Should I just give up on nursing?

allnurses Guide · Sep 8, 2009

Are you historically a bad test taker? Three times to do that poorly is indicative of a problem somewhere, whether it is a lack of knowledge, an inability to control nerves or what have you. I would never tell you to give up. I would, however, encourage you to make it your mission in life to figure out what the problem is, whether that is through tutors, advisors, counseling, classes on how to study, classes on test taking or whatever you can figure out.

nyhoneydew · Sep 8, 2009

Maybe you're just not a good test taker. It sounds like you are studying too much. Try a different approach in your studying skills like reading it aloud or in blocks (taking out a section at a time foucus on that and then quizzing yourself). Try to figure out what issue you have with taking a test and build from there. I make up songs or poems even jokes to help me remember all the information we learn. One big thing that I do is study in an environment that is not stressful and free from chaos I study for an hour or so then take a break and give myself time to soak the information in. My Psych professor taught me to study for 1 hour at a time basically because your brain needs time for the new information to be stored it into your long term memory. Don't overload yourself and never give up. You'll get it eventually. Good luck!

ernurse2015 · Sep 8, 2009

Thanks for the vote of confidence and the information. I am not a good test taker when it comes to trying to absorb everything I have learned in all of my classes and apply it to a timed test like this. I just need to stop beating myself up over not doing good on the test. There are my other classmates who got in on the 1st try and I ask them what they did to study. They used the same study guide I did. I am probably studying way to hard and over analyzing things.

ernurse2015 · Sep 9, 2009

I am not naturally a bad test taker. When I have a test in a particular subject I do quit well getting an A or B on exams. I will reach out to a school counselor and the school to see if they have tutors in stuff like this. This is my dream to be a nurse. My brother tells me not to be nervous to be confident in what I know and not to worry about it.

Thanks for the advice....

copelald · Sep 10, 2009

Hi there, dont be so hard on yourself. The NLN is not a very easy exam. Some people brag about how easy it is, and others have a tuff time (like myself). With the RN program that I am trying to get in, you ONLY have to score in the 50th. Anything above 50 is good, but 50 gets you in. Anything below 50 is not acceptable. I look at it like this, if you were me that would be an excellent percentile just to guarantee you a seat! :wink2: I am taking it again this saturday 9-12 because the 1st time around I scored in the 37th percentile, so I missed passing it by 13 pts. Imagine how I feel! I guess it all depends on what your school is requiring you to score, but if it makes you feel any better you scored high enough to definantly get in at the school I am attending. I am a nervous wreck about taking it again. There is always some one in a worse situation than you. I have been studying for the last few months too, and I would be more than happy to get a 50..not 51, 60, 80..but a 50! Cheer Up :wink2:

ernurse2015 · Sep 11, 2009

Thanks for the vote of confidence. At our school you have to be in upper 80-90 percentile. They start at 99% and count down from there. So, if nobody got 99% they count down to the next percent and that is how they choose. There are only 60 seats available but that seems to be the same ever 2 year school. I have reached out to getting a tutor from a place that helps all type of students and ages with test taking skills and different subjects. Hopefully, that will help immensely. I do bad on the verbal part because the short stories I want to read it completely and answer the questions along the way. I have gotten excellent feedback which gives me hope.

I really want to be a nurse it has been a life long dream of mine. I like the fact of being able to make a difference is someones life and to be constantly learning something new everyday. I will forge on with my dream and not give up although the road has been long. Once I am in the program I will feel much better but I just need to have confidence in myself. The information is in my head just need to get it on the paper.

Good luck with your NLN exam and let me know how it goes.

copelald · Sep 11, 2009

Yeah, I dont like the fact that every school's percentile range is different. You can and WILL do it :wink2:. I will definantly let you know how I do on my exam tommorow.

markuskristian · Sep 12, 2009

Perhaps this is just 'crude advice,' but what keeps me motivated is when I see SOME of the nurses around hospitals. I think, "if this dumb*** can do it, then I definitely can."

Again, crude advice, please no one take offense.

luckygirlCAcna · Sep 12, 2009

Perhaps this is just 'crude advice,' but what keeps me motivated is when I see SOME of the nurses around hospitals. I think, "if this dumb*** can do it, then I definitely can."
Again, crude advice, please no one take offense.

LOL!!! hey whatever works!!

2Be a Nurse:

Don't give up! You can do it!! Good luck :wink2:

copelald · Sep 12, 2009

2be a nurse..

i passed the nln! guess what i made????!! i scored in the 50th percentile right on the dot!! i am so excited right now! i cannot believe that i made the exact score that is required by my school. it could have been a 49 or below and it wasn't! remember what i said, dont give up ever..or just come to fl with me. :)

bbroge143 · Sep 13, 2009

2be a nurse - Don't give up! Just keep your head up! Good luck!

Copelald - Congrats!!