Test strategies I've learned

rbrandnew · Mar 2, 2012

O.K. time for the 'time saving' tip. As you compile all of the above, instead of writing or highlighting the information...Record yourself to the soft playing backdrop of music such as the links below.

Once you have your review recorded, you can listen to it while you do the other things you need to do in your life, such as: housework; shopping; exercising; at salon; gym; grocery store; DMV; doctor's/dentist's office...wherever!

The benefit of recording yourself, is while studying, 'talk it out' and then, if you have a mental block during the exam, 'talk it out' as you did during your recording and watch how it all comes back to you.

The benefit of recording yourself to 60 BPM Baroque, 60 BPM Kick Drum, Positive Thinking/Relaxation Music, etc., is, it is conducive to 'learning' and it allows you to form a positive association with the study material; which will translate to a positive, relaxed, calm demeanor while taking the actual exam. Being calm, relaxed and confident while taking the exam, while reduce your odds of making careless mistakes.

(As you master the material, you can fast forward your recording to save even more time)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRfZIdK9Gb4]Positive thinking music. - YouTube

I[/url]f you find a link that you really like, but it's very short, then just type the word, repeat, between youtube and .com, see example below.

nowledge is power and the key to studying smarter, not harder!

rbrandnew · Mar 2, 2012

I trust you have found my tips helpful. I have an even better tip...to be continued.

Lilianne · Mar 8, 2012

Thanks so much for all the wonderful tip you've been giving us and thank you for taking the time out to post them. I just wanted to let you know that you're greatly appreciated! I'm sure you will one day soon make an amazing RN! I'm doing great in all my classes but unfortunately I got 1 wrong on my math test and can't start clinicals on Monday. It's so discouraging that after all this hard work I missed clinicals and have to get held back a semester because of one lousy math questions. I am so down about it. The Dean wouldn't budge and let a bunch of us that got 95 go on. Oh well. Maybe next time. Good luck with everything!!!

rbrandnew · Mar 8, 2012

Thank you Lilianne! This too shall pass.

rbrandnew · Mar 14, 2012

Useful MAR/medication links.

seriouslyserious, LPN · Sep 13, 2012

subscribed...

BlueEyedGuy · Sep 15, 2012

Some decent advice in this thread, but I don't think there's a practical reason to learn bloom specifically. It's more prudent just to ask yourself if you understand what the question is asking.

edit: Learning the priority frameworks is good though. Maslow's, ABC's, assessment first, least restrictive to most restrictive intervention.

KaseyP · Apr 13, 2013

rbrandnew, I need HELP!!!! I've read your thread and it has some really helpful tips...all I need to do now is learn how to apply it! Can you go over another example with me related to CHF or angina??? I've got a test on Cardiovascular in less than 2 weeks!! I know it's a lot to ask, but I feel overwhelmed, I memorize everything like you stated you previously used to do and everything gets jumbled up, I sit down to take the test and everything I learned escapes memory! If you can please share an example of something I have to learn now, I think it'll help me tremendously! Thank you for all of your help!

-Kasey

Kimynurse · Apr 16, 2013

Thank you

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Jul 23, 2016

I know this is an old thread but I love your tips that you put on here. Thank you

sophh · Oct 29, 2017

Hi! Omg! I was so glad when I saw you online. I stumbled upon your message, because like you I am in the same boat of barely passing nursing exam. I read all your points. They were so helpful. But I just don't know where to start. I have figured out that my learning style is visual. Im beginning to incorporate that in my studying and still trying to get a hang of everything. But I still haven't figured the test taking part. When I read the rationale, I realize they are definitely not the thought process that was going on in my head. I need your help!!! Where do I start from? You can private message me. Thank you.

KrCmommy522, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2017

NO ANSWER CHANGING! I can count on one hand (probably 1 finger) the number of times I've changed an answer from wrong to right. I've changed an answer from right to wrong at least 5 times. I stopped changing answers unless I remembered a specific piece of information that undeniably changed my previous approach to the question. For example, if I remember a normal lab value that's pertinent to the question, I'll consider changing. Unless I have this "flash of lightning" - no changing! I've seen too many students start to get nervous as time winds down and second-guess themselves, only to their detriment.

SUCH A GREAT POINT!!! I'm so glad you said that! I was always the first one done with my tests and people would always ask how I got through them so fast. I always took my time and read each question carefully and through about my answer, but I NEVER went back over my test. I knew if I did, I would be sure to change an answer or two. When I first started nursing school I always went over my tests, but I learned not to do that very quickly! After the instructor graded our exams and I would go over it, I would realize that pretty much all the questions I missed were ones I changed when I went back over the exam. So, from then on I decided to just read each question carefully and thoroughly and think my answer through - and then to never go over the exam when I was finished. And, when I was taking the test, if I chose an answer I KEPT THAT ANSWER. The only way I ever erased and chose something different was if I was ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE that I knew I had chosen the wrong answer (e.g., if the question was asking which nursing intervention NOT to do, and I chose one that you should do). Other than that, I went with my gut!

ALWAYS GO WITH YOUR GUT!! Most of the time, you are going to be right!