1st semester student needs advice

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 4, 2005

I have recently completed the first 8 wks, "Fundamentals of Nursing", with a 78.. and now will be starting "Adult Concepts" which is more physiology, my ? is, I have heard this course is sooo much harder than the first and have even heard if you didnt do that well in the 1st half you will fail the 2nd half. Can anyone please give me some advise or even expereince that have been through this!! I have to pass this course but if i struggled with the 1st half is that a bad sign??
thanks so much!!!

It's really hard to say. I have no way of knowing what your school's program is like and what all they cover. Our instructors told us to think of nursing school as a pyramid. The fundamentals are at the bottom and everything builds upon that. If there are cracks or missing pieces in your fundamentals foundation, then everything above that is going to be that much weaker.

Have you talked to your instructors about where you think the problem lies? That would be my first suggestion.

Good luck!

Fraggle · Mar 4, 2005

I would say yes, you'll have trouble with the second class. Not necessarily b/c of aptitude, but b/c you need to know how to do well on the way they ask questions. You need to learn how to study in a way that prepares you to answer nursing questions. That said, I think Med Surg and Med Surg II are easier b/c now I know how to study for those things.

Also, I think how you do on your first test in Med Surg/Adult is indicative of how you will fair on the second test or final. Then how you do in that course is a clue to how you'll do on the second half of adult. I see classmates who squeaked by in the first half and aren't doing well in the second. It's hard to pull yourself up. Easier to stay a bit above average in the first place.

Nesher, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2005

Learning how to BE a student can be difficult. There is usually a steep learning curve and sometimes the first semester may be harder because of this.

Another thing - any college has help..teaching you to take notes, study, set priorities, write papers etc. Don't be shy - use them - that's part of what you pay for.

Study groups with your peers may be a big help as well - look into that option.

There is no reason why your second semester can't be stellar. You have to not be afraid, use your resources, ask for help when you need it, and believe in yourself. All of which are needed qualities as a nurse.

Catys_With_Me · Mar 5, 2005

I agree, go see an advisor or instructor. Share your concerns and ask their opinions. They are the experts on your program and they will appreciate that you care enough to try to get on top of things right from the start. Maybe they can help you pinpoint any academic weak points you may have and will have advice on how to strengthen them so that you feel better prepared for their exams (assuming as you are that the material will be more difficult...)

But also I want to be sure to encourage you to keep going. Usually we are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for.

studentNY · Mar 5, 2005

A study group can make a big difference. I am in a group of 5. Wouldn't do more than that. We meet 3-4X before each test and review material. You have to meet were there aren't distractions. Room at library is the best. We go through all the power points (notes, whatever) and figure out anything one of us might not understand. All 5 of us have seen higher test scores since we started. Good luck:)