There appears to be a problem

[FunkyMama1733]

You see, apparently I have a hole in my head somewhere. A hole where all of the nursing stuff I study falls right back out again.

In all seriousness, I'm not sure what to do. I have a final exam in 2 days. I have consistently studied throughout this semester, I have hit the books as often as I can (which is at least 4 times a week, at LEAST), I have 4 different NCLEX style review books with rationales, I have flashcards, I have everything I can think of. I don't know what the problem is. I have had a lot of issues in my personal life that are extremely stressful (surgery, divorce, deaths, you name it, 2011 was the year of suck), but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't be able to manage this too. I was an honor student when I went to college the first time 10 years ago. I seem to do just fine at clinical, but for whatever reason, I cannot wrap my brain around remembering the basic facts to be utilized to critically think my way through the test questions. I can figure it out on the floor at clinical. I am really good at a few subjects. I won't even bother complaining about my program (it has the best NCLEX pass rate, but the highest flunk out rate, a LOT of complaints about the program from our Board of Nursing. I, of course, didn't know any of this when I enrolled, but I am not about to start over now).

This Final is over 689 pages of material. We are having a lecture tomorrow, and that material will be on the final too, the next day. It's comprehensive. And I feel like a complete and total moron.

Words of wisdom? Thoughts? Tips? Tricks? A stiff drink?

I guess, I just need to hope and pray that when actually sat down in front of an exam that I will do well. It's worth essentially most of our grade for the class, so it will make or break my already mediocre grade. Which, is also frustrating, but I digress. Anways, I guess I just need some ideas and reassurance. Thanks!

[Elymadry]

Hey, don't despair, hang in there. You'll get through it (I know is easier said than done), just like u r almost through this horrible year. And, I am sorry about all you've had to endured this year. But, think about it, I believe the worst its over....getting accepted to a nursing program.....its so competitive this days and still u got accepted....isn't that awesome? Now, all u have to do is keep moving forward. All your effort and sacrifices will pay off at the end. There's always a light at the end of the tunnel. Don't lose hope and believe in yourself. As far as your final....try having a drink or two....it may help u retain the info better. LOL =0) J/K On a serious note, Good Luck!!!

[njmomstudent]

I think its balls that they are having new material one day and the final the next. We have the same issue at our school with flunking, but 100% of graduates passed the nclex. You can do this. I know I had some serious crap happen every semester too (very close to divorce, 2 grandparent deaths, brother in law in heart failure 2 hours away we had to run up there every 5 minutes for the whole semester, etc.) but I made it. Relax and really read. Don't freak out, just get mad at the test (that always makes me do better for some reason). If you've read the material in the texts and studied your notes you will pass. GOOD LUCK!!