Nursing Test Taking, and Studying Strategies..Advice

tclu, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2010

When I was studying for tests, I would focus too much on the pathophysiology and not enough on the nursing interventions/implications. Also, figure out what is the best way for you to learn. Flash cards, talking out loud/reciting, study groups, writing down the material over and over...those are some different strategies.

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Feb 9, 2010

When I was studying for NCLEX-PN. I'd think to myself.. "ok if it were me on the floor with this situation. what would i do"

Definitely do questions with rationales given.. so this way if you got it wrong you see why and what you can read up on. Obviously this isnt possible for the test.

On a nursing school test when they give you questions.. READ THE ENTIRE QUESTION and make sure you understand what they are asking before you go look and select answers.

sciencer · Feb 9, 2010

Have you tried practice NCLEX questions with rationale from an NCLEX question and answer book? I have found them very helpful. After I've studied and read for my exams, I go through a lot of NCLEX-type questions from a book to practice that test-taking style. I usually catch myself getting ones wrong, reading the rationale, and thinking, "Oh, THAT'S what they're looking for." It has been helpful for me. Good luck. :)

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Feb 9, 2010

make sure you read the entire question, many times I thought that I had read the question and knew the answer then I get to the test review and reread the question and realize that the question was asking somthing else. So now for tests, I underline key words that the question is asking and I write out rationales for each answer for why it is not right or why it is right

delilas · Feb 9, 2010

NCLEX review books have entire chapters dedicated to deciphering and understanding NCLEX-type questions - they are great! Once you understand the way the questions work, it is SO much easier to answer them. In fact, I actually prefer my classes who test in this manner now.

Our school told us during orientation to do 100 questions off the CD each day. I dont even come close to that - in fact, I usually only study from the book and CD in between terms when my time isn't taken up by the rest of nursing school - but its already made a huge difference.

Understanding the questions will help you read the textbooks in a way that you can almost see the types of questions you're going to encounter. If you're reading about a certain disease and its nursing interventions, think of it in terms of what you would do, IE -' this patient has Disease X, so I am going to do A, B, and C'. Thinking of it in terms of doing and having instead of 'interventions' often makes it easier.

lala_rn09 · Feb 9, 2010

I also used NCLEX studying books to help me study and to get used to the type of questions i was dealing with. Everyone is different but i know that i would read the question and answer it in my head before reading the answers because then i knew that i had to be right instead of second guessing myself. But be sure to read it thouroughly but not "into it" i know a bunch of ppl who start to read into the questions and make assumptions and they were always wrong. GOOD LUCK! you can do it!!! i just graduated and passed NCLEX in July.. its acheivable... i promise!!! :yeah:

VentcSN · Feb 12, 2010

Thank you everyone for the wonderful advices you have given. I definitely read the NCLEX book by saunders and practice the nclex questions. The key is also having great notes. I just found out tham I am an auditory learner so now I record the lecture, and read the things out loud when I study to understand it better. I am doing my best to do really do good in test taking by learning the different strategies to become an effective test taker...I heard the key in success is Knowledge and Excellent test taking skills...............Thank you everyone...