Published Nov 30, 2013
Guitarstrings
21 Posts
With all the reading we are giving and expected to memorize, paired with minimal guidance and classroom time, how do they expect us to succeed? 2 classes over a 3 week period followed by a 50 point exam? And if I have a question or don't get it, then what?
I'm just very p.o.ed right now and getting very frustrated/borderline discouraged. All this hard work and I'm getting nothing to show for it expect disappointment and more frustration.
makes me want to cry right now.
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
20,908 Posts
Unfortunately this varies from program to program....we are happy to help here in the assistance forum. ((HUGS))
Thanks. I got 3 weeks of classes (read, 4 lectures, 3 exams and a final) and im sitting at a boarder/low end C-. If I fail...ill just retake the class I guess. I just get so angry at how the tests aren't reflective of working as a nurse, they are reflective of the NCLEX boards.
right now im trying to study fluid, electrolyte balances and shock...and im so stressed. After a peaceful, tear free thanksgiving I got to go back into cry mode ...or should I say :'(
EmilyEmily
141 Posts
I feel the same way about nursing school, it's not really designed to suit all learning styles, its only ideal for ppl who are really great at cramming. which I am not.
SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN
4 Articles; 2,058 Posts
I can't agree with this. Back when I was in school, we received a syllabus with reading assignments, written assignments, requirements and due dates all included. Every student had an advisor assigned within the college and our profs were very approachable. If you found yourself cramming in my college, it was entirely the fault of the student.
I can't agree with this. Back when I was in school, we received a syllabus with reading assignments, written assignments, requirements and due dates all included. Every student had an advisor assigned within the college and our profs were very approachable. If you ever find yourself cramming in my college, it was entirely the fault of the student.
my argument is the small time frame nursing students are given to retain a lot of material. it's not realistic or ideal for all students. the ones who are doing well are ppl who are really good at cramming for a test the night before. something I cannot do.
While it isn't ideal, it's the reality of not only nursing school, but nursing as a whole. There is a lot to know--a lot of very important, pertinent information to remember, and it is common that you won't feel like you have the time. My first year of practice as an actual RN, I often had information given to me at the start of shift that was brand new. I had to remember it or put my patients at risk.
Keep in mind as well that nursing school isn't about remembering everything. That's hardly the idea. The point of nursing school is initial exposure to the profession and to get nurses in training in the mindset of thinking like a nurse--it's the theoretical attempt to instill the foundation of critical thinking into the minds of future nurses who will soon have their hands on very real patients.
While it isn't ideal, it's the reality of not only nursing school, but nursing as a whole. There is a lot to know--a lot of very important, pertinent information to remember, and it is common that you won't feel like you have the time.
when the information is piled on to you, you're not really learning anything. just cramming. how does learning 20 chaps in a week make you a better nurse than someone who was given less chapters over a longer period of time? at least you have time to retain the information and do better on exams
My first year of practice as an actual RN, I often had information given to me at the start of shift that was brand new. I had to remember it or put my patients at risk.
but you could carry and bring that information with you. you also had staff to support you. you were not given 20 minutes to review it and then be tested on it
when the information is piled on to you, you're not really learning anything. just cramming. how does learning 20 chaps in a week make you a better nurse than someone who was given less chapters over a longer period of time? at least you have time to retain the information and do better on examsbut you could carry and bring that information with you. you also had staff to support you. you were not given 20 minutes to review it and then be tested on it
You're being given 20 chapters to read in a week? Really? Are you in an accelerated program? And when are you given info with only 20 minutes for review before testing? Either you're exaggerating or your nursing program is poorly organized.
Nursing is all about prioritizing. Look at this as a great way to start learning that fine art. It'll serve you well in the long run.
loriangel14, RN
6,931 Posts
it's true there is a lot of information to take in but i don't see how they would do it any differently.Make BSN 6 years instead of 4? As other posters have said, you will develop time management skills that will come in handy later.
with two courses combined, yes, it is quite a lot of chaps to read. then you have long clinicals(interrupt valuable study time), careplans, etc. not much time to really grasp the material. it has nothing to do with my prioritization skills. I just need more time to learn the material
Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN
6 Articles; 11,936 Posts
You're being given 20 chapters to read in a week? Really? Are you in an accelerated program? And when are you given info with only 20 minutes for review before testing? Either you're exaggerating or your nursing program is poorly organized.Nursing is all about prioritizing. Look at this as a great way to start learning that fine art. It'll serve you well in the long run.
Nursing also isn't about rote memorization of facts out of a book. It's about how to apply that knowledge. There's also the big difference between high school and higher education. You, not the instructor, are responsible for your learning. Going along with what soldiernurse said, you need to decide what is important. Is some of the reading a repeat from the prerequisites? Skimming those chapters would probably be sufficient. As you get further along in the program, these decisions become easier.