What/How to study for first exam??

As long as you went to class and used all your study tools there's not too much more you can do until you actually SEE your first test to get a feel for what they will be like. Usually, they are a lot of n-clex style questions that require you to critically think and prioritize. Since its your first test, remember your ABC's- (airway, breathing, circulation) to help you prioritize the scenarios for your patient. You sound very prepared- try to relax and don't let too much test anxiety cloud your thinking. Oh, and my best advice- if you've narrowed it down and your unsure between two answers- ALWAYS go with your FIRST instinct- NEVER erase- fight that urge- it has saved me! :) Good luck.

Thank you!! I've worked so hard and at this point I just feel out of control.

Thank you!! I've worked so hard and at this point I just feel out of control.

I understand how you feel! I just took my first exam of the semester (my second semester, med-surg) today (those are always the hardest because you have nothing to really go on) I passed it and my advise to you is to concentrate on NURSING MANAGEMENT- what would you do in a particular situation- what would you do first? also do a lot of NCLEX questions- i swear by the Saunders book myself and really read the rationals of the correct answer- you can only study the material so much but the tests will make you apply it to patient situations

good luck on your first exam!

Thanks so much! So, would you recommend that I get an NCLEX book at this point? I have thought about it, but i thought maybe it was premature. I'm up for anything that will keep me on my game.

it sounds like you have studied everything you could. like someone else said do not erase your answers. my expierience with was the first 2 test i second guessed myself and i changed 15 answers that were originally right to wrong answers until i read the test for success that you only change the answer ONLY if you MISREAD the question...another thing i used was a highlighter and and remember your absolutes they are never the right answers...good luck!:wink2:

another thing always ASSESS!:wink2:

ASSESS?

sorry if it sounds confusing...what i mean is if their is an answer with assess...more than likely that is the answer because before you go any further with an intervention you always want to assess the client...i hope this helps.

I've taught high school for 25 years and now I'm a nursing student. My best advice is stop worrying so much! You've studied, taken notes etc. What more can you do but relax. Test taking, epecially this type is pretty formula-esque. (not a word, I know!) In multiple choice there's always 4 choices for answers. Two will always be obviously NOT the answer. The other two will both be good, but using critical thinking--one of them will be BETTER. This is how my tests are in my NS, very geared towards NCLEX-style. Use the questions at the end of the chapters, KNOW your vocab inside and out. That's your best bet. Best of :smokin:luck.

Thanks so much! So, would you recommend that I get an NCLEX book at this point? I have thought about it, but i thought maybe it was premature. I'm up for anything that will keep me on my game.

honestly I would get a saunders book or one like it, I like saunders because they do not mix peds info with the adult info...they also have sections that you are working on from day 1 of nursing school....

I would suggest going to a bookstore and opening up all the NCLEX books they have and see what fits you best- question wise, content and context wise too...it will help you through out the program and will be of great use!

oh and perhaps get one with a cd that has thousands of additional questions too!