Testing!

Since this week the juniors have their first round of tests and both halves of the senior class does as well, I thought I would give some advice.

1. The instructors are human. They do make mistakes when keying in answers or computing dosage calculations. It happens. Be nice about it and talk to them and they normally are willing to give points back - some do before you even get results back.
2. Always look over your tests when they hand them back. They are great learning tools for the final and for NCLEX (the exam you have to pass to get your nursing license).
3. Study as you go. Most professors have large amounts of material for each exam and there is not way to cram in one night. Study a little every day and it won't be so daunting.
4. Read ATI (a company that offers tests and books to go with nursing school and to prepare for the NCLEX) and do the questions. I suggest reading the book as well, but if you don't have time for that supplement with ATI. ATI has the cliff notes version of the book with NCLEX style questions and answers at the end of each chapter. They also give you rationales.
5. Rationales are your best friend. Not only does it help to understand why another answer is better than another, it also gives you additional information sometimes that is useful knowledge. 
6. Pick the most correct answer. Some nursing questions have all technically right answers, but the answer they want is the most correct. Meaning the one that has the most evidence based practice, you would do first, etc.
7. Keep all of your powerpoints and handouts. They will be very useful for the final studying as well as resources for studying for NCLEX. 
8. And finally BREATH... I know testing is stressful, but to perform at your best relaxing and taking a break helps your brain to soak up the information. A big thing is breathing and calming down your nerves.

An example of the difference in size between ATI books
and textbooks.Utilizing the ATI books help point out
the important information in the unit.