help with test taking tips

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:cry: I have taken the nclex twice already and I am terrify in taking it again. I know I need to take it because I did not get a degree for nothing. My problem with the test is how to figure out the key point of the questions. I tend to interpret the question differently rather what is asking. I seem to pick out the next best answered. I am visual person so I have a hard time seeing the scenario because it is not in front of me. I am reading it but I can not see it. How do I better myself in testing taking especially with these multiple choice test. I have read the kaplan test taking strategy tips book but I still make the same mistakes. It so hard to do questions day after day. It feels like I do not know enough when my test date approaches. I feel like I have to know everything. I could really uses some advice. :(
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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER.

the book (Test for sucess) nursing book helped me. good luck

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Have you tried using the Kaplan Nclex strategy book? It gives good examples for answering questions, especially for visual learners/test takers. The 2010 version is very helpful. Good luck and don't give up!

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Specializes in L&D.

Re: KAYBDT6

SCHEDULE STRATEGY

A. Spend 1/3 of your time reviewing content you don't understand

B. Spend 2/3 of your time answering test question

C. Used most comfortable NCLEX review book for content.

D. Begin with the area that is most difficult for you or area that are least familiar

E. Use a good nursing reference manual or internet to find information

F. Define the disease in terms of pathophysiological process and understand the disease process.

G. Identify the early and late symptoms of disease

H. Identify most important or life threatening complication associated with the disease.

I. Define the medical treatment.

J. Identify nursing intervention associate with early and late symptom of disease process

K. Identify what to teach patient and family to prevent in other to adapt to disease process.

L. list the area you need to review.

M. Answering question in a test mode will improve your test taking skills

N. Each time you answer question, check the number of question you answered correctly that will motivate you to read and study more next time.

O. Keep track of your score to see how you're improving in all area of your content.

P. If you answer less than 65% correctly, this is a WARNING SIGNAL!! Spend lots of time reviewing content and stop doing question on the weakest area

Q. If you answer 65-75% correctly your performance is improving and success is certain. Continue working with the content until your score is above 75%

R. Every wrong answer, identify why you answered it wrongly.

S. Practice 75- 85 question to known how you'll be prepared for NCLEX Exam and see how many you answered correctly

T. Do understand the question first, formulate your answer of hand and compare with the option given to see how close your answer!!

U. Anticipate Test question will increase in difficulty when you get the first question right!!

V. Do not panic if someone finishes before you!!

W. Do not CRAM!!

X. Remember that you have learned a great amount of nursing knowledge and the exam is only designed to determine whether you're able to practice safely @ entry level

Y. Keep a positive attitude and Pray!!

Z. Wish you best of LUCK

:typing:typing

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the NCLEX forum

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here is what you should do- take your practice test book (kaplan) and take the practice test. correct it then go over the questions you missed.

read the question and the correct answer- compare your answer to their answer. ask yourself why you picked the wrong answer and why the correct answer was better- figure out what the difference was and rationalize it in your mind.... also consider when going over the questions - did you just not know it - did you not read the question carefully - did you misinterpret what it was asking for? for the questions you just did not know highlight them and flash card them. for the questions that you read to fast and just misunderstood what it was asking - re-read them again and again. and for the questions that just sounded confusing - rewrite them in your own words... this works!!!!

then make flash cards from the study guide.... flash card areas that you dont know well..... do not focus on areas that you know or can figure out if you pause to think about it- just go over what you do not know. go over them when you have free time and make study time - take them with you to the doctors, in the bathroom, etc. keep quizzing yourself. when you get that knowledge down go back to stuff you do kind of know if there is time.

sometimes being a visual learner does inhibit your ability to test... but remember if you know the knowledge 100% you should not miss it regardless. so brush up on your information more.

then while you are testing officially- after you read each question and answer it read it again. dont worry about the time. rushing is a big no no when you have difficulty understanding the questions. just re-read it - with your answer and ask yourself if that makes sense and if that is what the question wanted to know.

good luck!

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