Nursing school is a rigorous academic journey for which effective test-taking skills are a must. Before taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become registered nurses (RNs), nursing students must master a variety of test formats, from multiple-choice tests to practical exams covering clinical nursing skills.
To succeed in the nursing field, prospective nurses need to make the most of their nursing education. Nursing students must develop test-taking strategies that address the unique challenges and high standards set by this demanding field. These strategies can arm nursing students with the necessary tools for academic achievement and lay the groundwork for a thriving career in healthcare.
Nursing School Test-Taking Strategies
Nursing school tests play a vital role in turning students into competent, compassionate nurses. Each exam is an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding and refine their skills to prepare for their future roles in healthcare. Passing these tests is not just about memorization or rote learning; it’s a process of personal and professional growth.
To be sure, some students find test taking easier than others. If preparing for an exam feels overwhelming, here are five test-taking strategies to try in nursing school:
Stay Calm and Centered
Staying calm and centered during exams is critical for nursing students, as anxiety can significantly hinder a student’s performance. Anxiety often leads to a “fight or flight” response, causing physical and mental reactions like an increased heart rate, sweating, and difficulty concentrating. These reactions can impair a student’s ability to recall information and make sound judgments, which are crucial in a test setting.
Practicing relaxation techniques can be highly effective in managing these symptoms. Deep breathing exercises, for example, can help in controlling the physiological symptoms of anxiety. By taking slow, deep breaths, students can reduce their heart rate and lower their stress levels, inducing a more relaxed state of mind. This method is particularly useful because it can be done quietly during an exam without drawing anyone’s attention.
Read Questions Carefully
Reading nursing exam questions carefully is crucial because the wording can significantly change the meaning of the question and therefore the correct answer. Students should look for key terms and phrases, such as “except,” “not,” or “best,” which may play a pivotal role in understanding what the question is actually asking. For example:
- “Except” can change the entire direction of a question. A question like “All of the following are signs of hypothermia except which one?” requires students to identify the one option that isn’t a sign of hypothermia.
- “Not,” as in “Which of the following is not a symptom of dehydration?” is asking the student to identify a choice that is unrelated to dehydration. If a student misses the word “not,” they might choose a symptom of dehydration, which would be incorrect.
- “Best” used in a test setting often asks for the student to consider the most efficient or optimal course of action among several good options. These questions can be tricky. For instance, a question asking “What is the best action for a nurse to take when a patient exhibits signs of a stroke?” may include several correct options, but the question is asking for the most appropriate action.
Subtle differences in wording can lead to different interpretations and answers. Students need to read each question slowly and carefully, paying particular attention to key terms, to fully understand what is being asked.
Manage Time Wisely
Not every question takes the same amount of time to answer, but students should try to spend no more than 60 seconds on any given question. This will ensure they have the best chance of completing all the questions before time runs out.
Nursing students should time themselves when taking practice exams to develop the skill of reading and answering questions efficiently, ensuring they have enough time to answer as many questions correctly as possible.
After spending two minutes on any given question, students should mark it and move on. If time permits, they can return to the marked question at the end of the exam.
Trust First Instincts
Another test-taking strategy for nursing students is to trust their first instincts. More often than not, a student’s first answer is the correct one. They should avoid second-guessing themselves. If a student decides to go back and change an answer, it should be because they are certain of the new choice, not because of uncertainty regarding their original response.
In cases where a student is unsure about an answer, the best approach is to eliminate the options they know are incorrect and then select the most likely answer from the remaining options. Students always have the option of returning to the question after completing the other questions on the exam.
Prioritize Health and Rest
A student’s physical well-being can significantly impact their mental performance. Students should ensure they get adequate sleep, nutrition, and hydration on the days leading up to and on the day of the exam.
Sleep deprivation may seem necessary to cram for a test, but it is likely to backfire. It is far better to study steadily, throughout the school year, rather than trying to review everything in the 24 hours before the exam. Sleep impacts every aspect of a student’s health, from their immune system’s ability to function properly to their ability to reason, recall, and memorize. Nursing students should incorporate rest and healthy sleep habits in advance of all their nursing exams.
Test-Taking Strategies for the NCLEX
Once they are accepted into a nursing program, be it an in-person or online program, students begin their journey toward their ultimate goal: taking and passing the NCLEX-RN. They work steadily on earning a nursing degree, studying core topics essential to the art and science of medicine. However, obtaining employment as a registered nurse hinges on acquiring a license. Ultimately, everything culminates in the NCLEX.
To this end, learning strategic test-taking skills is important. While some students naturally excel at test taking, others may find it more challenging. Regardless of their initial proficiency, all students can benefit from approaching the NCLEX with a strategic mindset.
Studying the relevant material is, of course, crucial. Through a combination of nursing school courses, assignments, and any additional specific test preparation, students should aim to take the test only when they are confident of their mastery of the material. Students may find that an arsenal of study strategies, including studying in groups, using flashcards, taking practice exams, and asking for feedback from instructors, can be part of their comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX.
Thrive in Nursing School
Developing strong nursing school test-taking strategies takes consistent time and practice, but the effort is worthwhile for those who go on to have long careers as nursing professionals.
For many students, success in nursing starts with choosing the right school. Denver College of Nursing offers Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN), and online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs that support students on their way to launching or advancing their RN careers. Learn more about our nursing education programs and how the right program can prepare you for a meaningful career in nursing today.
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