Why do I feel like this after every quiz/exam?

LKG6 · Apr 24, 2006

I just want to make it through ICU/CCU.... any suggestions?! Did anyone else go through this while they were in nursing school, or are still going through this?

Yes, I do. I study a lot: read the textbook, listen to my lecture tapes, read the instructor's notes and I still get B on my tests. I talked to her last week and she suggested I read more NCLEX questions. It may help you, too. Practice more NCLEX.

:studyowl:

Katie

elizabells, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2006

I took a bio class in undergrad that nearly killed me. What finally worked was taking my notes (that I'd taken in class) and recopying them into another notebook with a really strict format, different colors for headings, etc. I really had to pay attention to what I was doing to get it perfect. That might help.

luv2shopp85 · Apr 24, 2006

What I've noticed with the NCLEX practice questions is that they are sooo much easier than the kinds of questions the instructors ask on quizzes and tests. They always ask trick that are so confusing and don't make any sense. I always do good on the NCLEX questions when I practice those, then I'll go in and BOMB the test. I have 3 different NCLEX review disks for my computer, and about 5 nclex RN review practice books that have questions in them. They are kind of helpful but they are always way easier than anything that I'm tested on in class.

MIA-RN1, RN · Apr 24, 2006

I read too much into some questions and get tripped up that way. My school also is way harder than the NCLEX review questions.

I usually write out my notes longhand, and then type them up in colors and different fonts and font sizes to make them easier to look at and retain.

crb613, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2006

I don't know if this will help or not but...I just always cover up the answers. that helps me to not start thinking what if/or maybe it could be. I read the q...think what do I know about this...look for an answer that matches what I am thinking. If its not there I look for something similar or start trying to figure out why some are good answers & some are bad. I try to then narrow it down, & if all else fails I guess! Good Luck

Roseyposey · Apr 25, 2006

We all have our own styles, but here's mine: I do the assigned reading. I do not memorize anything but lab values; instead, I spend my time making sure I understand the material. I don't know how your text is divided, but I spend more time studying the nursing interventions and collaborative care and the nursing care plans. Depending on what you're studying, a lot of the information is the same; focus on the defining characteristics which are different. Also, I carefully review the tables. If the instructor for the section (ours change every section) has passed out decent notes, I will use the notes while I read. If the instructor is lazy and just gives us a copy of the Powerpoint that came with the text, I don't ever read them...what's the point. I then answer as many NCLEX style questions as I can - I have two Saunders books I study from. I pay careful attention to the rationales, especially as to why things are wrong moreso than why answers are right. I feel this has helped me devise a strategy to help with the test. If I am having a hard time with a question, I take each answer independantly and compare it to the question. If I cannot prove the answer correct by the information given in the question, it's probably not correct. Also, when answering my NCLEX questions, if I don't know the answer, instead of guessing, I try looking up the answer - it seems to stick better this way.

hikernurse · Apr 25, 2006

Study hard, but make sure you are getting enough breaks to let the material set. Maybe shorter study times? I know it goes against the grain when we all have so much to learn in such a short time, but that's what helps me. Most of my studying is done in 5-15 minute increments while I'm waiting to pick up kids from school, waiting in the grocery line, etc.

Now I have to go study for finals myself :-).