www.littlenars.com | Dianne Peña

Attention November 2009 Nursing Licensure Examination takers!!!

According to PRC-Board of Nursing, there is a new Board Resolution regarding dress code during the actual board exam.

For Male and Female Examinees:
Clinical uniform with white shoes and white socks
No nameplate, school insignia/logo, and pin
School Uniform.

For Pregnant Examinees:
White clinical scrub suit

For Repeaters:
May wear white clinical scrub suit.

Failure to comply with the new dress code for November 2009 Nursing Licensure Examination will not be allowed to take the exam.

Pencil is one of the most important thing you need to consider in passing the Nursing Board Exam with that, I give you these tips:

Number 2 pencil doesn’t necessarily mean its MONGOL. I mean, Mongol is pretty much overrated already. Choose any #2 pencil that you are comfortable with. I personally used #2 green Faber Castel pencil during the actual board exam and #2 black Stabilo during our Nursing Audit.

Never use a new pencil during the actual board. Use a pencil in which you are used to using already. Any brand of pencil will do as long as it is #2. New pencil can affect your shading. Jut sharpen the pencil you have practiced your shading skills with during the board exam. Shading/Technicalities are some of the controversial issues in the board exam.

Use an eraser with the same brand as your pencil. If you are using Faber Castel, use a Faber Castel eraser, Stabilo pencil and Stabilo eraser, Mongol pencil and WHAT??? Well, that is the problem with Mongol. They have no separate eraser, yeah it has an eraser at the tip but it leaves an orange/rd mark to your answer sheet. Plus, it doesn’t erase the pencil mark completely. Don’t be thrifty with the things you use for the Nursing Licensure Exam because its much better to spend than to repeat.

Beware of fake pencils. Make sure you buy your things in a bookstore not just in any vendors. I am pretty much sure that Mongol pencils have imitations an I’ve bought 1. When I used it without even doing any erasures, 7 points have deducted in my score during the review. It’s quite big right? So don’t risk it.

Take care of your answer sheet. Don’t leave any marks on the answer sheet and as much as possible, don’t make any erasures. Answer 1st in your questionnaires. It is not prohibited. When you shade, make sure you are in the right number. Many have troubles when transferring their answers when they have overlooked one number.

Bonus tip: They say bring extra pencil, I say, Bring an extra but use only 1 pencil throughout the whole board exam, just sharpen every time so that your way of shading would still be the same.

Disclaimer: I am not against Mongol. I just had the luxury to experiment with the pencil that I am going to use for the Nursing Licensure Exam because we had multiple exams in our review center provided with pseudo-Nursing Licensure Exam answer sheets that is why I know the difference.

I believe Multiple Choice is the hardest type of exam because you are given 4 seemingly similar choices that you need to analyze from. With that, I give you… The power of ELIMINATION.

Take note of the STRATEGIC words. When you are being asked about or when the question contains these words:

• PRIORITY- Use the principle of ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
• INITIAL- Use the principle of Nursing Process (Assessment, Diagnosis, Prioritization, Implementation, Evaluation)
• MOST IMPORTANT- Use the principle of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Physiologic Needs, Safety Needs, Love and belongingness, Self-Esteem, Self- Actualization)
• BEST- Look for the option that also speaks of the other options combined, universal, broader, general— the “Umbrella Effect”. At times, it is the longest option

Beware of the tricky phrases. Determine if it is a positive or a negative query. If it is positive, then select the positive option. If it is negative, then select the negative option. Here are some examples:

Eliminate the absolute and same words in an option. Some options have the same idea, which are definitely considered wrong, so erase them in you choice. The words “all, always, every, must, none, never, only” indicates fixed and extreme meanings which are usually incorrect. Options with “may, usually, normally, commonly, generally” should be considered as possible correct answer.

Take note of the subject in the question. The gender, age (developmental stage), disease condition or medication. Put it in a box because it is of big point for consideration. This tip is most effective when you are being asked on the action of a certain drugs—just refer to what type of disease and you’re good.

