Lpn Student Questions???? Help

crystalclear · Sep 6, 2005

I just started the program to become an LPN , I work now as a cna.
I'm very nervous about succeeding.
Is there any advice as to taking classroom test and things like that
any websites to help???
thanx :imbar

Hello, I'm not sure about websites to go to . I studied something every night. Do not wait to the last to study for tests. Try to understand the basic concepts. It will help you with future tests. My first semester was the easiest as far as tests. I had to really prioritize because I had so many different subjects at the same time(Geriatrics, Fundamentals, fund lab, Pharmacology, Pharm math, human growth, medical terminology etc,)but it was very factual you give it to me I give it back. The last two semesters were harder because I had to critically think. I had to answer the questions by the book not necessarily what I would do in the real world. Study hard was the key for me. Try to stay ahead of the work. Answer ojectives b/f you start a new top, and use your objectiives as you study, try to answer them without looking at your notes first. Fine a study time that is right for you. I was a late night studier, some of my friends had to study as soon as they got home, some studied at 5 or 6 in the morning. Make note cards especially for the factual stuff. 94-100 was an A for my school. I would always shoot for A's, and if I fell among the B's it was Ok. I always tried to avoid being a fence rider (80-83), because when it time for finals I didn't want to be stressed to the max. Pray for strength, study hard and use your time wisely(especially weekends). Leave the hanging out to a minimum. Don't wait to the last minute to ask for help from your instructors. Finally after each test I would discuss what I thought the answers were while the test were graded. This help me remember questions on the test and listen to others rationals. I graduated 2nd in my class and passed boards on the first try.

The Power of Prayer and Determination

Anjewels · Sep 6, 2005

Congratulations for making the decision to become an LVN! It may seem overwhelming at first, but hang in there!

Remember when taking tests that 9 times out of 10, the correct answer is just common sense. Don't try to overthink it.

Remember your ABC's - Airway is ALWAYS first, so any answer pertaining to that is most likely the correct answer.

Also, the correct answer usually involves what NURSING CARE you can perform to solve the problem, and NOT what drugs you can administer, so unless the test is specifically a Pharmacology or dosage calculation test, try to stear away from the answer that involves a med.

Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress! I'm about to go into a Refresher Course in order to renew my license after along period of inactivity - so I can relate to your nervousness!!!!

sierranic · Sep 6, 2005

Get one of those NCLEX-PN review books. Saunders is a really good one. This will really help you understand the format of some of the test questions you may get in class, as well as why that answer is correct. Nursing test questions are much more different than any other test you may take, try to remember that when you get a test question to pick the "best answer" not always what answer looks right, because most test questions may have all four answers that are correct to the given situation. My teachers used alot of questions that were really similar to the questions that were in our study guides and reviewing the material before a test really helps with your understanding on certain subjects.

studentLPN · Sep 7, 2005

That was really needed to help give me a boost :rolleyes:

I believe I want this as much as I am afraid of failure.

You have really made a smile come on my face thanx :)

luv4nursing · Sep 7, 2005

Also wanted to add, find what works for you and stick to it! I just graduated today at the top of my class, and Im famous for procrastinating! I dont suggest it for everyone but it worked for me! We had so many tests back to back and there was so much studying that it would be hard not to procrastinate since usually tests were one day after the other, etc. Then we would get so tired of testing, we didnt study study till the night before/morning of the tests if there were a few days till the next test. I rarely studied on weekends because we always tested on Tuesday/Wednesday and mondays, thursdays,fridays were clinicals.

So what I would usually do is monday evening I would look up the vocab and read the assigned chapters, making mental notes of the objectives we were given. I would highlight the chapters. If there were workbook assignments I would do some or most of that. Then in the morning I would wake up at 4 am (had to leave by 7 for school). I would highlight my notes and read them over and over. Then Id read the workbook questions/answers, then Id read what I highlighted in the book.

Id do the same Tuesday night for the test wednesday. This was my ritual. Sometimes if time permitted Id answer the objectives one by one, others Id number them in my book/notes.

then once I got to school my friends and I would quiz each other. Its been a long hard year! :) Good luck to you! Its rough but worth your while!