How did you do on your first test

srobb11 · Sep 10, 2010

I didn't do too bad on my first exam, higher than the class average, but still lower than I was hoping/expecting. I thought I was prepared by reading the posts on here about the types of questions to expect, but until I was actually taking the test, I didn't realize the extent of the critical thinking questions and how more than one answer could be correct and you have to pick the BEST choice. Ah...very enlightening. I realized very quickly that it's not enough to just memorize the information, you really need to learn the information and be able to apply it to various situations. Good luck!

brokenroads27 · Sep 10, 2010

my advice is to study in small increments and read the book to the best of your ability. don't freak out if you didn't read every single word of every single page, but concentrate on the little boxes that are like helpful hints within the chapters. also when taking the test, you have to pick the very BEST answer possible, or what you would do FIRST. that is the key to answering nursing questions on tests.

SingDanceRunLife · Sep 10, 2010

I got an 84 on my first test (would have been an 80, but a question was challenged, and the instructor gave credit for 2 answers, one of them being the one I put).

For my second test (which was yesterday), I went through my friend's flashcards that he made for vital signs with him quizzing me...then I made flashcards of my own from my notes so I was rereading and rewriting my notes and trying to think of possible test questions and answers all at once. I also did the practice questions at the end of the chapters (as I did for the first test)...and I got a 95.

My words of wisdom:

1) Don't over study!

2) Try to think of possible test questions as you go through the material.

3) Take your studying one section at a time.

4) DO NOT change your answer on the test. EVER.

5) Read the questions carefully. As pointed out, answer what you would do FIRST or what is MOST important etc.

Good luck!

cjungen · Sep 10, 2010

thanks for all the advice.

starmickey03, MSN, RN · Sep 10, 2010

I got a 92 on my first exam and I think my study method worked for me. I read the chapter and create an outline as I read. So basically I take notes on the entire chapter, it worked for me.

If your instructor uses power points for class (that they created themselves) then pay special attention to those when you study. Usually the info on the power points is the info that the instructor thinks is most important.

If you dont know what type of learner you are, then I suggest you take the VARK assessment. I had to take it for my academic skills class and it got my learning style correct (I have to admit I didnt think it would be correct).

http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire

cmw6v8 · Sep 10, 2010

I got an 86 on my first Fundamentals test. The class average was a failing grade...she didn't tell us what the average percentage was, but since you have to have a 78 to pass, it had to be lower than that. I was feeling bad about my 86 until I heard that. In my case I knew the content well, but had trouble adjusting to the NCLEX questions and probably didn't think them through as thoroughly as I should have. You really have to concentrate on the question and the rationale for your answer.

BellsRNBSN · Sep 10, 2010

Got a 92% on my first exam in Pathophysiology in NS.

When I study, I try to remember details in how I would see them in a nursing environment, or in a question on the NCLEX. Like instead of memorizing all the little details as I would in anatomy or physiology, I focus on clinical manifestations of a disease, or abnormal lab results that may be indicative of a particular disorder, or how I would educate a patient about a particular topic, etc. Also, the textbooks these days always come with a CD-ROM or a web-site registration code and will have student resources - and a lot of the time they have practice quizzes you can take, which are usually helpful. Also try asking your teacher what to focus on, whether it be her lectures, the textbook, or some particular concepts, etc.

It's hard in nursing school because we have a different teacher for each class and everyone tests a little differently, so while our pathophysiology class is straightforward, I'm not sure yet with how the tests for our other classes will be. We'll see! Good luck to all of you! :nurse:

ginmarada · Sep 10, 2010

I got a 94 on my first nursing exam. I read the chapters....ALL of them. I did the NCLEX style questions in the back of the book. And I looked over the professors powerpoints to make sure I had a good understanding of all the concepts. Our professors advice was to not just memorize the information but to understand the why's and how's, because all the concepts build on one another.

afox · Sep 10, 2010

wow. maybe i'm dumb. I'm in fundamentals now and I originally got a 76 on my first exam (failing) but the teacher drops questions if she notices that over half the class misses them, and determines that she did not word it clearly or there was more than one "most correct" answer. More than half of my class failed the test even after questions were dropped. Luckily she dropped 3 questions so i ended up with an 80, and I was happy to pass.

The next exam I got an 87 on and the 3rd exam I got a 93 on. I am beginning to feel more comfortable with the questions, getting into a routine, and also the material is starting to get a little more interesting to me.

To study, I go over my notes and i also do practice questions out of the end of our chapters, and on the CD's usually have questions too. I think that really helps!

Kaychell · Sep 11, 2010

I got an 86 on our first exam and a 90 and an 86 on our first and second quizzes.

Don't over study

Get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before

Eat a good breakfast (protein and carb, not snicker and diet coke)

Don't hurry through test

Go with your gut

Use the ABC's, then safety, Maslows, or nursing process

Do some practice NCLEX questions online, even if you don't know anything about the info their asking, you'll at least get used to the format of the questions.

tkm2005 · Sep 11, 2010

I was pleased with my 88 on our first exam. I read the chapters & highlight them, then I go back and create an outline from the highlighted items, I print it out and study study study! I also do the NCLEX style questions @ the end of each chapter. I read over the powerpoints a couple of times and that's about it! I don't over study, I break it up into 30-45 minute sessions, then get up and do something fun for 15-30 minutes. :) Our next test is Monday (9/13) so hopefully I'll be just as successful, if not more! :)