Often times, the correct answer is between the 2 opposite option. Example:

a. Low BP

b. High BP

c. High PR

d. Low RR

2 opposite option are letters A and B so most probably, the correct answer is between the 2.

Read all of the choices before choosing one. When you already eliminated all the possible wrong answers, you may probably be in a dilemma of choosing between the last 2 very similar options. When you do, re-read the question again, apply all the techniques, then if all else fails trust your instinct, call up to God and believe in the power of intelligent guessing.

That’s another round of tips. Hopes this would be of help, even just a bit. LOL!
GOOD LUCK ANFD GOD BLESS FUTURE RNs

P.S

Reference for some of the tips is Saunders NCLEX-RN book.

Since critical phase in a Nursing Licensure Exam review program is approaching, I might as well give you “some” tips regarding test-taking strategies.

Here are some FACTOIDS:
Fact Number 1: Some questions in the board exam are easy but have complicated choices
Fact Number 2: Some questions are so long that you get lazy in reading it but have the shortest options
Fact number 3: Sometimes, the second best answer is the correct answer because the “true” best answer (the one they taught us in schools and review centers) is not given as a choice
Fact number 4: Some of the questions are out of nowhere. Which surprises you and makes you peevish. (true for me!)
Fact number 5: Most of the questions needs analysis and in-dept comprehension. When I say comprehension, it also goes with “Common Sense”. Memorization is just of a little priority.

Read the ENTIRE question. The most basic rule in test taking. Read each word/phrase carefully. Before looking through the options, do a quick think on what is the correct answer. You can translate the question to Filipino or to any other language you are most comfortable with to better understand the question.

Be aware of the time. Your watch has a purpose (to wear it and to tell you the time). Take note of the time you started and the tie you should finish. In the actual board exam, you will be given 2 hours to answer 100 items, so you have roughly 1.2 minutes in answering each item. Have a habit of approximating the time for each number. Skip the difficult questions. Don’t consume all your time (and neurons) in one item only.

Don’t Overanalyze. Avoid asking yourself “Well… What if…” or in Filipino “Ehhh… Paano kung ganito, Paano kung ganyan…”. Read Read the question as is. Don’t add anything to the story/situation. Answer the question with an answer and not with another question, also goes with this tip.

Don’t be afraid to mess up your questionnaire. Underline keywords and phrases essential in arriving to the correct answer. You can even encircle, box cross or whichever you like —not only the questions but also the options. It helps you focus as to what is being asked.

Answer per situation (and not by each item). In the board exam, it is a given fact that you’ll answer situational questions. Fact number 5 is the key to answering this type of question. Seems pretty hard right? BUT there’s a trick for this… The questions are most probably interrelated which means that the answer for a particular question can be found or is stated on the next question. So if you’re stuck up with a particular number, just read through the next. Answer in bundles to avoid mistakes and even erasures.

Stay tuned for more for the tips about the power of Elimination.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

According to Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) filing of applications for the November 29-30, 2009 Nursing Licensure Exam is now on-going. Deadline of filing is on the following dates:

• NEW / FIRST TIMERS – OCTOBER 16, 2009
• REPEATERS – SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

No application will be accepted after these deadline.

What to bring during Filing of Application for Nursing Licensure Exam:

• Duly accomplished Nurses’ Application Form
• NSO issued Birth Certificate (original and photocopy)
• NSO issued Marriage Certificate (if applicable) (original and photocopy)
• TOR with scanned picture reflecting the remarks “FOR BOARD EXAMINATION PURPOSES” (original and photocopy)
• Duly notarized summary of RLE (original and photocopy)
• Duly notarized OR-DR cases (P40.00 per page)
• 4 pcs. Passport size colored picture with Name tag & on white background
• Recent Community Tax (Cedula)
• Examination Fee of P900.00
• 1 pc. window mailing envelope from PRC (Beware of fake envelopes)

* Metered Stamp is P21.00
*Over-all, you need to bring at least P1,300.00 for the filing
*Prepare for the long queue of line (with matching “SINGITS”)

Just to be ready:
*Bring ballpen
*Stamp pad
*Glue
*Stapler
*Food (Lunch and Merienda)

With that I will give you something to smile for….

