HELP!

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I need some study skills help. I'm a first semester nursing student and I am also taking anatomy and physiology II. This is not my first time in college, I have earned a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree, I just can't seem to find a career job.

My problem is that for my first nursing exam, I didn't study at all and got an 88. The next test, I studied a lot more and got a 78. Now this test, I studied like crazy, watching videos, reading the textbook, making flash cards, study groups, practice NCLEX questions, reviewing my notes, and I got a 76. I feel like the more study I get lower grades. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong or tricks to improve? I am at my wits end. Thanks,

(And yes, I have tried to review my exams, but my prof never shows up to her own office hours or appts she makes with me. I've tried.)

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Specializes in Med-Tele; ED; ICU.

Generally speaking, you're not studying effectively.

You need to evaluate your tests and the questions that you're missing and modify your studying and practicing appropriately.

Are these multiple-choice/select-all-that-apply questions? If so then you probably need to practice those kinds of questions specifically. I completed two courses of study prior to nursing school and it took a bit for me to get the hang of multiple-choice questions because my prior studies primarily consisted of open-ended problem solving rather than picking an answer.

I'd encourage you to get an NCLEX review guide w/ sample questions and use that as part of your studying and test preparation. Unlike my science curricula, nursing does require actual test preparation (that is, learning how to take the test) in addition to simply learning the topic.

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Thank you for responding.

I found that I like to take the correct answer, erase it, and put in an incorrect one. I made an appt with the student success coach, nursing tutor, and my advisor for test strategies and how to be less test anxious.

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Specializes in Med-Tele; ED; ICU.
Thank you for responding.

I found that I like to take the correct answer, erase it, and put in an incorrect one.

I will only allow myself to change an answer if I am certain as to why the new one is the correct one.

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