Fundamentals Test – Nursing

Dear Diary:
On Tuesday night we had our first test in nursing fundamentals. The test covered 23 chapters in the text book and was 50 questions, NCLEX style (given a scenario and must pick from 4 possible answers). The test was taken on computer. I was one of the first people done. I got a raw score of 89. Last night the professor said that one question will be thrown out, adding 2 points to our scores and possibly a second one with another 2 points.

Last night the students were talking about the test. The next highest score that I have heard is an 81. The program requires a 74.5 to pass. There were quite a few people who failed this test with the lowest score that I have heard of being a 65, though not everyone has been forthcoming in what their score was. The professor said that the average score for the test was slightly lower than the same test given in previous years.

Our skills lab last night was "spiking" an IV bag and hanging a piggy back as well as drawing up insulin. I’ve done this before and the students came to me for an explanation and hands on while the instructors were answering questions and talking to other students.

As a result of the test and people seeing that I have a clue, fellow students are asking about a study group and want me to be in it. Like I have all the magical answers! LOL. They also asked how I came up with the answers to many of the questions that were confusing. My 25 years of EMS has helped tremendously and I am not sure how I can translate that for them. It was also amazing to find out how many did not complete all the reading assignments for the test. We worked so hard to get into this program, why would you not do the work?

Another big test next Tuesday on patient assessment. More reading and studying to do.