I am scheduled to take my nclex the second week of March. I have been studying (using Hurst, Lippincott and some Kaplan Q-bank). Thus far I am doing pretty well on the general content questions. In some of my sessions I'm getting 90-95% correct on these. However I am consistently failing on SATA. No matter what I do, I am always wrong. I am using the T/F method to evaluate each statement--but it doesn't matter--I either always forget one--or I've reasoned through adding one that should not be there I'm really stumped! I don't think I will be able to pass this test without getting this SATA issue under control. Does anyone have any suggestions? I really feel like I understand the question and know the topic, but I just keep getting these wrong ....
Thank you Jena! This is really helpful--although it appears that I need to retract my 90% a bit. I started using UWORLD questions and OMG-- I think I earned a 54% and then a 48%. It was bad...they had procedures and meds on there with minute specifics. I'm scared now!
It's relieving to hear that others struggled with the SATAs as well. For me the priority types are a little bit easier, but not by much. I think in the real world, things are much more fluid--not so stepwise--so continually I am putting the middle steps out of order.
Specializes in Tele, Interventional Pain Management, OR.
You seriously need to stop thinking "real world" and start thinking...NCLEX world.
In NCELX world, the entirety of every situation is housed in the individual question. Asking yourself, "But what if...?" is the kiss of death. Fight the urge!
I don't know anything about UWorld. I used the Hurst live review and kinda the NCLEX Mastery phone app to study. But mostly I fell back on my nursing program's high-90s first-time NCLEX pass rate and the fact that I achieved really good grades in nursing school. Also, I heeded my instructors' advice to take NCLEX ASAP after graduation.
NCLEX is all about "step-wise." So try your best to start thinking that way.
Also--try to avoid studying from too many different resources. That will just shake your confidence. Pick one or two resources and stick to them. If your nursing program administered NCLEX-style exams--and you were a good student--don't subscribe to the "you must answer thousands of practice questions before your NCLEX" nonsense. It's not necessary.
The general consensus in my class was "There is no way to study for this test!" I think you are doing well by reviewing and upping your general knowledge. The first question on my test was for a procedure I had never heard of. I felt it went downhill from there; the test shut off at 75 questions in 62 minutes and I just about vomited. I passed.
You probably already have standard habits when it comes to taking tests. For me it is GWYG - go with your gut. This method has gotten me through some really difficult tests. I read the question, read the answers and click on the one I think is correct. No agonizing, no second-guessing, no hair-pullling. You've gotten this far. You know this stuff. GWYG.
Thanks Riblet--you are really right. I just was practicing and came across a triage question where one answer was "gunshot wound to chest". Did I pick this? NO. WHY? Because I thought it was too easy and there was some "trick". I agree with you--if we don't trust ourselves, we will really dig ourselves into a hole.
I am sorry you had to agonize with your test, but so glad you passed! I hope to say the same in a few weeks (well the passing part!!) :)
I agree with jena5111, it is very important to have an understanding of " nclex world" versus real world experience. At this point in your studying I would focus more on NCLEX strategy, understanding the exam, and continue to do many practice questions. I found kaplan q bank practice questions and La Charity Prioritization book to be the most helpful. I also looked into several resources regarding NCLEX strategy, NCLEX test development etc. to better understand the makeup of the exam.
ATI and NCSBN have some helpful information regarding testing strategy:
I also did not find the T/F method to be helpful with SATA. What I did find helpful aside from daily practice questions (multiple times a day), was to take my time with the questions and identify important details that may be overlooked that can help eliminate answers. For example, if they give you a specific age or time reference, consider this information when deciding what the questions is really asking and in examining the answer choices. Take your time with SATA but do not overthink. Use your nursing judgement to decide what answer(s) makes sense based on the information provided in the question, to keep the patient SAFE.
One last piece of advice, a positive and prepared mindframe is very important on test day. Stress and anxiety will not help you think through those more difficult questions. If you feel overwhelemed during the test, take a break, take deep breathes, drink water, eat a kit kat...whatever you need to do to rebalance and go back into the exam positive and on your way to PASS!! Do NOT let question content, or style of questions throw you off. It will not benefit you to overanalyze why you are getting certain questions or how many SATAs you have had while taking the exam. Trust me, you will have plenty of time to think about this after ;-). So take your time during the exam, do NOT allow yourself to think about anything other than the decision and thought process to work through each question.
I'm really stumped! I don't think I will be able to pass this test without getting this SATA issue under control. Does anyone have any suggestions? I really feel like I understand the question and know the topic, but I just keep getting these wrong ....
belljar1995, PhD, RN
57 Posts
Thank you Jena! This is really helpful--although it appears that I need to retract my 90% a bit. I started using UWORLD questions and OMG-- I think I earned a 54% and then a 48%. It was bad...they had procedures and meds on there with minute specifics. I'm scared now!
It's relieving to hear that others struggled with the SATAs as well. For me the priority types are a little bit easier, but not by much. I think in the real world, things are much more fluid--not so stepwise--so continually I am putting the middle steps out of order.