critical thinking skills/strategies

RA4LIFE · Dec 2, 2005

pls someone should answer my questions for me, thanx

shukry · Dec 2, 2005

pls someone should answer my questions for me, thanx

Okay, Okay. I did not do well in the first critical thinking test given to us and I panicked, but now my score is high B. I think you should not stress too much about it will come as you study. Look at example tests, this will give you a direction on what is required. Focus on what you learn. Also, what is more important on the choices, i.e. Manslow Phisiology comes before Safety and Security..etc. Good Luck.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Dec 2, 2005

hi suzanne and every one on this forum, i ve a problem with my critical thinking skills.(application and analysis).
scores on it not very encouraging.pls i need your help.
am due for the exams this month. another problem is with physiological adaptation.
am counting on your usual cooperation.

As you think over your scenario, you need to figure out what needs to be done first. Remember your ABC's: Airway, Breathing, Circulation.

So if you have a patient who is not breathing or whose airway is threatened in some way, your first action will involve fixing that problem, then moving on to the next biggest problem. You have to dig a little deeper and ask yourself "why".

That's all critical thinking really is.

I'm not understanding what kind of problem you're having with physiological adaptation. Could you please elaborate?

suzanne4, RN · Dec 4, 2005

What specifics on the review exams are you having issues with? How have your scores been in the other areas?

Critical thinking is based on using common sense, such as who will you see first when getting out of report, which patient would be your first priority?

If a patient is having difficulty breathing and another is having chest pain, who will you see first? Remember your ABCs for everyone of these answers.

RA4LIFE · Dec 4, 2005

hi suzanne,actually am using saunders and your study plan. and my scores in general are in the mid and high 70's.

also with all other areas my scores are ok.

i decided to just try my hands on the kaplan question trainer since i had it.

my scores on it are in themid 50's and low 60's. i also performed well in the comprehension and knowledge but bad in the application and analysis(critical thinking). so thats my problem now.

are my scores ok in saunders? my nclex rn is just around the corner.

pls help soon!! i know you would and thanx.

am trusting GOD for victory & success.

suzanne4, RN · Dec 4, 2005

I do not like Kapaln's program, that is my own opinion. They do not have high enough pass scores for what they are charging for their program.

Leda · Dec 4, 2005

RA4LIFE,

Your Saunder's scores are great! You should know that NCLEX candidates typically score 20 or more percentage points lower on the Kaplan tests than on the textbook/CD NCLEX-reveiw questions from standard publishing companies (Saunder's, Lippincott, etc.)

Stick with the Saunders as Suzanne has recommended. Don't let the Kaplan scores undermine your confidence in your ability to be successful on the NCLEX. Your success on the Saunder's questions is much more predictive of your NCLEX readiness. Although most NCLEX candidates end up studying from various preparation sources, the use of too many of these can lead to confusion and stress that is not helpful to achieving your goals.

Best of luck to you on the NCLEX.

RA4LIFE · Dec 4, 2005

thanx for the reply, suzanne and leda.

am a staunch user of saunders any way, have been using it for mths.

i used it and passed the cgfns exams last july and as my ncex rn exams approached i started suzanne's program in addition.

i appreciate you reply and encouragement