Student who just doesn't get it

[Al Kalosis]

Hi all, I am a student in the second semester of a five-semester accelerated BSN program. I am having issues with the NCLEX-style exams. I understand that the questions are meant to be different from exam questions to which college students are accustomed, but it seems like the harder I work, the more disappointing my exam grade. I am not failing, but I am barely treading water, it seems. The most frustrating aspect is that, from my perspective, I do understand the material. If I don't understand something, I seek out information that will clarify the issue. For three exams in a row, I have gone in feeling confident and prepared, only to emerge feeling defeated and confused. When discussing the exams with classmates, I get the impression that they are mostly satisfied with their exam performances. If it was one class that was the problem, I might be inclined to chalk it up to a particularly harsh instructor, but this is not the case. So there is something fundamental that I have thus far been unable to grasp regarding these types of questions. As far as my current studying tactics, I read the materials before class, take handwritten notes during class, and use several study aids (flash cards, end of chapter questions, online NCLEX-style questions) before a test. I have received generally positive feedback for lab exams and clinical work. I eat reasonably well and consistently get 7-8 hours of sleep/night. Given the information conveyed above, I am wondering if anyone can recommend any specific resources, strategies, or tips for someone in my position? For example, is there a specific NCLEX prep book or app that you think would be especially helpful for someone who just can't seem to get it”? Thanks for reading, I appreciate any suggestions you've got!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Have you been able to review the exams with the instructors? I would ask them to sit down with you and go over the exam questions to see if you can identify where/why you're having trouble. Sometimes it's a matter of learning how to read the question and identify what is actually being asked. NCLEX questions often have lots of information- some is important to the answer and some isn't. This may help you decide if you really do have a good understanding of the content or need further review.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

AAARRRRGGGGHHHH (Rant warning)

I am so unhappy with the current state of nursing education. Rather than 'teaching to the test' from day one, why in the world aren't we focusing on clinical reasoning skills that are actually relevant to patient care? The unfortunate outcome from all of this? We have to maintain pricey transition to practice programs for new grads who have aced NCLEX, but are completely lost in the actual clinical environment.

It's demoralizing for students. It may inflate NCLEX results, but does not improve actual nursing skills/abilities.

(end of Rant)

[rachaelofcourse]

When I first started nursing school, I bought the Saunders NCLEX prep book. There's a section in it on test taking that shows you how to dissect NCLEX-style questions. You could try that to at least make sure you're grasping what the question is asking.

[la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN]

When I first started nursing school, I bought the Saunders NCLEX prep book. There's a section in it on test taking that shows you how to dissect NCLEX-style questions. You could try that to at least make sure you're grasping what the question is asking.

I second using Saunders. I used it throughout the first half of my nursing program and it helped me to get a strong grasp on how to deal with NCLEX-style questions. I would use it in conjunction to the lectures (especially during the L&D rotation -- it was a lifesaver). I didn't do much in terms of using so many different resources -- it seems to me you might be trying a little too hard in that area. Clinical reasoning is the whole point of this process (I would also be careful with what kind of online NCLEX-style questions you're using). Try using a prep book like Saunders (Kaplan is ok but it's more strategy-based and Saunders is more content review, which, right now is what you need) and see if your results don't improve. I'm also curious what you're missing on the exams. Have you been able to see what your weak points are? What is it about the exams that makes you feel defeated and confused afterward?

[la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN]

AAARRRRGGGGHHHH (Rant warning)

I am so unhappy with the current state of nursing education. Rather than 'teaching to the test' from day one, why in the world aren't we focusing on clinical reasoning skills that are actually relevant to patient care? The unfortunate outcome from all of this? We have to maintain pricey transition to practice programs for new grads who have aced NCLEX, but are completely lost in the actual clinical environment.

It's demoralizing for students. It may inflate NCLEX results, but does not improve actual nursing skills/abilities.

(end of Rant)

I agree. I am a new grad and I am in a residency program (because I was honest with myself from the beginning that my program was not going to prepare me to work in the real world) and it's interesting how vast peoples' experiences were in nursing school and how prepared they feel they are to work. Luckily, I already worked on the unit I am being trained on and I am even more lucky that I get to specialize right out of school but, I continue to have a little bit of imposter syndrome. I passed the NCLEX in 75 questions in less than an hour and a half but I feel quite lost and I couldn't even imagine how much worse that would be if I never worked at the hospital I am at. I would be a complete trainwreck!!! But, as with all standardized testing, the focus ends up on school pass rates and how expensive can they make the whole process from entry to nursing school to applying to the board. I still feel odd even saying that I'm an actual, bona fide licensed RN. I just don't feel prepared to be one.