What to do about completing the nursing program?

[MamaGyrl]

Ok here it goes: I entered nursing school May 07 and was actually done July 08 minus me passing my school's comprehensive (I failed 2 times and can only take it once more). I was an OK student if you ask me but for some reason I couldn't pass the comprehensive (this test would allow me to get my diploma from LPN school and sit for the NCLEX), guess since I was not studying or focusing enough. I first took the comprehensive July 2008 and failed it by like 10 points and then in Aug 08 my brother was shot and killed and I was like one of the worst things I ever experienced but I still decided to go to my school and take the comprehensive again Oct 08. Well I failed it again and I have not taken it since then. Truthfully I really am not over my brother's murder and I'm sure I will never be but it is so very hard for me to focus again and to pick that book up and do what I know I can. I actually took the 1st step in overcoming this fear today by calling my school and explaining the situation and I was told that I have to take the review course again which is $300 and try again. I really don't have the money to do that but I know that I have to do it because I didn't go to LPN school for no reason and I didn't take out a Sallie Mae loan (which I am still paying back) for nothing either. My question is: does anyone have any ideas on how to get back on track and how to actually focus on school work again? Also I think that I am afraid of failing again especially since if I do I will have to take some more classes for a refresher and have to pay more money. I already know it will come down to me just setting my mind to do it and doing it!

[Christine2009]

I am so sorry to hear about your brother, but you need to get back on the "band wagon" and complete what you started.

First I suggest that you take your book(s) and start going through them with a fine tooth comb. Note items that pop out at you. Study for an hour, take a break and get back in there.

Ask your instructors for assistance in studying and see if there are other students struggling also that you could study with. Get rid of your "stinkin thinkin" and plan to pass!!! With a lot of hard work and effort, you WILL succeed, you just need to get in there and do it.

Sorry if this post sounds harsh, but even though you are still greiving your brother's murder , be determined that NOTHING is going to stop you from achieving your goal of becoming a nurse!!!

[canadiangradschoolrn]

Im sorry about your brothers death.

I think first you need to receive some kind of support to grieve through the process. Talk to friends and family, to be able to overcome your feeling to some extent. You may also need counselling and if it bothers you that much. I suggest you go for counselling.

Seek support of your instructors in studying. Have a goal, a plan for every week to keep you motivated. Also, you should try and review past questions. If there are no past questions, go to website of books, such as the prentice hall website. They have questions from their website that you can try and study. Complete those questions.

Finally, seek a support system in studying. Try to find out who is taking the exam as you are and study with them. Ask each other questions and challenge each others critical thinking.

[MamaGyrl]

Thank you both for the posts and I am well on my way because I will be studying with a study group every other Saturday (hopefully). Either way just like canadiangradschoolrn said I really have to take it one day at a time and have a goal and plan for every week. You both gave me something to think about and thanks for that. I will make a promise to myself and post it on my refrigerator and my bathroom mirror to remind myself all that I have already accomplished and what I'm still working on.

[hummingbird11]

Hi! I recently graduated from an LVN course here in California. Half of our class did not graduate after having taken the exit exam 3 times and failed. Come to find out, they can still take the NCLEX! They will not be graduates of the school, but can still get their license if they pass! It's called challenging the NCLEX. Please contact the Board in your state to find out if they have the same thing. That way,all of your hard work won't be for nothing! Good luck!