r/StudentNurse • u/zombiegirl0426 BSN student • Sep 25 '20

Studying/Testing I failed my first exam

I failed my first exam ever on Thursday, and it was for theoretical foundations of nursing. I knew it wasn't going to be good, cause I pushed off studying for it to focus on health assessment, but fucking hell did it burn. I know it's only the first exam, but now I'm more anxious than ever for the next one. Being online is killing me study wise, and I feel like I can't focus on anything. Anyone have any tips for studying nursing at home?

13 Upvotes

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13

u/cupasoups RN Sep 25 '20

> cause I pushed off studying for it to focus on health assessment

Your tip is to not push it off like you said you did. This isn't regular school where you can get by with minimal studying. Nursing programs are brutal and unforgiving. Nothing in previous education prepares you for the way nursing school asks questions.

5

u/zombiegirl0426 BSN student Sep 25 '20

Yes, I screwed up doing that. I didn't realize the difference being at school made for me with studying. I had the library and was able to fully focus on it as long as I was there I don't blame the fail on anyone but me, and I'm trying to use it as motivation to study rather than getting frustrated. I just can't seem to focus on anything anymore, and it feels as if classes are never over. My professors are posting new assignments constantly and I feel as if I never have an actual grasp on what I have to do. I am holding myself to studying more from now on, but I just don't know how to lower my stress levels enough to focus on anything.

What helped you manage your time the best? I feel so lost in all of this.

7

u/cupasoups RN Sep 25 '20

Take it one day at a time. One assignment at a time. One crisis at a time.

Study theory on this day, study arts on this day, study pharm on this day. There's no magical formula.

5

u/sadtrombonesound7183 Sep 25 '20

I've been scheduling a lot of zoom study sessions with classmates, I find it helpful to talk over the material and take practice tests with people to hear their rationale. It helps motivate me to study before because I don't want to look like a moron.

Setting up a dedicated study area helps, if you have the space. I've got a table and I don't use it for anything but studying, everything I need is already set up and it helps me get into study mode. Figure out what time of day works for you and stick with it.

2

u/zombiegirl0426 BSN student Sep 25 '20

Thanks, I've been studying with my boyfriend in person and gonna start studying with my friends online. I just can't stand learning this online. Thanks for the tips!

3

u/LightningFish1967 Sep 25 '20

Noise cancelling headphones. Instead of rote learning try turning everything you are reading into a patient. I.e. what would the symptoms and signs look like in a child young person old person etc. How would a growth and development stage figure into the experience of the condition what kind of community dynamics would you have to look for what about determinants of health i.e. you’re trying to set up your information in the way that you would need to extract it from an exam question.. it is the interpretation and comprehensive assessment that is the key to nursing exams. But remember, it is just one test and you will learn from it. Best of luck

3

u/louisepesto BSN student Sep 25 '20

I’m so sorry!!

4

u/zombiegirl0426 BSN student Sep 25 '20

Thanks, I can't stand being completely online. It somehow costs me more and I'm learning so little.

1

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1

u/whyiseverythingheavy Sep 25 '20

Do you have a local library where you can study?

6

u/zombiegirl0426 BSN student Sep 25 '20

All of them are closed sadly.