What's wrong with me?

Published

I am 5 months into Nursing school, taking Fundamentals. So far, I have been passing with a C. A bit of background, I was one of those students who did not need to study and I would still receive A's. Fast forward- from my very first exam I quickly noticed Nursing school would require much more, therefore I studied and read a lot.

My dilemma right now is, I have about 4 more weeks to complete this semester and Med Surg will begin in May. I Just failed one of my exams by 2 points, therefore I only have 2 more exams to increase my grade and those exams will be on Fluids and Electrolytes (which I'm told is very difficult). I am not sure what is wrong with me or if it's just extreme test anxiety. I know the information, but for some strange reason that I cannot comprehend I'm getting C's or failing. I find that while sitting the exam, I sometimes choose the right answer and then erase it. Also, as soon as the time is up, all the wrong answers I chose comes rushing to my brain. Finally, when I review the exam, it's as though I did not read the exam, because there is no way I would choose some of the answers I did. Ps- This is only happening on my lecture exams

If anyone has any tips on how they prepare for an exam/ tips on how to deal with test anxiety, please share.

Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nursing school required a shift in how I thought about how to answer a question. In classes I took prior that were unrelated to nursing, I could argue my way to a correct answer through open ended test questions. Perhaps you are dealing with the same issues? For me, it was all about doing practice questions. Studying in groups also helped.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for replying. I don't think that's the issue, mainly because of the time allotted to take the exam. I'm only able to read the question a couple of times and then I choose an answer, I don't really get the time to question and rationalize each answer(which would be helpful). I also find myself re-reading the questions and becoming flustered. This is so frustrating because I'm actually reading and I know the material, but once again it does not translate on the exam. :( I am now trying to practice more questions though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Take calm breaths and try not to worry. DON'T change the answers! Go with your first instinct. Personally I thought the NCLEX was easier than several of my classes tests.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The only time I get "test anxiety" is when I'm not prepared for the test I'm taking. Are you studying for the test you're taking, or the test you think you're going to take?

Also, never change your answers. I've usually found my initial instinct is correct.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nursing questions and nursing exams require a distinct approach that it is in some ways unique to nursing. It's not as straightforward as a lot of other multiple choice type exams. Unfortunately I didn't fully comprehend this until I was studying for my NCLEX. My grades would have been much better if I had.

Ask your teachers what resources are available to help you with this. Often they have "retention specialists" or other people there to help tutor you. Inform them that you need help with your approach to the questions, not the material itself. They should be able to guide you. There are resources online for how to approach NCLEX style questions as well.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you, I sat down with my professor today and she recommended some other materials, along with ear plugs and relaxation techniques..lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The only time I get "test anxiety" is when I'm not prepared for the test I'm taking. Are you studying for the test you're taking, or the test you think you're going to take?

Also, never change your answers. I've usually found my initial instinct is correct.

Good luck.

Initially that was the case. I studied for a far more complicated test (paying attention to intricate details), only to see that the questions were the basic fundamentals. I definitely know the material, just need more practice on how to apply it and stay calm. Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do practice questions! They help you apply the information you already know into real world scenarios.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would suggest studying to understand the information. Understand why each symptom occurs and how the pathophys correlates to a response in the body this makes application a lot easier. I also suggest getting an NCLEX book for practice questions. Research shows the best way to learn is to recall and apply knowledge.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are over thinking it. Nursing school is not black and white. There often is no totally wrong answer but varied correct answers. Your job is to select the "best" answer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would tell my students to read the question completely before answering. Try and answer the question before looking at the answers given. My saying to them was, "know what it is so you will know what it ain't". I also had a few students that I made them take their eraser off their pencils. Breathe! Make flash cards. Take your time unless of course it is timed, leave more difficult questions for last. You can do this but I know some days you feel you can't. There are so many free reference information "easy to learn" electrolytes/fluid balance help that you may benefit from. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion