3.9 GPA, cant pass Nursing school tests!???

[fleurafor]

I am at a loss for words. I dont know what to do anymore. I came into the RN program with a 3.9 GPA. I am SHOCKED that I am on the verge of failing my 2nd semester of Nursing school. I study my class notes, Powerpoints, I have 4 NCLEX review books I study as well. I cannot pass the tests. I am begining to think it is my naturally 'overanalytical' mind that is keeping me from doing well on these tests. I think I overthink the answers. And if this is the case, how do I overcome that? As you know, these are not tests based on fact and one answer is right. I find it impossibe! What to do??? Any advice is appreciated!

[DrMom33]

As nursing faculty I have found that many general education courses are padded with extra credit assignments, study guides, bonus quizzes or test questions, which will provide the student with a high, yet inaccurate, GPA. Many students with high GPAs do poorly on their entrance exam and come to nursing and do very poorly on taking course exams. We utilize ATI testing in our programs which has a tutorial on how to successfully take nursing style questions. You stated you use 4 NCLEX books - have you taken the time to read the introductory section of the book? It also explains how to tear apart questions to determine what they are asking.

Unlike general education courses where you regurgitate information you have memorized, nursing questions require critical thinking of concepts. You should not be memorizing the material for exams, you should be understanding the concepts of disease processes and how it affects the body functions. I urge students to make concept maps as they read to help them better understand the material.

Best of Luck in your studies, I hope you find what works for you!