Barely getting through it...

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2nd level clinicals (ASN program) is kicking my butt! I tore through first level easily then hit 2nd and am barely keeping my head above water! I currently am passing by 4 points & everyone says that is great but I am used to passing by more than that. I feel like I am barely getting through.

My question is this...I have everyone telling me I study too much & am making too much of the questions! I disagree...I know this stuff frontwards & backwards & in study group, usually know a little more than the others. I can go through the NCLEX book & also NCLEX 3500 with very little trouble. Our tests however SUCK for lack of a better word. The questions are really vague and alot of times, we are unable to get a clear answer even at test review. There are no true rationals for anything on our tests!

Does anyone else believe in this "studying too much" excuse?

Our next test is renal which is supposed to be the toughest of the semester...what scares me is I squeeked by with an 80 on our last one which was GI!

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

I didn't find renal to bad. Metabolic,Fluids and Electrolytes are my enemy LOL.

I think it's very easy to read to much into a question. I do it all the time as I know lots of other people do it.

If the instructors are making bad tests though as you say, I am not sure what you can do besides really go over your test reviews and try to see their pattern, if that makes sense. Ask them for the rationales if they aren't clear as well.

Hope your next test goes better.

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I feel your pain. My renal test is on wed. And it is the hardest of the semester. Im exactly at a 76. Im just hoping i pass the test.

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2nd level clinicals (ASN program) is kicking my butt! I tore through first level easily then hit 2nd and am barely keeping my head above water! I currently am passing by 4 points & everyone says that is great but I am used to passing by more than that. I feel like I am barely getting through.

My question is this...I have everyone telling me I study too much & am making too much of the questions! I disagree...I know this stuff frontwards & backwards & in study group, usually know a little more than the others. I can go through the NCLEX book & also NCLEX 3500 with very little trouble. Our tests however SUCK for lack of a better word. The questions are really vague and alot of times, we are unable to get a clear answer even at test review. There are no true rationals for anything on our tests!

Does anyone else believe in this "studying too much" excuse?

Our next test is renal which is supposed to be the toughest of the semester...what scares me is I squeeked by with an 80 on our last one which was GI!

Haha! I tell my friends that all the time. My key to success is to have a drink with my studies. I do review the material front to back, but when it comes to taking the tests I go with my first instinct. I find myself getting into trouble when I over-think the questions and answers. Our tests also suck, depending on which instructor writes the questions, and we also get little in the way of explanations (no matter how random the questions are). Keep your gut feeling answers and don't go back and re-think your answers. Sounds silly, but I have done better than a lot of my fellow students who put a massive amount of time into studying.

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Sounds EXACTLY like ours...

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oh and my teacher is known for testing like you said above. She doesnt have good rationales it's just her way or the highway type of thing. She is also known for just getting info off the internet and not telling anyone.. ugh... I guess I'll see tomorrow.

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Specializes in NICU.

I skip questions that I am unsure of. When I come back to them, I don't think, I just put down the first answer that jumps at me. I've been getting a B+ on my Med/Surg exams.

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For the first time in my life I was happy for a C...I passed! I was actually 9/10 of a point away from a B.

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