Test taking in Nursing-NCLEX based Q's

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Hi all,

I have has some trouble with taking tests while in LPN school. The instructors give tests questions based on how the NCLEX asks questions. They say they do it this way to get us ready to the exam. I can understand this but it truly doesn't show as to what I know when I receive my score.

It took me at least two to three tests to figure out how to get the hang of them. My grades started to go up a little but not what I expected.

I truly knew the information as I did LOTS of studying. Used every waking moment to study as I wanted to make good grades as anyone would.

I have had advice regarding test taking and pulled out stem words and when going through the choices, A,B,C, & D I would cross out the two I knew were not the good choices to limit my choice.

Well, to make a long story short, I felt confident in my test taking at the end of the semester. Class average was 77%...I made a 78%. With a previous BOMBED test score I didn't have the average at the end of the semester I needed to complete the course. I was devastated and could not be more depressed.

I did GREAT on my clinicals and all the paperwork involved including the check-offs we had to do which were clinical procedures such as IV insertion, Catheter insertion, giving meds etc.

Has anyone out there had this happen to them and have any suggestions? I now have to start all OVER again from scratch not knowing if I will even make it in the program. We only have one chance a year to apply.

I know the material...just so darn tricky at times. :o

I have used NCLEX review books, flash cards and other materials as I was told this would help... and I think it did to some point but I am still not sure what I am doing wrong. With the FINAL exam, we are unable to colaborate or even see it to see what we may have done wrong.

Any help and comments would be most appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

"Taking it a day at a time"

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

hi, tdunn, and welcome to allnurses! :welcome:

please check out the weblinks and information on these two threads:

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Yeah, sadly its all about being able to pass the NCLEX. Since you have time before you can start again I'd seriously consider taking an NCLEX review course. They largely focus on test taking skills. You have to let go the line of thought that these tests don't test what you know and your clinical skills are excellent etc. because to be successful in nursing school they want the whole package so the rest is irrelevant and is only taking away from your focus. I have known students who were smart and awesome on the floor but that didn't matter because they couldn't pass the tests. It sounds like you were very close and since you saw improvement I'd definitely try again. Best to you, Jules

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THANKS so much for the replies. I will check out the links for sure. Also, taking the NCLEX review is a wonderful idea.

You are so right Jules regarding what the instructors are looking for. It is just so hard to hear them state...."you get what you earn". Some of us feel as if we did earn it.

I am holding my chin up and will definitely peruse my dream. I don't give up that easily.

Thanks you guys.

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Go out and scoop up some NCLEX-PN books. I'm in a BSN program, but I'm sure the concept is the same. I can't recommend specific ones for your program, but I'd recommend going to amazon or B&N's website, typing in NCLEX-PN, and reading reviews of all the books that come up. See if you get any gift cards for Chrismas, or save up a little cash, and but a few of them. You can also look at ebay and similar sites for better prices, or try your local library if money is tight. I use the books throughout the semester, doing as many as I can find that even remotely apply to the subjects we're studying for each exam. I'm still not perfect, and the rationales don't always make sense, but I even sometimes see the EXACT same questions from some of my books on exams - they're usually the ones that I got wrong the first time I answered them, and I'll get them right on the exam because doing questions is how I study. Good luck!

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Thanks MB37. Believe it or not, I did this exact thing...purchased a few PN books at B&N....just before the semester started. The thing is, I was so busy in the beginning of nursing school that I rarely had time to look at them.

Later in the semester and several tests later, I found after trying many study techniques that I would still miss at least 10% of my test. This was very frustrating I must say.

Well, as you stated, I pulled out these previously purchased books and as I would go through them found a few questions that I had already been tested on. WOW was that a shocker. :uhoh21: So that in itself told me I was going in the right direction. And yes, it helped practicing. Just wish I would have known before starting the program. :-) I quess we live and learn.

I appreciate the reply. Even knowing I will not continue next semester, I am reading what I can find and practicing for next time. Practice make perfect!

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