first nursing test: FAILED

jjjoy, LPN · Sep 5, 2008

Were you able to figure out why you got those questions wrong? When you say you shouldn't have missed certain questions, what do you mean? Did you freeze up on the test and forget the information? Did you misinterpret the questions/answers? Did you overthink the questions/answers? Was the material on the test not what you studied? Based on what you saw on this first test, do you think you might be able to revise your study strategies and test-taking strategies to do better on the next test?

I know nursing test questions can sometimes be worded in a rather confusing manner and have multiple "correct" answers from which you have to choose the "best." And at my school, they didn't give us much opportunity to review test questions and gave minimally enlightening rationales to explain the "best" answers. Reviewing NCLEX prep books can sometimes help to learn the quirky way that nursing school test questions are often written (since instructors often write test questions to reflect NCLEX style questions).

michigansstudent · Sep 5, 2008

The first test is always the hardest. You just dont know what to expect so therefor are not sure what and how to study. Sometimes getting a bad grade on the first test gives you insight into getting great grades the rest of the term. Of coorifice the tests will get harder, they are covering more material. Now you know what they will look like. If I were you I would ask teach if I could meet with her during her office hours to go over my bad test. Let her explain to you why you got the ones wrong and maybe how you should have read the questions. Sometimes we as students forget that teachers are grading themselves on how well their students do. I am sure she will be more than glad to give you some of her time to go over the first test on a one on one basis. Then, you can blow her and yourself away with the next one, because you will be better prepared. Try not to feel too discouraged, a lot of people score low on their first nursing test. It is a new format of testing. Good Luck!!!

shann106 · Sep 5, 2008

I think the first test is all about figuring out testing styles. It is hard to know what they want until that first test. Nursing school is such an adjustment and so different than other classes, that it takes a little getting used to application type questions instead of a strict yes or no question. Nursing tests make you take your knowledge and apply it to situations.

I agree the tests will get harder and harder but at least you will know what to expect, and maybe can prepare a little better.

Kevin RN08 · Sep 6, 2008

How much did you study? Did you go at it alone or as part of a group? Did you stick to the syllabus? Did you thoroughly read the questions and all of answers? Did you change answers?

I agree with the previous poster, meet with the instructor and go over the test. There are many good resources in this section of Allnurses, and plenty of old threads that have good advice as well. But, none of us are in front of the class.

If you have 5 units in the semester and need a 76% to advance you only need to score an average of 78% on the other 4 tests. It's not so intimidating now is it?

uscstu4lfe · Sep 6, 2008

it's only one test. take a deep breath and refocus yourself. it's not the end of the world! lord knows i've failed my fair share of nursing exams. and i graudated and passed nclex the 1st time, so you will be ok too!!

29oki · Sep 6, 2008

:yeah:Hello...

Dont feel bad! I just started Nursing school too and my first 2 quizzes were absolutely horrible. I scored a 40% and then a 0. I went directly to my instructor and asked for help. Both of us know that I am not dumb. She spoke with me and helped me realize that I was having a hard time with Critical Thinking. Her advice was just look at what the question is asking you, don't "READ" into the question. I began to apply her advice and I scored 100%, and 100% on the two following quizzes. I also scored an 87% on the big test.

It's really hard and I can tell you that I felt hopeless. Talk to your teacher and I am sure she'll guide you the right way. Catch yourself early in the game and don't wait until it's to late.

Best of luck

29OKI

robert2010 · Sep 6, 2008

thanks for the advises, we are having test remediation next week, we're going over the test to see where my weakness was. first week of nursing I was still working full-time but now I work part-time and we were doing alot of labs on the first & 2nd. week of of school that took alot of reading time away. next test i know I have to work harder so I can do better. thank you again. :banghead:

lemonaidangel · Sep 6, 2008

I failed my first THREE tests my freshman year. I freaked out and knew that I would never make it. I was doomed to be a failure, to live a life waitressing and washing dishes. Here I am now in my last two semesters, and I have never received a final grade less than a B. Believe it or not, I even got 100% on a couple of tests. Those first few exams are the hardest. The questions are like nothing you've ever seen before. It's all application. I remember thinking

I would NEVER figure out how to pass one of those things. But somewhere along the way, something clicked.

I promise. It does get easier.

Don't give up! You can do it!

cajunmom06 · Sep 6, 2008

robert2010,

I will be taking my first exam next week on the same topics you just had. Any advice for me taht you wish you would have known prior to taking the exam? I read notes everyday and I do practice application questions. If I just knew my notes I could see how I could do poorly. I go over the application questions and I get most wrong! Did you practice application type questions ?Should I try to make sure I know my notes forward and backwars in addition to nderstanding them or is it not neccesaary to memorize just understand?

Thanks!! any help is appreciated as I am so nervous

justme1972 · Sep 6, 2008

Ok...don't flip out..seriously...remain calm

Nursing exams are very, very different than other types of exams...you were probably very surprised at the format, weren't you?

A ton of people bombed on our first exam in our first semester too. I mean A TON.

The second one went much better, the third one, even better, by the time we got to the fourth one, people were starting to 'get it' and grades improved dramatically.

Seriously...instructors expect this...they will work with you.

iThInKiCaN88 · Sep 6, 2008

robert2010,
I will be taking my first exam next week on the same topics you just had. Any advice for me taht you wish you would have known prior to taking the exam? I read notes everyday and I do practice application questions. If I just knew my notes I could see how I could do poorly. I go over the application questions and I get most wrong! Did you practice application type questions ?Should I try to make sure I know my notes forward and backwars in addition to nderstanding them or is it not neccesaary to memorize just understand?
Thanks!! any help is appreciated as I am so nervous

omg i am in the same boar as robert i think i kno u lol but i got a 73 i JUST made it i swore i was gunna ace it n i sworn i acedit wen i left class but i didnt. look for nursing school u need to apply not memorize if u memorize u will FAIL do this every objective ad point u needed to know ask these questions why when to whom and but what if i cant. just apply that to the obvious and u will ace ur test no pun int3ended. its tough i cried so much last night but u know what life goes on nurses make bad decisions n this was ur first. dont beat ur self up over it just relax go swimming and record ur own voice talking about what u know and listen to it all week. dont stop reading ur hand written notes not the books notes rewrite and look over ur own notes hope it helps