Struggling to meet the bare minimum in one class...need support

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I'm doing good so far in every class but ONE. The crazy thing is that the class is really not that hard but for some reason I keep changing my answer to the wrong one, which results in me receiving an overall lower grade than what i should have gotten. Everyone else in the class is passing but me. I received two mid 60s on the first two exams. The next couple I will need an 85 or higher to meet the bare minimum in order to pass. I am very stressed out and cannot afford to retake this class over. I am under a lot of pressure from my family to pass. I know there is nothing you all can do I just need some support. I talked about this with one of my classmates but she didn't seem to care at all. Everyone is just worried about themselves

I'm doing good so far in every class but ONE. The crazy thing is that the class is really not that hard but for some reason I keep changing my answer to the wrong one which results in me receiving an overall lower grade than what i should have gotten. Everyone else in the class is passing but me. I received two mid 60s on the first two exams. The next couple I will need an 85 or higher to meet the bare minimum in order to pass. I am very stressed out and cannot afford to retake this class over. I am under a lot of pressure from my family to pass. I know there is nothing you all can do I just need some support. I talked about this with one of my classmates but she didn't seem to care at all. Everyone is just worried about themselves[/quote']

I was in the exact same position as you Emily! It was my OB/ Pedis class. I just couldn't not get it- I would study and knew the information,but once I started taking the tests, it was a extremely different story. I think I the more I stressed and worried the worst I did on the test. I was a vicious cycle. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to recover my grade enough after taking my final in the class, so I had to take the class again at the end of my program. I know that is not helpful to you, but maybe taking a step back from the stress might help, since stressing about it just made me do worst. For the next time around, I just use all the resources available to me- videos, pictures, online quizzes, anything and I did excellent. So in your case maybe doing that now will help you. Some people do well when studying with others, not me, but you can try that. All you can do is keep studying and do your best.

P.s even after repeating the class, I passed my NCLEX the first time and am now a working RN, so everything will fall into place- don't give up!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

What is this Lippincott business?

Lippincott's alternative question format gives you techniques on SATA, prioritization, etc. Great book on how to approach questions. Most of my cohorts and I used this book, especially at the senior level. It was recommended by our instructors as part of our "Recommended Reading"...a lot of those recommended readings help boost application to the material, as well as grades, in my experience...if its a book that helps with critical think approaches, question and answers that help gear you to that nurse think and passing the boards, don't pass it up...just giving anyone who questions "Recommended Reading" BUY those books and rent your text books...helps out in the long run!!! Never failed a nursing course AGAIN! :)

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

Lippincott's alternative question format gives you techniques on SATA, prioritization, etc. Great book on how to approach questions. Most of my cohorts and I used this book, especially at the senior level. It was recommended by our instructors as part of our "Recommended Reading"...a lot of those recommended readings help boost application to the material, as well as grades, in my experience...if its a book that helps with critical think approaches, question and answers that help gear you to that nurse think and passing the boards, don't pass it up...just giving anyone who questions "Recommended Reading" BUY those books and rent your text books...helps out in the long run!!! Never failed a nursing course AGAIN! :)

Oh, that's cool! I may look into it. I have an obsession with resource materials (my stack of non-required books is 3xs as high as my textbook stack). Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) our elderly professors aren't very technologically advanced and haven't figured out to test us using SATA format, much less any fancy audio/video type things. Good for me, but I don't want it to affect my NCLEX ability.

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Emily,

Also, if the critical thinking questions are getting to you- think ABCs in every question! I took the Kaplan course and it was fantastic, if you the know the material and you are just having problem taking the test, buy an NCLEX book and focus on whatever Nursing topics you are studying now. There are multiple ways of answering critical thinking questions so studies those strategies- again buy a NCLEX or do research online, as well as ask your instructors for specific tips on how to answer questions.

Again don't give up and stay positive.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Oh, that's cool! I may look into it. I have an obsession with resource materials (my stack of non-required books is 3xs as high as my textbook stack). Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) our elderly professors aren't very technologically advanced and haven't figured out to test us using SATA format, much less any fancy audio/video type things. Good for me, but I don't want it to affect my NCLEX ability.

If your Recommended Book pile is higher than your textbook pile, to me, you are on the right track, especially if they are updated...your professors may have Stone Age technology, but at least give you what you need to stay current. They are using old school critical thinking...when technology goes down or a supply that cannot be found or not ordered, many "techniques" were used to help guide pt care...so they are guiding you despite their technological limitations...promise!! :)

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Have you tried study groups or office hours with your instructor?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Guys can I please remind everyone as per Terms of Service of the site we do not recommend sharing material that will come under copyright laws

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.

Emily, I am sorry you are having so much trouble. I am going to post a link to some videos on youtube that I found helpful for me. I am not sure if they will help you, but just by the link you may find others that relate to you.

https://www.youtube.com/user/dearnurses/videos

I have not read all the replies, but I will assume you have spoken to your professor, you can also approach another professor and ask for guidance. Does your school have a mentorship program?

As for other students being worried about themselves, they are probably struggling or worried about themselves as well as you are. Sometimes while having a coffee break, I would meet students who were in classes ahead of mine, and since they had already taken classes that I was in already, I would ask them questions and more often than not, they would be wonderful in giving me ideas and suggestions. Try that.

I wish you the best... do not give up, no one can kill your dream other than you. Sending you hugs.

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