How to study for nursing exams?

[PrettyNerd, CNA, LPN, LVN]

Hi everyone! So I really hope someone can help me out here! I'm in desperate need of help!

So last week we had an exam and basically a lot of us did pretty bad, we talked it over with the instructors an basically came to the conclusion that they were not preparing us well enough for the test, we studied for HOURS, we really did! We were pretty upset because the instructors would tell us to study one thing but as we all know, nursing exams are completely different, they are about applying the information to a "real life" situation. So I was just wondering what can I use to study for exams? I have done ok so far, haven't done the worse but could do better...Are there any practice books I can use or something of that sort? I really want to pass this semester, I've been so nervous everyday since the semester began because I'm so afraid to fail..

BTW I'm in an LVN program.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

The "Nursing Study Tips" forum exclusively has study tips that could be useful to you.

[Miss Infermiera2b, BSN, RN]

I'm not in an LPN program, but we use the "Nursing Success" books to study for each exam. They're very helpful for critical thinking! I think they're written for RN students though, so I'm not sure if they're completely relevant.

[living-dead-girl]

Hi! I'm in an LPN program, and many of the students did not do as well as they'd hoped on their first exam either- but I did pretty well, so I'll tell you what I did to prepare! I love using my version of a concept map (it's really just a two-column table with a concept on the left and its explanation on the right). I feel as though it really gives me a chance to sort through the material and determine importance of information. I also like to use an online flashcard app called StudyBlue to write down terms and definitions. My go-to study books are the Davis Success Books- I have Fundamentals and Pharmacology currently, as I'm in my first semester. I also like my NCLEX test prep book for looking at NCLEX-style question formatting, as my school administers test "NCLEX-style." The last tip I have for you may not work, but it is my preferred way of tackling all that required reading. Basically, I don't necessarily do it. I read my main topics before class so I'm not lost, and then when I get home and start on my concept maps I read the entire section where my explanations are found. If there is any other question I have, then I will look it up- procedures, risk factors, etc. Hope this helps, and happy studying!