critical thinking

[crissyp77]

I am a fist semester nursing student and am so excited to be here however, I could really use some advise about critical thinking. In most of my college career I have tested and done well, all A and B but these critical thinking tests are killing me. I study a lot (as much as I can with two small boys) and seem to keep bombing them are there any tips from anyone I will take any and all advise. I am a member of Prep U and do the questions at the end of the chapters. I really feel that I could be a great nurse if I could just get through these classes. Or does it mean that I am not cut out for this because I cannot seem to critical think? Please help this old dog learn new tricks ( I am almost in my 40's before I even began my college career). Thank you for your time.

[Sdt222]

I'm also a new nursing student into early thirties. I have been doing very well on my tests. I would say to read the questions carefully to determine what is really being asked and how it relates to what you are being taught. Safety is usually at the core of the question. Try not to just memorize facts but understand the relevance. They say there is usually more than one correct answer so pick the most correct with highest priority. That's the best advise I can think of. Good luck!

[shan409, ASN, BSN, LPN, RN]

I will say that the critical thinking requires you to over think sometimes. There are usually 2 correct answers, you have to select the "most" right answer. Just like the Sdt222 said, if there is an answer that leads to safety then more than likely thats it.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

I'm also a new nursing student into early thirties. I have been doing very well on my tests. I would say to read the questions carefully to determine what is really being asked and how it relates to what you are being taught. Safety is usually at the core of the question. Try not to just memorize facts but understand the relevance. They say there is usually more than one correct answer so pick the most correct with highest priority. That's the best advise I can think of. Good luck!

Pretty much nailed it.

Remembering your ABCs, Maslow's, and acute vs chronic can also help with critically thinking through problems.

[SWM2009]

That first semester floors most nursing students IMO. It is a new way of thinking, of training your brain. Straight memorization doesn't work for nursing courses like it does for some pre-requisite courses. That said, there are things you can do to improve. If you aren't already using an NCLEX prep type book, consider getting one and doing practice questions that are in line with what you are learning. This was one piece of advice I wished someone had given me as a first semester student as I struggled my way through fundamentals and pharmacology. I started using NCLEX prep book in med surg and it made test taking a lot easier for me.

Good luck.