B-O-R-E-D.

I am suppose to be studying for my exam right now. However, my eyelids were getting quite heavy and the vast amount of information overwhelming. I am beginning to wonder even if I studied all weekend, every day would this information stick in my brain and make sense? What's most difficult about nursing exams is that you can't just memorize information... you have to know how to apply it in clinical settings. Doesn't sound too tough, right? But our exams are usually designed to have two answers that are correct - you just have to choose the better answer (DUH!). This is tricky because in the clinical setting you could have been taught some thing different or common sense tells you, "A is the logical answer" while the BEST answer is B. A lot of this is about prioritization. What should the nurse do FIRST. It's not that I wouldn't implement answer A, but answer B takes precedence.

Also difficult is that the NCLEX exams (the nursing format) is geared more towards 2 year students - LPNs, as oppose to 4 year, BSNs. How so? LPNs are taught A+B=C. I am taught to think okay so I need this and that piece of information, and what about these symptoms.... insert 4 more questions... and then I can decide the best answer. Okay let's be honest, my problem with these exams is that I OVER THINK the question. But overall, BSN students are instructed on critical thinking - basically taking in the big picture so that we can specifically know why the patient's urine output may be decreased or why the patient's lung sounds crackle. A LPN is able to assess the problematic urine output and lung sounds, but without always understanding the pathophysiology behind it.

I would like to add though, there are certainly LPNs who have been working for years and know more than some RNs. I am not saying LPNs are inferior to RNs, simply that we are taught different ways of thinking, have more educational experience, and are allowed to implement more advanced nursing skills. However, NO registered nurse should act as though they are better or that the LPNs are there to do all the dirty work! We were taught how to clean up a messy bed or vomit just like any LPN.

Anyway.... this will be me in a few minutes when I get back to studying. Perhaps say a little prayer for me that my day turns out more productive than it has started out to be. Thanks! Ciao, ciao! -Sara

Photos by: (Top) teacherdudebbq1 (Bottom) Gummy_fritz on flickr.com