Help! Nursing exams

Kuriin, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2014

The key to understanding nursing exams is that first you must memorize the information and then learn to use that information in application-based questions. The way you get better by doing application based questions is by doing them, over and over. I recommend getting the Saunders NCLEX book and MedSurg book as they provide thousands of questions to practice on. Heck, get the Davies one, too.

ALLEYEZONREE · Oct 6, 2014

DON'T MEMORIZE. Understand what you are reading and review what you are not grasping. Focus. Are you an audio learner? It helped me to record lectures. Making my own flash cards helped me A LOT in passing Nursing school. I suggest you have a calendar for every month and write down when every single exam is and when assignments are due. Also write down clinical days and events you need to attend.. That way you are somewhat organized and know what you need to do. Take it 1 week at a time. Don't stress yourself out. Good luck to you.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Oct 6, 2014

Your problem is that the prereqs only required you to memorize what the professor was telling you. Now you actually have to learn and understand how to apply the material you learn. There is absolutely no need to buy any extra books. You tube is a great resource and so are the notes your instructor gives you. This is not about memorizing NCLEX questions right now. You need to understand the concepts. Maybe see if a tutor is available to help you understand. The NCLEX should be fairly easy if you can understand and apply what you learn.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 7, 2014

Does your school offer supplemental instruction or tutoring? If so, definitely take advantage of this. It sounds like you need someone to sit with you and really explain what critical thinking is all about. It's the only way you're going to get through nursing school exams. Anyone can memorize information, but it takes critical thinking to apply that information.

Since you've already been through Fundamentals, you've already been exposed to the material. You are correct in worrying that you're not doing as well this time around. You should be doing better than you did last semester. You also mentioned that you struggled with fluids & electrolytes. Are you having issues with the med math involved? Again, working with a supplemental instructor or tutor can really help. If not offered, is there a good student in your class or perhaps a student in the class ahead of you that might be able to work with you?

Heaven-Leigh · Oct 7, 2014

My school does not offer tutors and the teacher refuses to go over tests unless you fail a test. As for other students, most are fresh out of high school and every topic ends up about which club is offering drink specials that night, so I generally tend to stick to myself to study. Someone mentioned a calendar; I have a calendar that I color coordinated to show when tests, clinicals, and assignments are due. I'm a visual learner and color coordinating really helps me. The math isn't a problem as I'm strong in math, just understanding the concepts of fluid & electrolytes. I read the chapters multiple times but couldn't tell you what I just read. Most of the signs and symptoms are really similar and I guess I just have to learn which IV fluid replacement to give the patient. With only a week to learn it along with 4 other chapters, it can be overwhelming. I've already passed my psychiatric nursing class with a 91 B, so I'm not sure why the fundamentals tests are kicking my butt and psychiatric nursing was so easy for me. Most of my classmates come to me for help in clinicals or their mental health class because it just clicks for me and I understand it, but there's nobody I can go to for help in fundamentals.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 7, 2014

The math isn't a problem as I'm strong in math, just understanding the concepts of fluid & electrolytes. I read the chapters multiple times but couldn't tell you what I just read.

It sounds like you need a different approach to studying the material if you're having issues absorbing what you just read. Have you tried doing active note taking? For example, read a paragraph or two and then try to outline the facts yourself, without looking at the book. Once you've completed your outline, see what you got right and what you missed. This can really help you retain the information better because you're actively engaging your brain instead of just reading. If you're having issues knowing which replacement fluid is which, trying thinking about how the fluid will affect the body. Then ask yourself which conditions would this be more effective in treating. Don't just try to memorize. If you know the "why" behind what you're doing, you'll get the right answers.

I know you think most of the students are young & immature, but I'm willing to bet there has to be some students in your cohort who are more studious than socializers. Have you asked your SNA chapter if they offer tutoring?