Pamatay na banat habang nakapila sa PRC:

Boy: Uhh, excuse me miss anu na lang kulang mo?
Girl: Metered stamp na lang tapos issuance na… Ikaw?
Boy: Ang matamis mong pag “OO” sa pag-ibig ko…

*CHEEEEEESSSYYYYY!!!*

GOOD LUCK!!!:))

You might be wondering why I don’t have any post last June… Oh well this post will give you the most obvious answer…

I WAS REVIEWING FOR THE JUNE 2009 NURSING LICENSURE EXAM

Now that I answered the What and the Why… I will answer the Where…

I was reviewing at R.A Gapuz Review Center, SM Manila Branch. My mum was the one who insisted in enrolling at RAGRC because that was where she reviewed during her time. (And yes, I followed her…its like a “mother blessing”)

This review experience was my first attempt to independence. I didn’t join my friends in another review center because I want to start the first step in being away with them. I mean, Graduating means being on your own right? So when the time comes that I really need to be by myself, I can manage and handle it well. I was really sad at first but then as the review went along, I gained friends, a lot of friends.

I admit there were times that I can’t laugh to jokes because I am alone, there were times that I want to say something regarding the topic but cant and ended up texting my friends, there were times that I ate alone… However, it all paid off because I was able to concentrate well in the review without any temptations or distractions (peace my friends. LOL) I mean, you know what I am talking about right?

Anyway, here are some things that I would like to say about R.A Gapuz Review Center:

• We have short review hours – the good thing about it is that, you don’t get to have exhausted neurons and information overload in a day. You get to go home early, relax and study on your own or with your group.

(more…)

Due to insistent public demand regarding my post few months back about the best nursing review center… Here is my sentiment about it…

Everyone’s always wants to have the best, aim for the best and be the best. With that, no matter where you go, no matter what you do… there’s always someone or something who claims to be the best… To believe it, it is your choice…

I am not in the position to compare each nursing review center because technically, I have attended only one review center, which I discussed here. I don’t want to be biased because each review center is unique and has its own style in which, it can bring out the best in every reviewee. I don’t know what’s truth behind the here says and testimonies about each review centers. Lastly, I don’t know the specifics of each review center with regards to the fee, number of review hours, reviewers and schedule.

(more…)

Your biggest enemy is of you BEING SLEEPY. DON’T FORCE YOURSELF TO REVIEW IF YOU DO, you’re just wasting your time. If you are sleepy during a review class, go out and stretch for a few minutes. I tell you, it is better than staying inside the room and ending up asleep the whole review session.

STAY AWAY FROM TEMPTATIONS/DISTRACTIONS = PRACTICE SELF-DISCIPLINE. If you have a seatmate or you are with somebody who’s asleep during review session, who’s not taking down notes, who’s not answering questions or just somebody who DOESN’T PAY ATTENTION. Please, do yourself a favor, distant yourself from them or at least help them by getting their attention and focus to the review. (This also applies to things/hobbies/vices/addiction etc.— you better know it.)

DON’T SKIP MEALS. According to studies, Breakfast gives you extended attention span, better understanding, analysis and retention. I can testify to that. In addition, when you are hungry, the tendency is you focus in your hunger instead of the lesson. You don’t want to knock-out your seatmate because of your morning breath. JK. LOL!

It is ok to review by group but the most helpful way to make that effective is to REVIEW BY YOURSELF FIRST so that you have your own idea and an overview of that certain topic in which you can share with your review buddies. In that way, after reviewing by yourself, you know what area to ask for help or to clarify.

