Very depressed after failing test-out today.

[Chrismurse]

Hi everyone. I am in my final semester of LPN school. Today I had a test out on trach care. I get through the whole procedure but was running out of time (15) minutes. My professor failed me because I did not tie the trach ties tight enough to secure the trach. I get a retest but if I fail that too then I have to repeat the whole semester in the Fall. For some reason I am very depressed about this and fear that I will not make it. Any advice or words of encouragement would be helpful as I feel like crap right now. Why is this so hard?

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Do you retest with another instructor? Just know that what one fails you for, another instructor won't give a hill of beans about. Some like to "mess with" a certain percentage of students (a continuation from being horrible nurses).

[njsdca]

https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/i-passed-nclex-415221.html

[Christine2009]

If that is all that you did wrong, then on the retest, make sure that you tie the trach ties correctly...do not beat yourself up over this. Study up on the procedure and go for it! Think positive thoughts and know that this time you will pass the test...at least you have a chance to repeat the procedure...at my school they throw people out of the program for not passing...count your blessings and cheer up!

[Chrismurse]

Thank-you every one for the kind words. I feel better today and I do have time to practice before the retest. I am so close to graduation I just need to hold on. :redpinkhe

[Qbert]

Just make sure you stay cool during the test. Make calculated and prudent decisions in a timely manner.

Make sure you understand what the instructor is wanting you to focus on with the failure.. a loose trach tie can mean harm to the patients airway!

I took my level 3 finals yesterday and did good across 1600 questions in 5 tests! was so nervous but had to keep my head clear and think about what my questions were really asking me. Its the same for skills.

Hope this helps!

Good luck!!

GOGOGO!

[nursetobe745]

Hy Chrismurse, if I can add something to what everybady said, is practice that procedure at home or in your lab call (if allowed) on and on and on. So that the next time not only you will be more confident, but most of all, you will be able to finish on time without breaking the sterility or forgetting anything. The trach care has so many little things that can easily make someone forget simple details once you are stressed out by something else like the time and the person watching you.

So just be calm, practice, and you will get it the next time.

[Chrismurse]

You guys are so supportive, thank-you. I am going in to practice today and Monday. The test out is on Tuesday so I will keep you guys posted on how I do. Thank-you again for all your input.

[tiroka03, LPN]

I like what everyone has told you. I think that most people are a little nervous about trachs. But, you are only on the spot for 15min. You can do that. Just imagine doing it correctl as you lean back an relax. Dream about doing it right, practice it at home. Don't let let yourself get bullied by fear and negative thoughts. You may need to be tested by another teacher. I think the thing that helped me most was to realize that if I failed - so did they. If too many students failed, the teacher would need to do some explaining to their boss. So, in a way you also hold a bit of power, in a twisted sort of way. But, knowing that might help you feel empowered enough to do it right. I am not sure if I am explaining it right, but it helped me.

[Chrismurse]

Sorry for the late post everyone, but good news I passed the test out!

Thank-you everyone for your support as I was not able to sleep, eat, play, laugh or anything. I just found out that I will graduate in 65 days. Thank-you all very much.

[jerseygirl06]

Congrats!!