Practice Exams

I definitely think you could do it but I also think you're "handicapping" yourself. The practice tests are very good study tools since they provide the rationals to the answers. Besides that, some of the questions on the practice exams are on the actual tests.

I definitely think you could do it but I also think you're "handicapping" yourself. The practice tests are very good study tools since they provide the rationals to the answers. Besides that, some of the questions on the practice exams are on the actual tests.

Yes, I agree that the practice exams are excellent tools. And I did notice on a previously taken exam that some of the practice questions were on the actual exam, they just weren't as complicated as the practice questions. Microbiology and A&P were my weak points in school, so I HAD to use the practice exams to guide me. In nursing school, once I got a good handle on answer nursing questions using critical thinking skills, I did fairly well on the nursing exams. I just came across my old "Fundamentals Success" textbook from my short-lived A.D.N venture in 2009! After reviewing this textbook, I think that should "seal the deal" in my ability to successfully pass the nursing exams without the guidance of practice exams. Thanks for you reply. :)

After careful consideration, I might just HAVE to register for the practice exam. Working the graveyard shift has had me nod off many times while reading through textbooks and study group 101. Although I have been answering the practice nclex questions at the ends of the chapters fairly well enough, I think the practice exams will give me clarity as to whether or not I am really absorbing the information. I will see how this pans out in about two weeks, which is when I want to be fully-prepared enough to schedule a test date.

I think you're definitely making the right decision. One thing I've noticed is that the practice exam questions are much harder then the NCLEX review questions in the Saunders book. I can virtually ace every section in the Saunders book and then fail horribly on an Excelsior practice exam.

A word of caution for you. I made a B on micro and an A on A&P and thought it was a ridiculously easy exam. I aced the NREMTP exam in under an hour with only 75 questions and I scored in the high 90's on the CCEMT-P exam. I made a C on Transitions to Registered Nursing and Health Safety. I then went on to make a B on Health Differences and an A on Chronicity. My point is, Transitions and Health Safety were hard exams for me. Much harder then any other exams I've taken. Do not take them lightly like I did, they will humble you.

Good luck, I hope you do as well as you wish to.

Even though I am a LPN going into this program, I NEVER take anything lightly. I don't say to myself, "I'm a nurse. This should be a piece of cake". I know my strengths and weaknesses. Because of that, I can gauge what "assistance" I need in order to be successful. I haven't taken A&P yet, but I hope to do so in a week or so. I made the mistake of not paying attention to scheduled exam dates:arghh:.

Thanks