How to study for first nursing school exam?

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Sep 13, 2015

Everyone has different methods of studying and each professor has different teaching styles. Some test solely over the text while others take questions directly out of their noted.

I make sure to look at the key terms of the chapter, as well as the important concepts. I also look over my notes and see if the professor repeated him/herself because usually, if they spoke about something more in depth, it will probably show up on your test.

Know the nursing interventions. Since it's Fundies, I would assume that you're learning about priorities? ABC's and Maslow's for interventions, and assess before treating. Good luck!

Natasha, RN, BSN · Sep 14, 2015

I found that whatever topics that were to be tested on, I would use my resources to read up on those topics. Since you have a wide variety of ones to choose from, I would say go with the one you feel best covers the topic and has test prep questions to go with it. For me, the Saunders NCLEX prep book was a lifesaver. The topics were to the point (whereas some textbooks can be full of "fluff") and the test prep questions (after registering online) were very helpful besides just doing the ones in the book. Good luck :)

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Sep 14, 2015

Just go ahead and fail it. I failed my first fundamentals test and that's how I figured out what the tests were like. I never failed a test again until my final exam of my final nursing class. I showed up over an hour late and deathly ill to take that one! Happy days...

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Sep 14, 2015

Just go ahead and fail it. I failed my first fundamentals test and that's how I figured out what the tests were like.:

Um... I would not recommend this.

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Sep 14, 2015

Um... I would not recommend this.

WHY NOT? :cyclops: :sour: :devil:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 14, 2015

Your thread has been moved to the Nursing Student Assistance forum. Good luck to you.

So I made it through my first week of nursing school and we have a test next Friday. I am freaking out because we have so many different resources to study from and I do not know where to begin! We have three different websites (ATI, Shadow Health, and Evolve) a whole set of ATI books, NClex books, test success books, my textbook for Fundamentals of Nursing, my notes, and a powerpoint. Everyone told me different things when I asked the upperclassmen! Some said don't even open your textbook, just use ATI, and others said the notes don't add up to the test. I am so anxious because I feel there is not enough information in my notes for a whole exam, andI don't know how to study for this! I am so nervous that Iwill study all the wrong things and waste my time and fail. Any suggestions, tips, or things that helped you in nursing school? Thank you!

jessicaparks2511 · Sep 19, 2015

How'd the test go?

Student2017555 · Sep 19, 2015

I failed with a 72. I am so devestated

jennrn52 · Sep 20, 2015

I failed with a 72. I am so devestated

Hey, I'm sorry you failed. But listen, don't beat yourself up over it. It was one test. And these tests are crazy hard. Even when you're right, it's not the most correct answer. I did okay through my first two semesters, then my third semester first test I thought I knew the material and made a D. I talked to the instructor (which was very frightening, everyone was scared of her!) and she sat with me and would ask me to explain the answers, etc. the biggest piece of advice she gave me was "when you study the material, think of how you would explain it to the patient. Because you will be the one they ask questions to, not the doctor." And then she added if I failed the next test I had to come explain to her why I failed it. Aaah!!! I made an A on the next test (first time ever in the nursing program!) and did so well I could have made a 50 on the final and still pass the class.

what I started doing was I would look at the material and rephrase it into basic layman terms. So simple my mom with no medical background was able to understand it when I talked about it. Once I got that down I then would start looking at the medical part (expected lab results, tests to diagnose, etc) and would think of why the outcome would be that way or why the doctor would order such and such. Once I understood it for one disease, it would actually start clicking better for others because it would start carrying over. I hope this helps with you on your next test and future tests.

And i I know it can be devastating but don't give up. I went to school with a girl who failed our last semester, retook the class, failed again and was kicked out of the program (you could only fail twice). She went to Lpn school, passed, and a few years later went back and completed her RN. She is now an awesome NICU nurse.

CSTtoRN · Sep 23, 2015

I failed with a 72. I am so devestated

I'm sorry, I know hard that can be. It's so hard to know what to expect and the first one of the semester is always the hardest. Now that you know what to expect hopefully it will help you with your study strategies from now on. One test doesn't define you! Good luck!

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2015

Good day:

As it was pointed out, get in touch with your learning style, then come up with a system that matches your style. Do learn the vocabulary, and continue learning vocabulary for each topic. For fundamentals, I found using a limited number of resources helped the best (and that's playing true for med surg now). For fundamentals, I used the textbook (s) that were required, and for 3rd party, ATI (you can get a current edition, used, from Amazon for typically under $10), and Saunder's. I added Lippincott's Q&A for MedSurg (mainly for additional NCLEX questions).

In terms of a study time line, I do recommend studying for 20 minutes, then do a review for 5 minutes (this can be NCLEX questions on the topics - best case), and then do something physical away from the study area for 5 minutes before returning back to study. If it works schedule wise, avoid cramming.

Thank you.