Our first big test...is this normal?

michw2 · Sep 2, 2004

As you can see. Nursing tests are very hard it is the critical thinking that you have to put into each question that is the most difficult. I had trouble with the testing my first semester. I had to end up repeating it. Well it does get easier but I just think it is how they write the test questions. I can tell you always go with the first thing that come to you because if you don't you will talk yourself out of the correct answer and then you get it wrong. I hope this helps. Michele

NYCRN16 · Sep 2, 2004

Hello, we are in our 2 week of school and we just took our first big 100 question test covering everything we have learned up till now. Well, the majority walked out of class feeling really confident that they did great. When we came back to class our instructors told us they were a bit suprised that everyone did not do as well as they thought we would, well as we get the sinking feeling in our stomach she showed us that 19 of us made C's 9 made B's 6 made D's and
0 people made A's. With the majority of us makeing C's wouldn't this tell them that they are not teaching it correctly or the testing is improper? I was just wondering if this is common and have you guys experienced it? I spent ALOT of time studying and read all my chapters, took all my notes, listened to lectures, and I made a C which ususally when I put that much effort into my classes I walk away with at least a B if not an A. Would like to hear your imput and what you guys think. Thanks

Is this the first test of the entire program or have you completed nursing classes before? If this is your VERY first nursing school test, get used to this happening..but not for much longer! Nursing tests are MUCH different than other types of tests, and merely memorizing information is not enough to pass these exams. You must TRUELY understand what the information is all about, because the types of questions are critical thinking, and just being able to spit out facts is not enough to answer them correctly. You have to pick the question apart, figure out what is important and what is just "filler" and then see which answers make the most sense. If you would like, post a question from your exam on here and I will help you pick it apart and give you the correct answer and why. There WILL be more than one correct answer, but you will be made to choose which answer is more correct, based on the situation. Dont worry about the grades, the teacher will have to curve if most of the class failed. On your next exam just study a little every day, and answer questions out of an NCLEX book. If you can answer these types of questions, then you should do fine. Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you need any help.

merricat · Sep 2, 2004

my instructor said with nursing tests there will usually be (if mult choice test) two wrong answers taht saound wrong and two answers that sound kind of right so you have to choose which is better. she also said they love to write in "always" and "never" and other types of words that you have to really pay attention to-- also they like to say "which answer is incorrect". it helps to underline the always and nevers and incorrects if you can. i have a rule that i always read the question and all the answers twice to make sure that both times i get the same answer and that no matter what i pay no attention to the people who finish before me-- i wont rush to keep up. all this seems to help. oh-- also if question gives me bad problems i come back to it later.