Testing styles: Nursing vs. CRNA school

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So, I've just finished my first year in a BSN program. The thing is, all the tests we've taken are "critical thinking" style tests... meaning, they are giving us multiple choice tests covering material that isn't taught or in the textbooks. I don't personally agree with this testing style, since I've studied psychometrics in the past and know that tests like these are flawed. What I'm trying to figure out is what the testing style of CRNA schools are... is it hard science based, or more of this critical thinking BS? And by the way, I wouldn't have a problem with critical thinking tests if they provided us with the information required for logically solving problems. Thanks!

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Critical Thinking is not BS. If you can't figure it out. Good luck getting through nursing school. There is simply not enough time to teach you everything.

Also, just because it's not taught or in your current course textbook....you are generally held responsible for ALL prior education and textbook material in your current courses. In addition, just because you were specifically taught about xx condition or xx nursing intervention does not mean that you cannot use critical thinking and prior experience to determine the correct answer.

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Critical Thinking is not BS. If you can't figure it out. Good luck getting through nursing school. There is simply not enough time to teach you everything.

Also, just because it's not taught or in your current course textbook....you are generally held responsible for ALL prior education and textbook material in your current courses. In addition, just because you were specifically taught about xx condition or xx nursing intervention does not mean that you cannot use critical thinking and prior experience to determine the correct answer.

Well, Brett, I've got a 4.0 so far, and have gotten A's on the exams. My criticism of this type of testing is based on the fact that it's not scientifically based. It's highly subjective and imprecise. I would feel differently if the tests were asking us to solve problems we have the necessary information and/or background to solve. And drawing from prior education/textbook material and using past experiences isn't a problem, either. We are routinely asked questions that have no relevance to ANY material from ANY class, textbook, or experience. That's my problem, with it. The professors also deemphasize the importance of things like regular reading and studying, memorization, and problem solving. In essence, they're basing our grades on the wrong things. IT is my expectation that CRNA schools will have a curriculum based on material they do in fact teach, and I've heard it before on this forum that that's what they do. I'm trying to clarify this issue.

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I don't know, I think I can sympathize with you Anesthetize. I have a feeling I know what kind of tests/teaching you are dealing with, it can be very frustrating. Poorly written questions just don't do anyone any good, most of the time you just have to try and eliminate the obviously wrong choices and go with your gut. To be honest, I don't think you will ever totally escape poorly written test questions, but I certainly deal with it a lot less often in CRNA school.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency.

well i don't know about the above posts, but in my program, the tests are all over the place. some questions from stuff we've read, some from lecture (stuff we heard), previous clinical experiences (some we've had, some not), some we've not read.. basically, testing comes from everything and everywhere. it's rediculous sometimes, but hey, that's what it is (for our program anyways)... i mean, we'll have a test on anesthesia principles and practices from, say, chapters x and x, and then find 15 questions on Reglan, 10 on TURP, 15 on something else, all of which we were not made aware of. what i'm trying to say is, no, it's not all "hard-science" and not all "critical thinking", but a mix of everything, EVERYTHING... so enjoy now and wait, because it just gets harder and more frustrating... I wouldn't change my path for anything though.... good luck~

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at Emory U some of the nursing test questions (except for pharm and patho) come out of nowhere... stuff we haven't been taught in ANY class or in the text, current or previous.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency.
at Emory U some of the nursing test questions (except for pharm and patho) come out of nowhere... stuff we haven't been taught in ANY class or in the text, current or previous.

i'm glad to hear i'm not at the only school that does stuff like this...

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Specializes in Telemetry/CVU/CICU/CVICU/Neuro-ICU/SICU.

I really cannot understand why nursing is so proud of this. Why test a student on material that they have not been exposed to or has not been included in lecture? What does that say about our future profession. One day I plan on teaching and I will not do this to my students. Sometimes I just really think that nursing is so flawed. Especially with that ridiculous grading scale. And I don't want to hear any crap from anyone about we should be held to the greatest expectations!!! Oleeeeeeeeeeeee please spare me:uhoh21:....! You the the problem is most teachers are teaching to supplement thier income. Using questions from various test banks instead of writing questions and actually preparing students for NCLEX. I am so happy I ran across this bec I was thinking that my school was the only one pulling questions from the heavens. I feel much better knowing that this trend is going on everywhere. Perhaps one day things will get better. Kan't wait to graduate in May!!! Good Luck you guys!!!

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