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.
I'm finishing Nursing school this week and I have been done with the didactic part of it since Halloween. I have gotten B's in everything except OB and Peds (Ironically I will probably start in Women's health when I graduate) and every single instructor and Nurse I have worked with think I will be a wonderful and thorough RN. Why? I always did NCLEX questions on the subject matter before exams and when writing notes I would put it into ADPIE form so I always knew what to look for, what to do about it and how to tell if my interventions worked. This helps with care-planning and testing. Instead of reading the patho sections, watch videos or make concept maps for the major processes on each exam. And then you can focus on the nursing process. That first semester is tough because you are adjusting to the nursing model and you have a million things thrown at you. You are not stupid and this show ain't over yet! This fast paced program WILL get less overwhelming, but if you do nothing else, ALWAYS think ABC"s, patient safety, maslows (physical over psychological), acute vs chronic and least invasive measures first.[/quote']
This...
Great points made by many posters; SoliderNurse and donjohn as well to link his wonderful OP.
Nursing is an ever-evolving profession that must have the nurse be prepare to self-study and educate in addition to thinking like a nurse; the design if nursing school could be tightened up a bit; HOWEVER, nursing school has still presented the tools on how to think like a nurse.
One of the ways I learned to study was to focus on the boxes and objectives of the chapters; utilized the nursing process: ADPIE and care planning the material, and using NLCEX review questions to APPLY the material. That was the ONLY way I was able to pass.
I hope anyone on this thread and the OP are willing to utilize the suggestions presented...and like Esme said, stop by and ask for HELP!
Then again, you need to decide what's important. If 2 courses together is too much and you're worried for your ability to retain the information, slow down. Again--prioritize!
I don't know what school you went to or what program but in a nursing program you can't choose your classes. You have to take the courses as they're set up in the curriculum. This semester I had 4 classes including health assessment and pharm. We signed up for this so we need to learn how to get through it. I consider it a challenge that I'm willing to fight through!
I don't know what school you went to or what program but in a nursing program you can't choose your classes. You have to take the courses as they're set up in the curriculum. This semester I had 4 classes including health assessment and pharm. We signed up for this so we need to learn how to get through it. I consider it a challenge that I'm willing to fight through!
If the two classes the PP is struggling with are nursing in nature and built into the curriculum, then that's nothing she can help. But she indicated that she regretted taking both classes together, which would indicate that she had some say in whether or not she took them at the same time.
Of course, with a structured curriculum, you only have so much choice. But if you're taking corequesite courses, there is often a way to rearrange them so that the more difficult coreqs fall in line with the easier nursing courses and vice versa. That's all I was suggesting.
Have you talked with any of the students in your classes who are doing well? People on the internet can offer plenty of general tips and advice, but teachers and programs vary. Your fellow students who have the same teachers, same programs, etc, will likely have more specific advice.
I also agree with whoever said to seek out a tutor, and speak with your advisor. They want you to succeed and can give you a lot of support!
There are no tutors for my nursing programs, and at this point, there is nothing the advisors can do. Class is over with in a week
Additionally, my issue is not the inability to grasp the material, its the lack of time I have to retain all of the information for both classes. That is what I struggle with. One of the professors does not give a powerpoint nor offers any type of direction for her exams so I struggle greatly in her class. Im lost
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Most of my professors did not share their power points. The syllabus was clear as to which chapters/material we were responsible for each exam. Those that completed study guides/workbooks concurrently as well as the end of chapter questions were most successful. Some created outlines based upon pre-reading and filled in the gaps with notes during lecture. We were prohibited from recording lectures.
Why not ask your successful classmates for assistance? I did extremely well in nursing school by second quarter I was approached by several classmates for tips on successful studying. I don't do study groups. These were not individuals I would socialize with outside school either. But I offered specific times is be at the county library those that wanted help were free to meet me there. I did not share my notes or outlines but I did show some how I create their own study guides & outlines as well as additional resources that were included with our texts.
You seem to only list your barriers. Teachers want you to read too much. That teacher won't share power points. Classmates not study with you. School has no tutors. I don't have time. I can't grasp all this information in an short period of time.
Everybody is trying to help, but all we're hearing is "I can't." Maybe you are right, as hard as it is to say. I know it is harder to hear. But, at this point, with only a week left in class, there isn't much that can be done. Try to focus on the basic principles and patho, everything else stems from those. Also, if you are having problems with a specific professor, go talk with her. Ask her advice about how to pass. Ask her what areas you should focus on. There is no wave-the-magic wand solution to this, unfortunately. Good luck.
The hardest thing with nursing school is mastering what works for you. You may have to abandon your textbooks and find alternatives. Straight As series. Med-surge nursing made easy is another good series. Above All do practice questions they are what save you. Bottom line if it doesn't work toss it out. School is frustrating but when you get out there you'll find yourself using everything you learned sub consciously. Focus on passing the exams you don't have to do great you just have to get through . It may seem stupid but you will use all this stuff
then you have long clinicals(interrupt valuable study time)
If you are looking at your time in clinicals as just an interruption of your studying time, no wonder you aren't doing well. A good student LEARNS when he or she is in clinicals. That is when what you have been taught in the classroom comes to life before your eyes. It is an opportunity to synthesize the knowledge you have acquired, and put it to use. I have been a nursing instructor for eight years, and it still amazes me when I encounter students who do not see the educational value of time spent in a hospital...
One of the professors does not give a powerpoint nor offers any type of direction for her exams so I struggle greatly in her class. Im lost
Believe it or not, I went to nursing school before PowerPoint was invented. And I still managed to learn. Too many students are addicted to PowerPoint.
LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN
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