When did answering the nclex style questions click for you in your head?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2014

When it will all come together for you is when you get that flash that this isn't about memorizing, it's about knowing how to be a nurse requires learning to think like a nurse. How to put together all the things you learned -- this is where the "select ALL that apply comes in -- and always to focus on the bigger picture, not just the individual memorization points. It may not come to you until you've been one for awhile, but it will grow to illuminate your practice and enrich you as long as you let it. We strive to give you all glimpses of how bright a light it can be from time to time in hopes that the spark will catch on.

RunBabyRN · Jan 28, 2014

A few things to think about when answering questions (at least on ATI): You have all of the orders you need. Unless the question specifies, "To whom would you refer this patient?" the answer is never another unit/therapist/social worker. It is you. You need to do something. Remember your ABCs. When prioritizing, think about which patient is likely to die first, based on the info provided. If someone is stable, they're likely not the correct answer. That can include someone with crazy lab results that aren't exhibiting symptoms or issues at that moment- they're stable for now, and there's likely someone on the list that's a higher priority. It took a little bit to figure it out, but once you get some of the general principles down, that helps a lot. Keep practicing; you'll get there!

Oh, and ALWAYS read all of the rationales. You'll learn a lot from them (generally).