Preparing for a BSN Entrance Exam: Key Components and Strategies
If you're an SHS student in the Philippines who is about to take an entrance exam for a BSN degree, understanding the exam's format will help you prepare effectively. While your exam details might vary based on the institution, you can draw insights from similar nursing entrance tests.
Overview of the BSN Entrance Exam Format
Similar to the nursing entrance tests you might have heard about, the BSN exam typically consists of several sections. These may include:
Scenario-Based Questions: These questions present real-life situations that you would encounter as a nurse, followed by specific questions designed to assess your common sense and reasoning skills. Such questions often require you to analyze a given situation and provide logical answers. Mathematics: Basic arithmetic questions, including addition, subtraction, fractions, decimals, and division, will be included. These math questions are meant to test your foundational mathematical skills, as these are crucial in the field of nursing. Social and Personal Descriptors: Questions related to your motivations and aspirations to become a nurse are common. They are intended to evaluate your personal values and passion for the profession.Since the exam is designed to test your preparedness for university-level nursing education, it is important to understand the core elements that are typically covered.
Mathematics as Part of the Exam
Given your background of a nursing entry test 40 years ago, you can expect similar types of mathematics questions. These will not be advanced mathematical concepts but rather basic arithmetic. Here's an example of what you might encounter:
Example:
Math Question 1: If a nurse needs to administer 600 mg of a medication and the injection can deliver 20 mg of the drug per ml, how many ml should be administered? Math Question 2: A patient is prescribed 100 mg of a medication every 12 hours for 5 days. How much of the medication in total will the patient consume?To better prepare, you can review basic arithmetic and fraction problems, as well as practice converting units as would be required in a nursing setting.
Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Scenario-based questions are crucial and will likely require you to demonstrate your ability to think critically and provide logical answers. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:
Practice with Sample Scenarios: Look for sample nursing entrance exams or practice tests. These resources will provide you with a range of scenarios and questions to practice. Websites like Khan Academy or nursing-specific practice test providers can be useful. Identify Key Information: In each scenario, identify the key facts and information provided. Focus on what is necessary to address the question being asked. Develop Your Reasoning Skills: Practice explaining how you arrived at your conclusions. This will help you articulate your thought process, which is as important as the correct answer.Personal and Motivational Questions
Expect questions related to your aspirations to become a nurse, your understanding of the role, and how you plan to contribute to the field. Here are some possible questions and how to prepare:
What motivated you to become a nurse? Provide a personal account of the events or experiences that led you to this decision. Explain how you have prepared for this path and why it is personally important to you. How do you plan to contribute to nursing as a profession? Discuss your vision for how you can make a positive impact in healthcare, whether through patient care, research, or advocacy.To answer these questions effectively, reflect on your personal journey and goals deeply. Be prepared to share your experiences and how they shaped your desire to become a nurse.
General Tips for Preparing
Given that you have one week until the exam, here are some tips to help you make the most of your preparation time:
Review Basics: Go over your recent math and science courses. Focus on strengthening the areas that need improvement. Practice Regularly: Use sample questions and practice tests to get a feel for the exam format and to build your confidence. Stay Organized: Manage your time wisely to cover all necessary topics without feeling overwhelmed.While you might not significantly improve your skills in one week, you can certainly prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the exam.
Best of luck!