Test-taking strategies for nursing students include managing your time wisely, using the process of elimination, reading directions and questions carefully, and remembering to apply the nursing process to the clinical situation. It’s also important to know how to study for nursing school exams, such as by using active study techniques.
Using actionable test-taking strategies for nursing students may help you manage test-related anxiety and enjoy a better performance on the exam. Some nursing test-taking strategies are specific to the nursing curriculum, such as applying the nursing process, while others are general, such as reading all directions carefully.
If you’re struggling with nursing school exams, consider using your school’s student support resources. At the University of St. Thomas’ Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, our nursing students can work one-on-one with an Academic Success Coach to refine their nursing test-taking strategies and learn how to study for nursing school exams effectively.
Whether you’re a prospective nursing student or already enrolled, take a closer look at why nursing school exams are different, learn how to study effectively, and start applying test-taking strategies.
Why Nursing School Exams Are Different From Other College Tests
You may be surprised when you take your first nursing school exam, as it won’t be quite the same as other exams you’ve taken at the college level. The major difference between nursing school exams and other college exams is that the former prioritizes application, while the latter generally prioritizes theory or rote knowledge.
In other words, nursing school exams test your clinical judgment and critical thinking skills, not just your knowledge of nursing theory. You’ll need to know how, why, and when to use a particular nursing intervention, for example.
The questions can also be trickier. Several answers may be technically correct, but you’ll need to select the most correct or the most appropriate answer given the described situation.
How to Study for Nursing School Exams Effectively
Before exploring nursing test-taking strategies, it’s important to know how to study for nursing school exams effectively. First, it’s helpful to become familiar with the common types of questions used. Many nursing programs use question formats similar to those used on the NCLEX-RN. It’s a good idea to start answering practice NCLEX-RN questions to become accustomed to them. Multiple apps and websites offer NCLEX-RN practice questions.
Using active study techniques is highly recommended in nursing school. Answering practice questions is one example of an active study technique. Others include:
- After reviewing a section, close your textbook and write about the concept in your own words.
- Create flashcards to test your recall. After answering a question on a flashcard, think of how that concept might be applied in a clinical setting.
- Relate nursing concepts to case studies. Consider why and how a particular nursing intervention was used.
- Teach the material to someone else, such as during a study group.
Try these nursing school tips for success.
6 Test-Taking Strategies for Nursing Students
Reading textbooks and completing school assignments are the first steps when preparing for nursing school exams. But much more goes into passing your nursing exams than opening the book and reading or watching educational videos. Try these test-taking strategies for nursing students.
1. Start With a Plan
One essential test-taking tip for nursing school is to have a plan. This includes knowing how much time you have to study or take the test, allocating enough time for each section, and prioritizing which questions to answer first. You can also create a checklist of what you must do before, during, and after the test.
2. Read the Directions Carefully
Before answering a question, one crucial test-taking strategy for nursing students is to read the directions carefully. Ensure you understand what you are asked and how to answer the questions. If you have any questions or doubts, don't hesitate to ask your professor or instructor.
When reading the directions, as well as the question itself, pay close attention to words such as “best” and “most appropriate,” as well as “initial” and “priority.” These words indicate there may be more than one technically correct answer, but only one will be a priority nursing intervention or the most appropriate one.
3. Manage Your Time
Time management is one of the most crucial test-taking tips for nursing school, as exams often have a time limit. If you are stumped on a question, spend only a few minutes on it before moving on to the next one. If there is time left at the end, revisit the questions you weren’t sure about.
4. Answer the Easy Questions First
It's wise to start with questions you already know the answers to and leave the difficult ones for later. This helps build confidence and gives you a sense of momentum. Plus, you can always tackle the more challenging questions after answering the easy ones.
5. Stay Focused and Calm
Try to stay focused and calm during the test. If you start to stress out, take deep breaths, close your eyes briefly, and visualize yourself doing well. Students with severe test-taking anxiety may wish to spend plenty of time in their study sessions answering practice questions.
6. Apply the Nursing Process
Remember your nursing theory coursework as you answer questions. You can apply the nursing process to theoretical questions or case studies. Use ADPIE to remember the steps in the nursing process. This acronym represents: assessment, diagnosis, plan, intervention, and evaluation.
Discover the role of nursing interventions in the nursing process.
Common Mistakes Nursing Students Make During Exams
It’s important to follow these practical test-taking strategies during nursing school, but it’s also helpful to understand the common mistakes nursing students make so that you can avoid them. For example, it’s best to avoid cramming the night before an exam. Instead, you’ll need to set aside time each day to study. Typically, multiple shorter study sessions are more effective than one longer session.
Other mistakes to avoid include:
- Avoiding practice test questions
- Ignoring normal vs. abnormal baselines
- Rushing through the test and not reading the directions and the questions carefully
- Using passive study techniques
How to Reduce Test Anxiety in Nursing School
If you’re a nervous test-taker, then preparing thoroughly for each exam is even more important. Thorough preparation can help you feel more confident when you sit for the exam. Create a consistent study routine but avoid prolonged study sessions the night before the exam. Instead, prioritize getting enough sleep.
Other ways of reducing test-related anxiety can include:
- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of caffeine.
- If time allows, take a short, brisk walk on the morning of the exam to relieve physical tension.
- Make time for prayer and meditation the day of the exam.
- Listen to relaxing music while commuting to your ABSN learning site.
- Schedule something fun to do after the exam so you’ll have something to look forward to.
- Try deep-breathing exercises both before and during the exam.
Becoming a Stronger Nursing Student Beyond Test Scores
Ultimately, nursing school isn’t about memorizing answers to questions. Although it’s important to do well on exams, you should focus on deep learning. Try to understand the reason why nurses take certain steps. Relate information to case studies. Ask questions whenever needed and seek supplemental education beyond your coursework.
Apply to Nursing School at UST Today
At the University of St. Thomas in Houston, you’ll enjoy robust student support as you prepare for nursing school exams and the NCLEX-RN. Work one-on-one with an Academic Success Coach and receive personalized attention from instructors thanks to our small class sizes. Our ABSN program can enable you to graduate in as few as 12 months, with three start dates per year and three enrollment locations in the Houston, Texas area.
Request information to connect with a UST admissions advisor and get started today.