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Effective Test-Taking Strategies for Nursing

May 16, 2025

Lecture Notes: Test-Taking Strategies for Nursing Exams

Introduction

  • Focus on test-taking strategies for various nursing exams (HESI, ATI, NGN-NCLEX).
  • Emphasizes hard work over tricks; no shortcuts.
  • Introduction to the "Oh My God Packet" – a comprehensive study guide.

"Oh My God Packet"

  • Used by international students to pass nursing exams.
  • Contains 8 pink packets covering various essential topics:
    1. Management of Care
    2. Infectious Diseases
    3. EKGs
    4. Medication Categories
    5. Pharmacology
    6. Psych Meds
    7. Procedures and Reduction of Risk (critical for NGN-NCLEX)

Key Test-Taking Strategies

1. Answer Changing

  • Avoid changing answers without solid rationale.
  • Initial instincts are often correct.

2. Time Management

  • Take your time; focus on quality over quantity.
  • Aim for 50-60 questions in 2 hours.
  • Hide clocks and counters.

3. Math and Calculations

  • Minimal focus on math in exams; can choose "zero" strategy.

4. Systematic Approach to Questions

  • Notice gender, age, and numbers in questions.
  • Age under 18: focus on growth and development.
  • Age over 65: consider geriatric changes.

5. Vital Signs

  • Focus on pulse (most critical vital sign).
  • Identify shock by high pulse rates.
  • Monitor changes in vital signs, especially in older adults.

6. Review Options

  • Read from bottom to top to avoid missing information.
  • Use true/false method for "select all that apply".

7. LPN to RN Transition

  • Bridging programs may skip basics; refresh fundamentals.

8. Health and Diet

  • Maintain current habits before exams.
  • Prioritize protein-rich foods over sugars to maintain energy.

9. Test Environment

  • Practice in a consistent environment.
  • Prepare for full duration (5-hour exam potential).

10. Resources

  • Use a maximum of three resources.
  • Recommended: UWorld RN for test banks.

Special Considerations

  • Pregnant students: avoid testing during first trimester or late pregnancy.
  • Recent life changes (death, divorce): consider rescheduling.

Final Tips

  • Be selfish with your time; prioritize studying.
  • Prayer and positivity can help manage test anxiety.

Conclusion

  • Focus on preparation, systematic approaches, and maintaining a calm mindset to succeed.
  • Utilize strategies and resources effectively to enhance performance on test day.

Full transcript