Any tips for success?

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Hi all!

My name is Krystal. I am currently in my first semester of nursing school. Officially 1 month in! It is the best and most challenging ride of my life but I love every minute of it. We just took our first theory test this week. If I had to choose one word to describe it I would say "rough". Only 9 people passed. That is only 30% of the class. Oh and that is with the extra 4% the teacher gave each of us. I, unfortunately, was not one of the ones that passed. I studied very hard and truly feel that I understand the material, but am having a lot of difficulty reading theses nursing styled questions! Every question I got wrong was one that I had narrowed down to two choices and picked the wrong one every time. I was very upset with myself to say the least but also recognized an opportunity for improvement. So my question to you is this: What recourses or suggestions can you guys give me to work on bettering my critical thinking skills and my ability to interpret nursing styled questions? I am in this for the long haul and failing is not an option. So whatever extra work I have to put into this, I will! I just want to succeed and be the best nurse I can be!

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Specializes in MICU.

well, just buy these 2 books...

davis q&a and Saunders comprehensive.

so, every time your professor teaches you a new topic, let say infection, read the professor power points, answer questions at the end of each chapters after that practice questions on the topic(infection) from saunders and davis.

after doing this, believe me your grade would never be the same

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Thank you! I will look for that book immediately. I can't wait to practice and feel myself improving :)

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When you have an answer narrowed down to two choices, think about your ABCs, acute vs chronic, stabile vs non stable, and Maslow's. this will help you pick the most correct answer.

I always bought the nursing made incredibly easy book that went along with what topic we were learning. Very helpful. The books mentioned above are great as well. You can even practice the NCLEX style questions after each chapter in your textbooks. Doesn't matter...just find some from somewhere and practice, practice, practice :)

best wishes. The first exam is rough...as you get used to the questions it will get better.

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Might want to change your name to something a little less identifying if you're going to post on public forums.

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I was just thinking of a new name as you posted. Thank you :)

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