Well, here we are near the end of October and it is time for the fun midterms!!!  How is everyone doing in school? Having any problems? Need to vent or just to have a good laugh? Well, let's hear your ups and donws as we continue down the merry road of NURSING SCHOOL!!!!!! 

What are you having a problem with in assessments? Some of the students I am with were having a problem and we figured them out together. Will help out any way I can.

I am doing pretty good, I was surprised when I got my tests back and I am holding a 92, which was amazing since I did not think I did that well on theory or pharmacology. Studying for the next big pharmacology tests that is on cardiac and pulmonary drugs.

Try to think of it this way. It is hard to just read, so read a page and then practice a skill, (listening to the heart, lungs, finding pulses, etc.) Maybe think of how you would document your assessment. How does all this boring reading pertain to nursing? How can I apply it? Hang in there, it is hard because of so much reading. I have been putting my notes onto note cards so that when I am just too tired to read a book, I can just scan the cards, you would be surprised how much you retain! Good luck!

What did you miss in the calculation? Maybe I can help. I find that the calculations came a little easier than I thought they would be. My next test in pharmacology is covering 11 chapters. Talk about meltdown!!!!   

Don't give up! Many times the problem is in how you are testing. It is no longer about memorizing the facts but how the facts pertain to nursing. You made it into a program so that definately says something. Keep up the faith!!

Cheryl: I am also interested in the technique your instructor told you.

My biggest problem is that I am so tired, all the time. I work two jobs and go to school full time. I think that I am doing great so far in nursing however, I do need to figure out a more effective studying method. I have a HUGE probelm sticking on a routine. Any suggestions would be great. I only work 5 days a week, so its not like i work 7 like i used to..

I appreciate the help..

Anyone taking chemistry? Having problems? Our professor curved our grades two letters up so I have a "B" but I am really really hoping to get an "A"

thanks!! Kristina

That is an excellent way to get through the chapter and not fall asleep. I will definately be trying that one! Thanks for the tip!

WOW!!  I am so happy to read this now....I have gained some valuable insight BEFORE I enter the program!!  thank you all sooo much for this study topic!.....peace

I will start school this summer.  So excited.  I will have a long 2 years, but I love to learn.  Good luck to everyone who is nearly a nurse.  congrats!

First of all congrats to all that have made it into the programs. Second for the ones that are having problems figuring out the answer. Break down the question, what is it asking? Safety, airway is always first. It may ask the best answer for the situation. The questions are set up to make a person think and rationalize, it is not about memorization most of the time unless it is about a medication. There are lots of prep books out there, try one that has rationilization and explains why the answer is the correct one. Hope that helps!

Hi everyone,

I am a senior nurising student graduating in December. I had problems with assessment when I first began. Nursing test are not like test for other majors or test we have been familiar with. Our  test tend to be application, especially when you get into you core nursing classes and clinicals. You may have a question that has all four answer choices correct but you have to choose the BEST answer. This is where you have to apply the knowledge you've learned.

My advice is to always talk to your instructor at the BEGINNING of the smester. Tell them you have problems with taking test and ask them what techiniques they suggest.

Sitting down and reading the entire chapter before class NEVER worked for me because I never had time to do that nor could I retain the info. I found that having lecture first then going back and reading the things my instructor taught on in class really helped me. Always read the entire chapter, but be mindful of whats important and what's just extra information. If your insructor does powerpint, sit down with your pp notes and your book. Read your book as you go back through the notes. Write down important NEED TO KNOW facts on another sheet of paper or index cards such as : Normal RBC, CBC count or normal NA+, K+ levels and simply remember those. You will need to know things like that  from here on out.

On your test always remeber A B C: airway breathing and circulation. If you have a patient with a broken leg, two stab wounds in the back and presents to the ED unconcious and not breathing, you worry about the breaks and wounds later....if you have no air, you have no patient...

Anyway hope these little tips helped. 

Great, so you doing the straight through LVNto RN program, I am doing this also. I hope you pass your PN boards, I learned that you should test within three months after graduation, thats what a nursing advisor told me. Great Job, now it is to the RN.

Congrats MamaDawn! I just finished my first year in the program and decided to go ahead and sit for my LPN boards so that I can put some time in per diem to defray schooling costs. I will start back for the RN portion in September. This last year was hard and sometimes I was ready to chuck it all, but I kept at it. Good luck and if you need some help just holler!

 CONGRATS, magpiecdm9901! GOOD LUCK wITH THE BOARDS!

Thanks for the tip Cheryl. I am nervous as heck. I test on Aug 5, and it will be here before I know it!