BSN]

I found my first semester to be the worst, I'm currently in semester 3 of 5. You are still trying to figure out what will actually work to stay organized while simultaneously trying to keep your head above water!

I use my day timer religiously, but it can only do so much. I found making myself a spreadsheet with every assignment due and sorted by date was the best. I now have a list on one page that I can use at a glance to know what's coming up. It's also a good feeling to cross off items and see that page getting more and more blocked out.

I don't really do much of the reading we are assigned. I might glance through the text, but our exams are tailored to what is taught in class, so I focus on the power points (this might be different in your school). I supplement this with the Saunders Comprehensive NCLEX-RN Review book. I use the CD and study questions about that system. For example, I'm in peds and have an exam on the respiratory & GU systems coming up. I quickly read over the PP's and then spend time going over the 400+ questions off the CD. This does a few things for me; it gets me comfortable with NCLEX style questions, it supplements my class stuff and it preps me for NCLEX (I'm killing a bunch of birds with one stone here!). I used this technique for my last peds exam and got every question right, including the harder extra credit questions.

What you need to do is tweak your own system until you find what works best for you.

And, don't waste your time worrying about getting a job once school is done. You have enough to focus on right now, you will have plenty of time for all that later.

[♑ Capricorn ♑]

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel you are drowning. :) And, I agree with Sand_Dollar . Don't be worrying about next week, next month, next year...worry about today. Get through today. Today's plate may be full and needs to be dealt with, now. The more one looks ahead, the more one may become overwhelmed. Not to say, that we shouldn't ever look ahead but don't make it your constant focus. If you understand what I mean.

Nursing school prepares you for NCLEX. Yes, one does learn how to be a nurse. We are taught how to think and act like a nurse. However, real world nursing is something different in itself. We don't always see or understand this while going through school. It is easy to get caught up with our emotions and anxieties over the smallest things which lead us to believe that we aren't capable, good-enough, and strong-enough to make it through school. You wouldn't be in school if one did not believe that you ARE capable, good-enough, strong-enough to be in school.

I would suggest getting a tutor. Why? Because even the best of the best need help too. We all need help in one form or another whether we are passing or failing, or just lost in our school work. A tutor may be able to help you get back on track. Help point out what is important and explain information in another way so you'd be able to understand it. A tutor may be able to give you some clues on how or what your instructor's line of thought is. Why they are saying this or that and how to differentiate what is important and what can slide. Often, these tutors are current nursing students who have already gone through the class you are currently in. They will be able to relate to you and vice versa. Of course, don't forget to ask your instructor questions, that goes without saying. But, I said it.

Buy an NCLEX book. Use it as a guide to what you are studying currently in school. Also, check out Prentice Hall Reviews & Rationales: Nursing Fundamentals by Mary Ann Hogan. You may find these extremely helpful with your studies.

Nursing school, single mom, working, and kids is a tall order. I certainly do feel for you. You've got alot on your plate. I can't speak for your personal life because I am not you and do not know what you are going through personally. But, for school buy and use a planner and wall/desk calendar and fill those "babies" out! Try and stick to what your daily plan is and get as much accomplished in that day.

Hope this helps. And, remember you are not alone in this. :)

[Despareux]

The advice you have received so far is very good. My first semester was horrendous! All of your learning will eventually begin to make sense, even those stupid little fluff papers you have to write--there's something to learn in everything you do.

I think the best advice you have received so far is to stop thinking that far ahead and only think in terms of one thing at a time; otherwise, you will overwhelm yourself.