Failed my first nursing exam

iliel · Sep 12, 2003

Sorry to hear about your test...I'm sure you'll do fine from now on!

What are the test taking stratagies?

NurseDixie · Sep 12, 2003

I think a lot of students fail the first test. You don't really know how the test is going to be or what the instructor will be focusing on. You'll do better on the next test. We had o ur first test last week, I made a 77.2% on the Peds part of the test and an 83% on the Psych part. We have to get a 76% to pass.

essarge · Sep 12, 2003

I agree with DG, I usually don't do well on the first test (even if I've had the same instructor before) because the focus, the way the test is worded and where the instructor gets the information is different each semester. But I don't panic because I use it as a learning tool and do much better on the remaining exams.

I've found that by practicing NCLEX tests out of the review books for the particular area that we are studying has helped immensely. I had one instructor tell me that they can only ask a questions so many ways and it's very true.

Glad things are going better now. Good luck in the rest of the school year!

Hooligan · Sep 12, 2003

Bangin...was it 105? If so...I wonder if you had the same test I did. I got a D (failed it) too. I was really upset but decided that I just had to make up my mind to not let it happen again. I over-analyzed everything on it and always waivered between two answers and ultimately chose the wrong one. A lot of the questions were subjective and I chose the answer I felt was right based on my opinions and experiences...not what our lectures would tell us. I still think I'm right...but I guess that doesn't matter does it? I'm still worried about the next test...but all I can do is study and work on the study guide. Good luck on the next test!

~Bean

colleen10 · Sep 12, 2003

Hi Bangin,

Please do not beat yourself up over this. We just had our first exam last week. Everyone in my class passed but a lot of people (some even with Master's Degrees) were really disappointed in themselves because they thought they should have done much better.

If you can, take a look at the questions you missed and why.

You mentioned Piaget and Erikson. I cannot stress to you enough to also go over Maslow's Heirarcy of needs as it truly is the basis for assessing, treating and ranking nursing diagnosis.

I'm glad that you have gotten some good studying ideas from your classmates.

Also, you may want to check out a book called "Test Taking Success for Beginning Nursing Students" 3rd Ed. Feb. 2000 - Authors are Vitale and another woman but her name escapes me right now.

It breaks down the Multiple Choice question and what to look for as far as wording, "Distractor" Answers, the nursing topics covered like the Nursing Process, meds., etc. It has a ton of sample problems and for each problem it tells you which is the correct answer and why and also why the incorrect answers are not correct.

I purchased it at the beginning of the summer and I have to admit that at the time I really didn't "get" a lot of it. However, now that I have my first test under my belt and have a bit of a grasp on some nursing concepts I have been reviewing it and found it rather helpful.

This book was recommended to me by another student on this board.

CardioTrans, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2003

Im sorry to hear about your first exam...... but it was only one. You have recognized some of your weaknesses and have improved your study habits........... that is a HUGE plus!!!

Some advice that someone gave me a long time ago...... dont read anything into the question you are trying to answer...... and remember TEXT BOOK answers....... not REAL WORLD........for example....

What would you do if a patient came into the ER with a sucking chest wound?

a. Wait until the MD sees the patient before you do anything.

b. Place a sterile vaseline guaze over the wound

c. Place anything you could find at the moment and place over the wound.

d. Get someone to go to supply room to find a bandage.

2 answers are wrong........ one is real world, and one is text book.

B. is the textbook answer they want you to say.

C. is what you would do in the real world.

When I was in RN school, my instructors would always put text book and real world answers in the choices. Sometimes it made it kind of hard for those of us with LPN or any hospital experience to know which one to put...........just go with TEXT BOOK and it will help you tremendously.

Hope this helps........good luck with the rest of the semester!

Guest20074 · Sep 12, 2003

CardioTrans, that is some really good advice. No one has ever told me that and I don't even think I really noticed.

duf · Sep 12, 2003

sorry to hear about your exams. I think it happens to everyone at some time or another. I failed my first years exams also. It gave me a good kick up the butt. Im heading into third year now!!! Exams are scary and disheartening. You'll get there

mrsadkins · Sep 12, 2003

Also, you may want to check out a book called "Test Taking Success for Beginning Nursing Students" 3rd Ed. Feb. 2000 - Authors are Vitale and another woman but her name escapes me right now.

It breaks down the Multiple Choice question and what to look for as far as wording, "Distractor" Answers, the nursing topics covered like the Nursing Process, meds., etc. It has a ton of sample problems and for each problem it tells you which is the correct answer and why and also why the incorrect answers are not correct.

I purchased it at the beginning of the summer and I have to admit that at the time I really didn't "get" a lot of it. However, now that I have my first test under my belt and have a bit of a grasp on some nursing concepts I have been reviewing it and found it rather helpful.

This book was required for us. We have reading assignments and lectures over it and I think it helped some. We just had our first test also and I did well. Not as well as I would have liked to but, next time. The main thing is to keep it all in perspective.

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Sep 12, 2003

Most importantly......read the entire question. I know I've done it a few times where I start reading a question & start to assume what answer they are looking for & when I see the answer I am thinking in my head is listed----then I choose it & move on. It pays to read the entire question-----then stop & mentally say to yourself "What are they asking? What are they wanting to know?" Then proceed with looking at the answers.

A 74 isn't too bad--you still have plenty of time to bring that grade up. Think positive! And definitely get an nclex book so that you get familiar with how they word questions.

PJMommy · Sep 12, 2003

In every single stinking semester, I score my lowest nursing exam grade on the first test. I then average 10 to 15 points higher on the remaining exams. I do this even when I know how they test so go figure. :)