discouraged with my critcal thinking

[patty554]

I am very discouraged with myself. I am currently passing fundamentals but by the skin of my teeth. I don't know what else to do to make myself think critical. I have bought books, stayed for tutorials, read every chapter, studied powerpoints, I even wake up in the middle of the night thinking and reviewing in my head........any suggestions how to change my way of thinking from memorization to thinking critical?

:crying2:thank you.....

[milksteak]

Aaargh, website just deleted everything!

The way I study is I think of the scenario in my head and act it out. Of course I need to memorize definitions and the step by step procedures for everything (like proper technique, priority assessment, etc) but actually going through the motions can help (whether in your head or watching videos, even drawing it!)

For tests, I bring a highlighter and a pen.. i highlight and circle/underline all the important words in the question. I also write the rationale next to each answer as to why its wrong (or why it is right).

You could also try taking a test online to see which is your best learning style. This can vastly improve your study technique.. I suggest taking all the advice you get on testing, try each one out, and see what works best for you.

You WILL get it!!

[patty554]

thank you I think I am going to try and write the rationale out that seems really useful, I will I know alot of the answers but freeze and mark wrong answers... i need to slow down I get so intimidated by the clock, I have wrong answers but I answered them all....does your instructors stand all over the classroom watching like your a crimianl? we have them all over 2 on each row and one in the front standing, thats kinda nerve racking I am afraid to look away.

[mangopeach]

I agree with others that say your critical thinking will improve over time. However, you can improve your test taking skills in the short term! Practice as many NCLEX style questions as you can. Get a hold of books like Saunders, The Success Series or The Reviews and Rationales Series. Be sure to read their test taking strategies. Read the rationales for the right and wrong answers. Once I have a general understanding of the info I don't spend hours and hours re-reading the info the way I did for pre-req classes. I then go to work with practicing NCLEX style questions or doing case studies. It helps a whole lot to retain the info by doing scenarios instead of reading forever.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

thank you I think I am going to try and write the rationale out that seems really useful, I will I know alot of the answers but freeze and mark wrong answers... i need to slow down I get so intimidated by the clock, I have wrong answers but I answered them all....does your instructors stand all over the classroom watching like your a crimianl? we have them all over 2 on each row and one in the front standing, thats kinda nerve racking I am afraid to look away.

The reason they do this is to weed out anyone who may be cheating :) It's not directed at anyone in particular, but they can't let someone graduate who is cheating, and let them go on to take care of actual patients Just think of them as guards, keeping anyone who MIGHT cheat (not saying anyone is) making sure that nurses taking care of your family are safe :)