Test Advice

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Well, I am 1/2 way into the first semester of an ADN progam. First test 72%, second test 74%. You have to have a 77% at the end of the semester. I want you to know that I studied. I quit my job to focus on school. I do have a house, kids and lots of other responsibilities, but I studied 2-4 hours every day for each exam.

I have ADD, but I am not wanting to use that as an excuse, it is just I am at a loss as to what else I can do. I am not ready to quit, yet, but I have decided if I don't pass, I am changing my career, though I am no spring chicken!

I thought on this last test especially that I at least made an 80 or above. I was totally shocked that I failed it. Any advice would be much appreciated.

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Are you practicing NCLEX style questions before taking your tests? Using books such as the Success series? (med surg succes, fundamental succes, etc - there's one for each course)

You need to learn how to think critically and the best way to do it is doing practice questions. When you're studying remember not to memorize stuff but to really understand the material. After that you can start practicing questions, as much as you can. Use every available recourse: Nclex books, study guides that accompany your textbooks, internet resources (you probably got some access code with your textbooks).

That's the best way to learn how to think critically because it's going to teach you how to select the correct answer even when all 4/5 answer seem to be right.

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Are you practicing NCLEX style questions before taking your tests? Using books such as the Success series? (med surg succes, fundamental succes, etc - there's one for each course)

You need to learn how to think critically and the best way to do it is doing practice questions. When you're studying remember not to memorize stuff but to really understand the material. After that you can start practicing questions, as much as you can. Use every available recourse: Nclex books, study guides that accompany your textbooks, internet resources (you probably got some access code with your textbooks).

That's the best way to learn how to think critically because it's going to teach you how to select the correct answer even when all 4/5 answer seem to be right.

I agree use every resource! Also 2-4 hours a day isn't much for me. When I'm not at school or clinicals I study about 12 hours a day no lie!!! I never leave my study area

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http://m.dummies.com/how-to/content/dissecting-nclexrn-questions-and-focusing-on-the-s.html

Great website for learning how to do nursing style questions. Once you learn how to answer nclex style questions, then practice practice practice! Be sure to read the rationales also, they can be very helpful.

Good luck!

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Off the top of my head for test taking strategies:1. Answer select all that apply questions as if it were a true or false question2. If a test question contains an absolute word, such as "all, always, must, only" it is not the right answer!3. When delegating to nurse's aide, keep in mind they can never ADPIE...... that is the RN's job! Hope this helps a little........

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Specializes in L&D.

Use your Maslow's. Also, use your priority setting frameworks: ABCs, acute vs. chronic, least invasive/least restrictive, etc. Use the nursing process, too.

Also, pay close attention to what the question is asking.

These help me. :D

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study two hours for every hour spent in lecture if not more.

Don't try to memorize things, understand the concept.

Ask why when you are reading.

Use youtube when having a hard time understanding the pathophysiology of something (there are some great videos up there)

Always think ABCSP (airway, breathing, circulation, safety, pain)

You can break up the answers into types of responses, i.e. sometimes 3 questions are assessment answers and 1 is an intervention answer or vice versa, most of the time it's the odd ball out.

try to answer the question before you read the answers

underline, circle, star, and box in key words in the question

give your rationale (if you have time) beside each answer, doing this sometimes makes the answer pop right out at you.

don't over think things

trust your gut

assume that everything you need in a situation is there and ready for you, i.e. don't think that if there is an eviseration that you would have to leave the patient and go hunt down sterile saline and cloths, assume they are there already in the room.

good luck!

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How many credits are you taking?

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I am also a nursing student with ADHD. I struggled through first semester with a C. I went back on medication for it...haven't used any since high school..and second semester I finished with an A. I would put it out there that you may have to learn to control the ADD. These are long lectures and it is easy to let our minds wander. Secondly, I did a project on study skills and learned that if you do not review your notes from a lecture within 24 hours you forget 80% of what you heard....even with notes!! I always...no matter how tired, or what my family wants....study for at least 1 hour after class. I know that is hard to do!! I take evening classes and get up every day at 530 am!! It's one of those things that makes a huge difference. Third, I always do practice questions before I study. This helps guide you to weak areas and keeps you from studying what you know!! I'm now almost halfway through my 3rd semester...woot woot!...and it is going even better than 2nd semester!! Good luck! :) Hope these tips can help!

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Thanks for all of your suggestions!

These are great! I know I need to study the NCLEX questions more. I just feel that there is so much material and only so many hours in a day. It is to say the least completely overwhelming!!

I just restarted medication for this, but I don't think the dose is right. I am going back to the doctor for this in a couple of weeks.

I'm taking a 9 hour Nursing course, and no other classes, I have 5 girls at home and I do not work outside of the home, or I would probably be flunking even worse!

Thanks again!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

Meghen, where you study can be as important as how and how much you study. Several of my students with ADHD have recommended the following:

Keep a color-coded folder or notebook for each class with all of your handouts and lecture notes. Highlight key points in your book or points your instructor emphasized in class with that color also.

Find a way to stay organized that works for YOU. Some students use an ipad app that can be set to alarm. One of my students told me that it works best for her if she not only puts in the due date, but steps she needs to take before that. For example, if her test is in 1 month, she might make a goal to read and summarize the textbook within two weeks, practice NCLEX questions during the third week, and review her notecards during the week before the exam. This student went from nearly failing to being in the top of the class. Cozi family calendar has a way to track not only your schedule but the schedule of your other household members. Google calendar can do the same.

Study someplace without a ton of distractions. This can be especially hard if you have a family. Seek out your college's library. Is there a quiet study floor? It can be better to study for one hour without distractions than to have your child/partner/spouse/pets constantly interrupt. Many of my students with ADHD also tell me that they can't study in a cluttered room.

Start paying attention to your natural times when you are more focused and ask your provider to adjust your meds accordingly. For example, are you most focused in the morning or afternoon? This can gives clues as to when to study and how youre meds might be adjusted best. Also, take note of how long you can stay focused. For example, if you can only focus for 20 minutes, don't try to study two hours without interruption. Start with 20 minutes, take a brief break, then resume studying.

Also, I agree with others who recommend an NCLEX book. I might also suggest the "Success" series of books. Each one corresponds with a class title similar to what you are probably taking. For example, Med-Surg Success. The Prentice Hall Reviews and Rationales guides are also very good. They have audio CDs and some of my students like to listen to them when on the treadmill or jogging!

Finally, consider speaking to your school's Accomodations office (may be called ADA office, Dean of students, etc) about if you should have different testing accomodations. I have seen a quiet environment make all the difference for students who are easily distracted.

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thank you so much. I love to listen to books and I am so glad that you suggested the Prentice Hall, I am downloading it now.

I always have to clean up before I can study, clutter really distracts me, too.

Again, thanks for your help!

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