Test strategies I've learned

rbrandnew · Feb 18, 2012

So why did I put all this together, instead of just being concerned about myself and my grade?

Because, Wednesday I witnessed a classmate make her decision to drop out. And after she made her decision, I saw her take a picture of her name on the honor roll list. And for a passionate/compassionate person like me...that image said a thousand words.

Therefore, it was in her honor and those like her who have given up on their dreams (at least for now, I can be very dramatic). I had a long talk with one of the Deans and expressed my concerns about the deficits of our collaborative administrative/staff/student relationship.

I told her one of the reasons that I was able to do better on the 110 test was, because I spent the entire week just studying critical thinking. And in doing so, I discovered that I was trying to use only one level of cognitive thinking for every question, (knowledge). I discovered that the reason I was overwhelmed; never had enough time and making careless mistakes was because I was trying to memorize my way through the classes. I was trying to apply mnemonics to comprehension, application and analytic questions...and it was too much. I started remembering the mnemonics, but forgetting what it stood for. For example, I had the Dirty Broads Forget to Wash Hands Daily, down pat, but I forgot the true meaning.

However, while studying the 'Test Your Knowledge' questions, and because I spent a week studying critical thinking, I noticed for the first time, all that stuff, other than the answer and the rationale. The Cognitive level, the Client needs, the Nursing Process and the Learning Outcome. And after I learned what it all meant I was like, "Well, I'll just be damn!" I felt like Dorothy clicking my heels, saying "There's no place like home" Everything I needed to get good grades was right there all along. Right with the answers, but because I was trying to memorize my way through my classes, I 'thought I was too busy to look at all that other stuff".

And even though, we were advised to read, 'Test Success', that book does not include all that 'other stuff'. Therefore, in addition to being told to read, 'Test Success', and because nursing in like learning a new language, students need to be taught how to use their text book.

After understanding the significance of all that 'stuff'. I realized that I didn't remember anyone telling me the significance of all that other stuff and that if I applied all that other stuff to my study habits, it would help me gain the skills to recognize and then correctly answer comprehension, application and analytic questions. And how to study smarter, not harder! And in doing so, I would actually have more time. Discovering this, this late in the semester was disappointing, but better late, than never.

rbrandnew · Feb 18, 2012

My only request in return is, only positive talk to and around me, please!

rbrandnew · Feb 19, 2012

The best way to learn is to teach. The best way to study smarter and not harder is to teach.

More tips- Did you know that when you study with flash/index cards you are only using one of the cognitive levels of critical thinking? You are only using, the knowledge level, and if that is your primary method of studying, then you are studying harder, not smarter. You are putting yourself at risk of information 'overload'. You are putting too much pressure on yourself to remember too much information.

So, should you stop using flash/index cards to study? No. But to maximize the use of your flash/index card method, you should incorporate the other cognitive critical thinking levels into your method. How?

For example, you define Parenteral-Taken into the body or administered in a manner other than through the digestive tract, as by intravenous or intramuscular injection. (parenteral - definition of parenteral in the Medical dictionary - by the Free Online Medical Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.)

If you stop there, then you will limit your opportunity to cover more cognitive bases, such as comprehension, application, and analysis. To include all four levels of cognitive thinking and to solidify your understanding of the information and therefore better prepare you for test questions. Include the following to the definition above.

When is parenteral used instead of oral, why? What are the types of parenteral methods, sites, medications (risks/benefits) needle gauges, administration procedure, why is this dependent function, which clients are likely/less likely to receive this method...

Even if you don’t write all this on your flash/index card, you MUST START THINKING LIKE THIS, SO MAKE IT A MENTAL HABIT TO INCLUDE IT WITH YOUR FLASH/INDEX CARDS.

rbrandnew · Feb 19, 2012

Best Tip of the Day.

If you don't already have, 'Nursing Interventions & Clinical Skills' 5th by Perry, Potter, and Elkin...get it today! I forgot I had it and just picked it up this weekend and...it is a must have. It is 100x better than our skills book, because it teaches you the skills, the critical thinking and the nursing interventions. This is a book you definitely want for clinical.

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 19, 2012

Edited. :)

rbrandnew · Feb 21, 2012

Nursing curriculum can be very stressful and like most nursing students, I gave into the pressures and thought that I would flunk out. It was only after I broke away from all the external and most importantly, the internal negative talk, that I was able to get back and track and now, not only am I passing all my classes, I am still in the running for all A's...and that makes me happy!

If you not happy while studying to become a nurse, then how will you be happy, while working as a nurse? Below are some links that have helped me change the way I look at things.

Jim Rohn - 3 Questions You should ask yourself - YouTube

Change your thoughts - Change your life - Dr. Wayne Dyer 1of5 - YouTube

staceym · Feb 21, 2012

I really appreciate this thread, as I'm 6 months out (hopefully) of entering nursing school. I am not so much intimidated by the work load, but more so of how to organize the workload into which is more important and use my time to study well, not necessarily a lot. I am frustrustated that we are not taught more of HOW to study properly and organize our time with school/life... the whole "figure it out yourself" idea is not always a good strategy. I think one of my goals before NS will be to research time management and study skills that work for me. I will be a newlywed when NS starts so I want to make sure I make time for my husband, take time to care for myself and not stress myself out too much by not focusing on the bigger picture.

So, thanks again.

rbrandnew · Feb 22, 2012

Staceym, the best way to ensure success is a positive attitude, utilization of concept mapping, and a passion for the work. If you truly understand that the most important tool for success is a positive attitude, then the rest will fall into place. Best wishes.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2012

a positive attitude will take you a long way in nursing school, true. however, it's no substitute for decent intellect, strong science and math preparation, good writing skills, and hard study. good luck to all!

rbrandnew · Feb 23, 2012

a positive attitude will take you a long way in nursing school, true. however, it's no substitute for decent intellect, strong science and math preparation, good writing skills, and hard study. good luck to all!

hi grntea, if after compiling all this, if anyone walks away thinking i said or implied that positive attitude alone, is the key to success...then surely, "what we have here is a failure to communicate".

rbrandnew · Feb 23, 2012

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IaCountryGirl · Feb 23, 2012

Thank you so much for posting this as I was trying to find something like this a couple weeks ago and could not!