10 Test-Taking Strategies for Nurses

Tests and nursing school go hand-in-hand. While the format for some of these exams is similar to tests taken in the past, such as anatomy and physiology or pharmacology, the exams dedicated to nursing content can be formatted differently, making them more challenging for many students. You can no longer rely on memorizing the information; instead, you must synthesize it and apply it to various scenarios because, as a nurse, you will often face complex patient situations that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which these exams aim to assess. Here are ten test-taking strategies for nursing students, listed in no particular order. This guide aims to inform and assist you in successfully passing nursing school, the NCLEX and ultimately achieving your goal of becoming a registered nurse.

1. Use the Process of Elimination

When taking the exam, read each question thoroughly, including all answer options, and immediately eliminate any obviously wrong answer choices. Then, re-read the question and remaining answer options and eliminate the ones that do not fit or align with the condition presented in the question. Lastly, if the answers have two or more parts, ensure each part applies to the question, and if not, eliminate it.

2. Do Not Change Your Answer

Once you have carefully selected your answer, please do not change it. Overthinking a question and talking yourself into the wrong answer is common.

3. Read Each Question Carefully, Identifying Keywords

Following this test-taking strategy is essential: read the question carefully and identify the keywords. By doing so, you can better understand what the question is asking. Keywords like “first,” “initial,” “best,” and “most important” can provide important clues that guide you toward the correct answer.

4. Join a Study Group

Study groups are a very effective way to study for an exam. They can also provide additional test-taking strategies, as each person has a unique approach. Study groups also provide a safe place to ask questions, test your knowledge on topics, and perform personal assessments to determine which areas to focus more on.

5. Study for a Little Bit Every Day

Study or review the content every day. This does not mean studying for four hours every day but reviewing notes taken in class, reading a chapter in the textbook, or completing practice questions for at least 15-30 minutes daily. Now, this does not replace study sessions but instead helps keep the information in the forefront of your brain.

6. Manage Your Time During the Exam

Knowing how many questions and how long you must complete the exam before the day of is essential. This helps ensure you stay on pace to answer all questions without rushing before the time limit expires.

7. Concentrate on One Question at a Time

Concentrate on one question at a time. Do not focus on how many questions you have left to answer or anything else. Just focus on the question, read it slowly, grasp what it is asking, and choose the best possible answer.

8. Prioritize Sleep the Night Before an Exam

Prioritize sleep when preparing for an exam. Sleep is proven to help decrease stress, increase memory recall, and lead to better grades overall.

9. Do Not Add information to the Question

Please refrain from adding any information to the question. Many students find this challenging because they often want to ask “what if” or consider potential scenarios. However, it’s important to focus solely on the question as it is presented. Avoid making assumptions and answer only based on the information provided.

10. Try Answering the Question Before You Have Answer Options

This technique will not apply to all questions, but it is a good method to start determining the correct answer for each question. It requires you to rely on the knowledge you gained from studying and apply it to specific scenarios.

Tests are an unavoidable part of nursing school. Therefore, you must develop solid test-taking and study skills to prepare for course exams and NCLEX.

References
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/school-and-sleep/final-exams-and-sleep

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Kasee Wiesen

Kasee Wiesen, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and freelance writer. She has a passion for education at the bedside and in the classroom and has been a nurse educator for more than ten years.