Failed 2 Fundamentals tests - HELP!

Nursing Students Student Assist

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First test I did fine. Now the 2nd and 3rd I've missed 8 out of 15 and 7 out of 15. I know the material pretty well and I study quite a bit, but it's the critical thinking, I guess, that I'm lacking. Some of the questions I can see where I didn't think it through well enough. Others, to me, seem like a matter of opinion and could go either way, though it is my faulty thinking. I've scheduled a meeting with the instructor for Thurs, which is what they told us to do if we are struggling. Other than that, does anyone have any advice for me? I got all As through the prereqs and I knew this would be a different game but never thought I'd FAIL like this!

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I bought a book titled Test Taking strategies for the beginning Nursing student' it really helped me to break down the questions and figure out between two answers which was more correct also I used the Saunders Nclex book all throughout nursing school. You can find the book on Ebay, half.com, Amazon, or Barnes and Nobles website. I teacher recommended the Test Taking strategies book. I sure someone else will be along and answer and maybe have more information for you. But this helped me and I thought that I would pass it along

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I have a book through the school called Test Success: Test Taking Techniques for Beginning Nursing Students. I haven't been using it much but I will start. I also have Saunders Nclex but had quit reviewing it because I was discouraged that it wasn't broken down into sections that I could use along with whatever we were studying. But if you think it will help anyway, I will get back to using it. I appreciate your advice.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

It is sort of hard to use the Saunders book until you get into the systems but I did use mine and the Test taking strategies book really helped me I finished my program with A's in all three semesters. Just read your material and reread it and read it again. Once you find out how to answer the questions on the tests it will become second nature. I am taking my NCLEX on the 25th so I have been taking tests on the Saunders CD to. So that book really helps. Good Luck and maybe your instructor can help some more let me know if you need anything and I will try and help you as much as I can.

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Fundamentals Success by FA Davis, it's a great book and will help you critically think. I got a 94 on the first exam I took after reading through it. Lots of test taking tips for nursing students as well as NCLEX type questions.

First test I did fine. Now the 2nd and 3rd I've missed 8 out of 15 and 7 out of 15. I know the material pretty well and I study quite a bit, but it's the critical thinking, I guess, that I'm lacking. Some of the questions I can see where I didn't think it through well enough. Others, to me, seem like a matter of opinion and could go either way, though it is my faulty thinking. I've scheduled a meeting with the instructor for Thurs, which is what they told us to do if we are struggling. Other than that, does anyone have any advice for me? I got all As through the prereqs and I knew this would be a different game but never thought I'd FAIL like this!
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Tessa - I have that book but haven't spent much time with it - I will now though!! Thanks.

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Fundamentals Success by Nugent and Vitale--> best investment for Fundamental classes. Also, from the Kaplan NCLEX Review--> when answering questions think like a CNA/LPN/RN--> airway, breathing, circulation, pain, infection, safety. Think Maslow's, keeping in mind physio over psycho!!

For each and every test I would pick out three key words in the question, read the question twice- circle any never, every, would not, would, needs type words--> read each answer. It's all about being able to read the question to determine what they are asking for! Get your hands on every NCLEX style question- NCLEX 3500, Mosby's, Incredibly Easy, R&R, Saunders-- all at great buys on Amazon @ this time b/c everyone has pretty much passed their NCLEX. We had different friends buy each book and passed around the different CD's, and do them over and over once you have studied.

I graduated 2nd in my class, took the NCLEX in less than 45 minutes, with 75 questions and passed.

Good Luck!!

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Thanks Bec717 - I have printed out your reply. Congratulations on passing NCLEX!!!

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You are certainly welcome- if you want any study notes- please send me your e-mail address through contact me here on the site and I'll be happy to send what I have.

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I found that I read the questions too quickly at times. I use a blank notecard to slow down and underline key words in the question. I find this very useful, recommended to me by a excellent instructor.

Fundamentals for Success was very helpful for me also. Do you have access to any of the ATI review books? We get a few of those every semester. Email me and let me know if you need the titles. Very concise review of each topic in Fundamentals.

I think meeting with your professor is a great way to move forward! Good luck.

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I was in your shoes 1st semester as well. But I failed the 1st two tests and had to pass the next two or I was out. I used that fundamentals for success book and ended up with A's on the last two exams. IT really is a lifesaver. Also, try meeting with the counselor if u think u have test anxiety or anything like that. That was part of my problem and she really helped alot.

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I met with my prof and she gave me good advice. I've been studying all weekend - I'm taking a combination of advice on this thread, writing everything out, doing practice questions. Tues is my next test.

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