APPLY WHAT YOU LEARN. Use the things you are reviewing in your daily life, or at least find a way. In that sense, you can easily remember and the chance you forget is at its minimum. Connect the medical terms, diseases, etc. to a person who best fit the description, yes I know it’s harsh but it’s better than not passing right? LOL!

1. Arrange your things (books, review materials, notes) and the place on where you intend to study. Make sure your place is conducive for learning. Keep it organized.

this is how my room ended up after the review...LOL!

2. Make a note for yourself. Put your goal or any motivational/inspirational thing you want. It can be a shout out board/freedom board/ post-it/ poster or whatever just as long as you can see it everyday.

i made this during my vacation at Zambales and use it as a wallpaper for my phone

3. If you’re self-reviewing, make yourself a schedule or a routine in which you can follow everyday. NO EXCUSES. If you’re enrolled in a review center, attend diligently and don’t be late (don’t be like me, I am always late. LOL!).

4. Do whatever you like with whomever you want before you start reviewing, because the moment you start, you have to stay focused. Be wise in using your NEURONS. They are really precious and you need to preserve as many of them as possible until the boards. LOL. (Please refer HERE for mine..)

5. PRAY. Pray for good health, better understanding of the things you need to learn, unending motivation and inspiration, good reviewers, conducive environment, passing the board exam for you and your friends and most especially to make right decisions (in both answering the exams and the everyday life).

I actually prayed the rosary and go to the church to offer a candle and a prayer every day during the review.

Since the start for the Nursing Licensure Examination review for November 2009 is coming, (or better yet, already starting for some…) and since I’ve experienced reviewing for the June 2009 NLE myself, here are some of my tips for you:

5. If you are planning to review with the help of a review center, make sure that you are comfortable and convenient with the price, location, population, and schedule because the least that you can have in reviewing is additional S-T-R-E-S-S (Review is enough stress already). Mind you, it is not about the popularity, percentage of passing or the “L” whispers (if there’s such thing) of the review center because if you would go for that and disregard the above, it ain’t going to work for you. Review is about RECALL and ROUTINE.

when i was scouting for a review center

4. When your review class starts, make sure to take down notes (don’t be lazy), listen attentively and recite if it requires you to recite in chorus until you get sick of those repetitions because that is one strategy that will really help you recall and retain the lessons.  The more senses you use, the more retention you’ll gain.

P.S During the examinations, I honestly think of my notes of where I have written the things I need to remember to answer the test questions correctly. It never failed me.

3. Practice answering previous board exam questions BUT DO NOT BUY BOOKLETS AT THE STALLS ALONG PRC. Their answer key is a disaster. (This tip was my only regret when I was reviewing. I focused myself into answering NCLEX questions because they said that the board is now NCLEX type, WHICH WAS NOT —for the June 2009 NLE) You can buy previous board exam booklets in your respective review centers or ask your friends to buy for you (if you’re self-reviewing) or lend you theirs if their finished.

i was answering this, i almost finished it. ALMOST:p

2. Always read your notes or the test questions provided for you every after your review class. Don’t let it wait and multiply. You won’t want yourself to be overflowed with review materials when the board exam is near and go gaga of what to read first— you can’t finish it, I tell you. The more the date is coming, the less should be your reviewing (you should have reviewed it by that time already) because you need to RELAX.

all the questionnaires from my review center...

1. NEVER BORROW REVIEW MATERIALS FROM OTHER REVIEW CENTERS IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY ENROLLED TO ANOTHER REVIEW CENTER. It will just confuse you. It’s OK to share a little, some mnemonics or technique, ask them on how to better understand a topic but not EVERYTHING. You and your friends will just end up debating and all. Also, you wont have anytime meeting with your friends because they are also busy reviewing and your schedule doesn’t compliment.

So there, I hope these will help you in your review… There will be more coming, so stay tuned. LOL. God Bless Nurses.