Staying motivated, avoiding a downward Spiral

Published

I have been lurking these forums for awhile, and I have read some similar threads regarding these topics. I will tell you my short story. I started taking pre-reqs summer 2008. I received A's in both A&P I and II. these were the only two courses I am required to take prior to admission. The courses were very hard, many people had difficulty in such intensive classes in a short amount of time. I stayed motivated and was truely interested in learning the subject matter every day I was in class. I am in a ADN RN program, I started in Sept. (2008). I am 1/3rd of the way through my first semester (ADN1 fundamentals). The courses obviously are nothing like A&P, learning theory and more subjective material. My study methods are no longer valid for this type of class. I received an 88 on my first test. I was happy with the grade, and upon reviewing it I understood my mistakes, and realized I could of easily gotten an A. Our next test a minor med test (10 questions), I received a 70! I know this is still passing, but I spent the day before constantly drilling the index cards I had made up of 10 meds. into my head. I felt comfortable with the meds, apparently I was not prepared enough. These were the only two test I have had so far, and since receiving the last grade I have just been in a horrible mood, and have had no motivation to continue studying for my next exam. My study habits are to read all of the material while making my own notes, take notes in class and rewrite the powerpoint presentations, while adding info from the text. For meds I use index cards, as I did in A&PII. I just wanted to vent a little. Am I stressing too much? I am really unhappy about the 70, however, I realize there is nothing I can do about it now and should just try my best in the future, but it is hard to get motivated to study for the next exam. Also lately the instructors have been hinting that not everyone will make it through the program further adding to my anxiety and lack of motivation. Thanks for reading, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, ER.

Welcome to Nursing School! I believe a number of us got the shock of going from a straight A student to being happy with a B (sometimes a C).

Personally, I had to change the way I study. It must have some place where I can concentrate, I read the material much more meticulously...that sort of thing. I have 4 children, (all grown up now :crying2:)so I can usually tune out most anything, but I have found that if the TV is on or there is music other than instrumental, it is too many words for my brain!:no:

So, I suggest you take a deep breath and hang in there. It is true that some don't make it through NS, but you are doing the things it takes to make it! Based on the way you described your study habits, you have the discipline and drive to do well. :yeah: We all have those tests we'd like a "do over" on, but you are right, you can't change what is already done. What you can do is to use the experience as a stepping stone up:D

Just keep going, it will all be finished before you know it!:nurse:

Ann

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have also learned that it is nearly impossible to memorize everything. The amount of knowledge we read is very intimidating. In A&P I was able to understand physiology and the anatomy, practically able to recite what I learned in the reading and lectures. This is just impossible with nursing courses. Am I completely wrong? It is very distracting to see that there are say over 200 pages to read left for this unit. I gather that we are more required to learn theories and the reading is to prepare us to critically think and analyze the test questions, rather then knwoing simply, A+B=C. thank you for the validation :D. Also I am currently learning Nursing diagnosis; unhealthy view on health and wellness related to etiology 2nd to evidence/med diagnosis, etc... This concept is tough for me, I am slowly starting to understand, and will eventually get it. Have other students/nurses felt similar to the way I feel?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

C means continue!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have also learned that it is nearly impossible to memorize everything. The amount of knowledge we read is very intimidating. In A&P I was able to understand physiology and the anatomy, practically able to recite what I learned in the reading and lectures. This is just impossible with nursing courses. Am I completely wrong? It is very distracting to see that there are say over 200 pages to read left for this unit. I gather that we are more required to learn theories and the reading is to prepare us to critically think and analyze the test questions, rather then knwoing simply, A+B=C. thank you for the validation :D. Also I am currently learning Nursing diagnosis; unhealthy view on health and wellness related to etiology 2nd to evidence/med diagnosis, etc... This concept is tough for me, I am slowly starting to understand, and will eventually get it. Have other students/nurses felt similar to the way I feel?

I hear you! I think a lot of our class is experiencing the same struggles. Studying "hard" science like Anatomy and Physiology is very different than studying theory. We've only been in school for three weeks but there are many freaked out students. Everyone is tending to enjoy Pathophysiology more than theory - probably because it's concrete thinking and memorization vs. abstract concepts and critical thinking. I too am unsure of how I'll be studying for nursing theory so if you discover any tips be sure to pass them along. I just wanted to let you know that you're definitely not alone!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion