2 Tests down 2 Fails Need Help!

pharmgirl · Oct 17, 2009

I think you might need to look at your critical thinking. If you are reading and taking notes, are you learning the stuff or memorizing? You need to be able to apply what you have read to real scenarios. Try finding case studies from your book and working otu those after you have read.

Next while you are taking the test make sure you are making note of key words like "first" or "priority". Underline those words. picture the question in a real world setting and formulate what you would do. Now see if your scenario matches any of the multiple choice. If it doesn't then go to your ABC's and Maslows to pick your answer.

Before your next test, I would also go to your instructor and ask them to review the test with you and see if they have any insight into why you are getting these questions wrong. There may be a pattern, like you have problems with all psychosocial questions etc., Your teacher should also be able to help you critically think the ones you got wrong

GOOD LUCK

DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN · Oct 17, 2009

I do pretty well in tests but confess to not reading material more than once (don't have time). Nor do I take many notes in class or from the book.

Here is what I do (I average 0 - 2 wrong each test MAX):

Read objectives in course syllabus before assigned reading
Read material before class -- so I remain interested in class
Participate in class -- even if it is only in my head
If 2/3 of a chapter is assigned I read the whole chapter (this seems to help me understand the information and how it "fits" together)
Do all questions at the end of the chapter
Read rationales for answers to questions even when I get them right (this helps me if I got it right but for the wrong reason)
Only on rare occasions do I write stuff out. Usually only if it is data that needs memorized or tricky words that have very slightly different meanings.

For me, I think the real key is the rationales behind the answers. Maybe it is for you as well. When you get an answer wrong do you understand why it is wrong and the other is correct (or most correct as they like to say)? A good instructor should be able to steer you in the right direction. Maybe he/she will go through a test with you one-on-one?

Now I am just saying what I do. I have no idea what may work for you. Of course, I'll bomb the next test now.

Whatever happens try not to let it kill your confidence. You sound smart and willing to adjust your methods. Now you just have to find the study key that fits your lock. Definitely consult your instructor(s).

Best of luck! Let us know how it goes.

Music in My Heart · Oct 17, 2009

I would think you need to work on doing more questions.

My suggestion would be to get an NCLEX review book and review all of the questions and rationale for the pertinent chapters.

Have you analyzed the questions that you've missed to get a handle on where you're going astray? Is it a failure of knowledge, a failure of application, or a failure of test-taking skills?

Do you get test anxiety?

What kinds of marks did you earn in your prereqs?

Are you a good student?

Do you have a learning disability?

Are you dyslexic?

jalana · Oct 17, 2009

thanks for the suggestions dolcevita and pharmgirl. Im probably going to read less and focuse more on the power points and pick out the necessary information needed and focus more on nclex questions. That's what everyone has been saying that has passed in my class.

I would think you need to work on doing more questions.
My suggestion would be to get an NCLEX review book and review all of the questions and rationale for the pertinent chapters.
Have you analyzed the questions that you've missed to get a handle on where you're going astray? Is it a failure of knowledge, a failure of application, or a failure of test-taking skills?
Do you get test anxiety?
What kinds of marks did you earn in your prereqs?
Are you a good student?
Do you have a learning disability?
Are you dyslexic?

I think its more of analyzing the question, critical thinking, and application. I know all the information and understand it and have no test taking anxiety at all. Prior to the program my pre reqs were average and a couple of classes were above average. I don't have any learning disabilities.

Music in My Heart · Oct 17, 2009

It sounds like for sure you need to be spending time looking at questions with rationales more than you need to be writing out information.

I'd get as many test-bank references as I could and start working through them.

OCD_Mom · Oct 17, 2009

I strongly urge you to talk with your instructor(s). They may be able to look over your tests and point out things like the critical thinking or whatever you need to understand & how to study better. Big hugs & good luck!

kt77 · Oct 17, 2009

I have never in my life been an "A" student, but I have made "A"'s on both tests this semester. I'm always looking for new ways to improve on how I learn and how to do well on tests...

Here is what I'm doing, maybe it will help-

- Read everything assigned prior to the class discussion, that way I can ask questions and follow along with what is going on and solidify main concepts. I highlight things I think are important and make notes in the margins to help remind me of main points.

- Answer all possible practice test questions, online textbook questions, NCLEX book, study guides...

- A week before the test I begin review with a classmate. We start back at the beginning of the assigned readings and go through the material talking about what we have highlighted as important. In the process we clarify things we were unsure about and in discussing the material it helps me commit it to memory.

The review with my classmate is soooo helpful! I hate having to read the material more than once so this forces me to go through it and talking about it makes me realize where there are gaps in my understanding.

Good Luck- hang in there!!

P.S. The person I study with is insane about getting an "A", I don't think she has ever got anything less. Find someone in your class that is making "A"'s and find out if they would be willing to review with you.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Oct 17, 2009

This may be of help to you: https://allnurses.com/nursing-blogs/student-resources-nclex-430803.html

MattiesMama · Oct 19, 2009

Hey Jalana

You say this is only your second exam...don't get too frustrated! Nursing school is kind of a culture shock-as I'm sure you have figured out by now, it's nothing like your pre-reqs!

First, you need to get used to the curriculum and the way you are tested. Most schools use NCLEX-style questions, which can be tricky if you aren't used to them. The key to these is picking out the relevent information. Underline the key words: usually signs and symptoms that the patient is displaying, and then find out what exactly the question is asking. A lot of questions will seem like there is more than 1 correct answer, and this is where terms like "most appropriate", "first", or "least" come into play. I agree with PP's-get an NCLEX review book and practice the questions, read the rationales (even if you get it right, you need to know WHY!)

Aside from that, you need to find a way of studying that works for YOU. Figure out what your learning style is. Do you retain information just from reading, or are you more visual? Talk to your instructors and other students to see what they are doing. Find a good study group if you can.

Honestly, my studying style varies depending on the kind of test I'm taking and what kind of mood I'm in, but normally I'll just read the material (before and during class) and highlight the information I think is "testable". Then I'll go back later on and write questions on that information. Then before the test, I review my self-tests (along with the tests in the book) to see how much I've retained and go over anything that I need to work on. But different methods work for different people...it's still early enough where you have time to figure out what works for you. You will NOT get kicked out of nursing school for failing a few tests so try not to stress! I went from barely passing in my first semester to being a straight-A student in my 3rd semester (which is considered the hardest by far in my program) so it can be done...just believe in yourself and stay positive. :specs:

jalana · Oct 23, 2009

Totally bummed I just spoke to my adviser and told me in order to pass I have to get my next 2 grades in the high 80s/90s and pass my final with flying colors and my test is this Thursday. Ive been doing everything I can by doing objectives questions and Im still anxious and worried. I appreciate all the support and advice hopefully all goes well.

JAMRNSTUDENT · Oct 23, 2009

QUESTIONS QUESTIONS QUESTIONS.. i found that doing questions allows you to get used to the tyoe of questions and wording of questions you get in nursing school... nothing like any other schooling ive had and i already have a B.S.... once you get used to the questions you'll be able to look for key words on the tests... its not just throwing back information you need to critical think and apply the information you know.. also when answering questions you are unsure of or are inbetween 2 answers.. remember nurses are patient advocates and the answer 9 out of 10 times is patient focus!! remeber ur ABC's as well very important and helpful on tests! good luck!