Decision Tree

I did the Kaplan course (was required by my school). We were supposed to be doing Kaplan questions the entire time in school but I only did the mandatory tests (do it or fail!:thankya:). After we graduated, there was a four day Kaplan course where they went over the strategy and such. I attended two days. Kaplan's decision tree works for some and not for others. When taking nursing exams, I go with my gut feeling, judgement, and knowledge and so trying to do the decision tree honestly just confused me and messed up my natural thought process. I've never had difficulty with critical thinking nursing exams though, so if one does need more help with them, they may find Kaplan's strategies more helpful. I feel the desicion tree is a more planned out way of looking at the question and trying to answer it. I just do the natural process in my head without getting technical if that makes sense.

I took the NCLEX-RN this week and passed with 75 questions. I thank keeping up and trying hard all during nursing school for this success. Kaplan may work for you, and if it does, I hope someone else can better explain it than I. Best of luck!

I was just telling a friend that exact thing; it seems easy enough, but when I try on my own, Im completely lost. Also, Im a bit like aidyl, I tend to figure things out on my own, so its kinda hard for me to think like kaplan, but I hope someone can explain it a little better. That would be really nice.

Kaplan's Decision Tree. Does anyone here use it when practicing with trainers/qbanks? I find that while they are explaining it in the videos, it seems easy enough lol But actually trying to apply it on my own while taking a trainer test, it all goes out the window. Any suggestions on how to use it consistently? And for those that took the nclex, did you use it? Thanks

I didn't use the decision tree religiously. Rather, I developed my own style from it.

The tree is meant to get you in the habit of looking at first the question systematically, and then each answer (one by one) systematically. I first figure out what the question wants (is this an assessment or an implementation question? If its assessment, then I first consider assessment answers first. BUT it must make sense. If someone is hemorrhaging, obviously assessing a pulse isn't needed. I need an immediate implementation. KEEP THE PT ALIVE above all else! Lol)

The way I read through answers is I read it and if I like it, I hold onto it. But if I go to the next answer and it's a better answer/takes priority over that last answer (and makes sense) then the previous answer is gone. I pay no more heed to to it, like it doesn't exist.

The problem I had in school is that I considered all the answers and then would end up fabricating stories in my head as to why an answer could be A, B, C, or D. Take answers at face value; don't give details to them and don't take away/treat an answer lightly. Once you eliminated an answer, don't even look back at it or you'll start second guessing yourself.

The Tree does work, but it won't lead you by the hand to an answer. More...take the 'spirit' of the Tree with you to the testing center and use it as a guide to being a good test taker. You have the knowledge, you passed school - its all in being able to answer a different kind of question than what you've gotten used to answering in school.

Best of luck!! :)