Ugh, Just failed first, 2nd semester test. Bummer!~

TweetiePieRN · Sep 27, 2005

:uhoh21: I must not understand how to do these type of questions. I know the material. Any suggestions on how to gt better at test taking.

Are the questions formatted like the ones on the NCLEX? If so, there are books you can get that help break down the questions and make it easier to answer them!! :)

RNSuzq1, RN · Sep 28, 2005

:uhoh21: I must not understand how to do these type of questions. I know the material. Any suggestions on how to gt better at test taking.

Hi James,

It's called "Critical Thinking" and unfortunately the #1 reason why most of the classmates we've lost, didn't make it. Many said they knew the material inside and out - just couldn't apply it during the tests.

If you've studied and really know the material - answer each question as if you are the actual "Nurse" taking care of the patient the question is dealing with. "FIRST" "THINK" - What is the question asking you and start by using plain old "common sense". I tried to find a fairly simple question to help you out.

The Nurse is preparing an 8 year old child for a procedure. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

1. Provide visual aids - such as dolls, puppets and diagrams in your

explanation.

2. Provide written pamphlets for the child to review

3. Discourage any display of emotional outburts

4. Request that parents wait outside while you talk to the child

So you think - this child is only 8 and will be scared and might cry, etc. - it's normal and you can't discourage that. Being only 8, they'll want their parents with them (so you've crossed off 2 possible answers). Yes, they can probably read, but the written material would be more appropriate to give to the patients parents - so the correct answer is (1).

Of course the questions continue to get more difficult through school, but they build on each other and if you can just stop and think what you're being asked and use your "Critical Thinking" to answer them, I think you'll do well. Let me know if this helps you at all. Best of Luck, Sue

jtejas1968 · Sep 28, 2005

Hmm, Critical Thinking. Its technique isnt it. Its not all about what you know its knowing how to answer the questions. Hmm. I wonder if there is a Short corse on learning test taking skills for nursing. NCLEX I guess would be good.

Ill focus on learning critical thinking for awhile. Not sure how to do that but now Im on a quest to learn how.

Thanks. :rolleyes:

Fun2, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2005

Are you in El Centro / DCCCD?

Anyway, I just bought a NCLEX study book off of Ebay. I haven't even started nursing school yet, but a friend of mine has. She said b/c the exams are like non other, it is best to review study techniques from NCLEX study books.

I figured, I may not know the answers, but could get to know the wordings, key points to look for, learning how to rationale right and wrong answers, etc.

GOOD LUCK!!!!! :)

Hmm, Critical Thinking. Its technique isnt it. Its not all about what you know its knowing how to answer the questions. Hmm. I wonder if there is a Short corse on learning test taking skills for nursing. NCLEX I guess would be good.
Ill focus on learning critical thinking for awhile. Not sure how to do that but now Im on a quest to learn how.
Thanks.

Hoozdo, ADN · Sep 30, 2005

Are you in El Centro / DCCCD?
Anyway, I just bought a NCLEX study book off of Ebay. I haven't even started nursing school yet, but a friend of mine has. She said b/c the exams are like non other, it is best to review study techniques from NCLEX study books.
I figured, I may not know the answers, but could get to know the wordings, key points to look for, learning how to rationale right and wrong answers, etc.
GOOD LUCK!!!!! :)

I HIGHLY recommend Saunder's NCLEX book plus the CD that comes with it. You will learn to critical think if you practice with this because ALL the questions are critical thinking questions. You will find that most all of your nursing school tests will also be critical thinking questions too. There is an LPN version and an RN version. VERY VERY helpful. Plus, the book explains the rationals for the right and wrong answers. No student should be without one.

onmyway06 · Sep 30, 2005

it's funny. a friend of mine who just graduated with her rn and bsn told me alot of the nclex questions are critical thinking. the answer hits you if you read the question carefully. like another poster said, weed out the obvious wrong answers. i guess my friends exam consisted of mulitiple choice and a few short answer questions.

a little off topic.....

she is now working as a new grad on a gastro unit and is really stressed & hating her job.(she's only be there a month and her shift is 4 on and 5 off, nights). i actually gave her some advice and helped calmed her. i told her that she is a new nurse and though it may seem hard right now, after a year she'll be doing great!

:wink2:

Euskadi1946 · Sep 30, 2005

You may also want to buy the study guide that goes with your text books. I learned that the instructors take alot of their questions from the study guide.

Needsmorechocolate · Sep 30, 2005

Hmm, Critical Thinking. Its technique isnt it. Its not all about what you know its knowing how to answer the questions. Hmm. I wonder if there is a Short corse on learning test taking skills for nursing. NCLEX I guess would be good.
Ill focus on learning critical thinking for awhile. Not sure how to do that but now Im on a quest to learn how.
Thanks.

I purchased the book Kaplan NCLEX-RN 2004-2005 edition earlier this year. I took an nclex review course and the instructor suggested buying this book. The first 100 pages or so are devoted to test taking strategies. It worked great for me and I passed the NCLEX the first time. I bet it would help you with nursing school exams. Best of luck to you!! :)