How to Study Efficiently for the NCLEX
A nursing graduate confidently studying for the NCLEX
Welcome to the battlefield of nursing licensure – the NCLEX. If you're a recent nursing grad, you've probably had the acronym NCLEX whispered in your ear like some mythical beast waiting to be conquered. And rightfully so! This monster of an exam covers everything from the intricacies of anatomy, to the ins and outs of medical conditions, symptoms, causes, and treatments. It's like trying to swallow an entire elephant in one gulp. But fear not! This blog isn't just a pep talk; it's your comprehensive guide, a beacon of unwavering support and guidance to breaking down that beast, one bite at a time.
But what if you’re not feeling ready? Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn't it? And sometimes, rescheduling your test is not a setback but a smart move, especially when life demands your attention elsewhere. Whether battling a nasty bout of sickness, welcoming a new bundle of joy into the world, or grieving the loss of a loved one; recognizing when to hit pause is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step toward your success!
A breakdown of content on the NCLEX NextGen
1. Decoding the NCLEX Format and Content:
Understanding the NCLEX format and content is the key to unlocking your success. The exam has evolved into a NextGen beast, featuring a medley of question types that'll keep you on your toes. From the evolving case study to the notorious 'select all that apply', each question type is like a piece of a complex puzzle that you need to decipher.
Picture this: in front of you is an evolving case study – six questions, one scenario in chart form, and a lot of brainpower required. It's like unraveling a mystery, each question building upon the last. It's a rollercoaster of critical thinking and clinical judgment, from assessing symptoms to prioritizing interventions and evaluating outcomes.
But fear not! We'll break it down for you, dissecting each question type and arming you with the strategies you need to tackle them head on. So, buckle up because we're diving deep into the heart of the NCLEX, unraveling its secrets one question at a time.
Now, the breakdown of the content topics is similar to the previous NCLEX test. The safe and effective environment involving care management and safety and infection control is still there. These topics are in the questions of the evolving case study. The single case study questions (which is just one of the six questions) is another form you will see. Other topics included are psychosocial integrity, which provides for psych, therapeutic communication, spirituality, and culture. Health promotion includes good momma and well-baby maternity health prevention through the whole life span from birth to the end of life. Lastly, primary care or fundamentals, reduction of risk or labs (and how to manage if abnormal), perioperative care with diagnostic tests of how to care for prior, during, and after, pharmacology (which covers classifications and medications), and physiological adaptation. The different types of questions also add to your results as to pass or fail. So now you have the original eight questions, and six of the other kinds of questions. You will need to practice until you are competent in doing these questions.
A study plan for passing the NCLEX
2. Create a Study Plan:
A well-structured study plan is not just a suggestion, but a necessity. It's your roadmap to success. Start by taking an assessment test to gauge your knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Don't rely solely on your results from ATI or the NCLEX itself. You need to know where you stand currently to plan your journey effectively.
Now, from the test, write down two columns of topics: Strengths and weaknesses. In the strengths column, write those topics you did better than 79% on. In the weakness column, write any topic below 79%. You will plan to start with your weakest area, and work on your most vital topic. Track your progress by testing, not by covering the material. NCLEX questions are the most challenging questions you will ever answer, so practice them to succeed. You are ready to take the test once you are competent (scoring at least 80% or higher) in all topics. Competence in all topics leaves no room for error of not knowing much content.
The latest addition of NCLEX for Dummies
3. Utilize High-Quality Resources:
What resources do I recommend? My former students will yell, “the 9th edition for RNs and the 8th edition for LPNS!”. Other resources would be your school textbooks. Acher NCLEX review is good for content and NCLEX questions. If you need a tutor, they also have them. Another resource would be YouTube videos. Make sure you check the content for correctness. Review flashcards using two cards for each item. Use one card with a question and the second with the answer to learn. Using this and pulling them together from a group on the table face up will make it feel like learning by doing an action. Read out loud the content you need to know. Find mnemonics to help you learn. Our vault here has an entire section of these for your learning. Pictures and video almost always help. Consider studying with another student or group. We are currently forming groups of nursing grads into private online groups right now.
The more you mix up how you learn and answer the questions, the more likely you are to learn, and it makes it more fun. I like to draw diagrams of things that do not make sense to me. How does the medication work for that particular condition? What does it do to the body? If I draw it out, I remember it.
A nurse grad re-studying sections she scored below 79% on
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
Content is only some of what is needed to practice and learn to prepare for the NCLEX. The question is where nursing students struggle. I had a tutoring business for NCLEX students. The most asked question I heard was, “How do I know what that question was asking?”. Here is what I told my students in my tutoring service, and is now what I will tell you: It works for the evolving case studies if you listen and do not change your condition from the first question.
So, with the very first question, ask yourself: Who is the client? The type of client (young infant or older client), could change your answer. If they are Hispanic or Asian, if they are preop or postop - all the answers change. Pay close attention to who your client is all the way through. Secondly, ask yourself: “What is the condition or procedure in the case study?”. How does this condition or procedure change the client's body or how the client feels? What symptoms, labs, meds, and treatments are needed for that procedure or condition? Thirdly,ask yourself: “What does the question want?”. In the case of NextGen, it is usually in the last sentence of instruction on what you are to do to answer the question (highlight, fill in the blanks with a drop-down list, etc.).
Questions should be practiced every day as part of the study plan. I suggest at least 125 questions a day. My tutoring students did the 125 questions in with five 25 question tests of per day. Break the practice up over the day between content learning—the change in activity aids in providing faster competence in scores.
After you take the tests, be sure to also go over what you missed. I know students review the rationale of that specific question, but if it is a different one, could you answer it? If you need to, return to your content and learn what you do not know before writing it down in your notes, and moving on. Only go back to one topic once. You should only have to repeat the same topic if you are skipping content you must learn.
A nurse grad suffering from stress
5. Stay Healthy and Manage Stress:
During your preparation for the NCLEX, eating junk food and not getting enough sleep will only add to your stress. Staying up all night studying and not sleeping makes your brain lose more, or you may not retain what you have learned and tried to memorize. The same things we would do for a kindergartener or preschooler going to school are what you need to do for yourself.
Get enough sleep - that varies from person to person, but most need at least 6-7 hours of sleep.
Eat healthy meals and snacks, and drink water! - dried fruits and nuts, or veggies with hummus are good protiens to snack on. Avoid chips, deep fried foods, and sugary treats. Also, put down that coffee or soda, the caffeine crash is not worth it!
Get exercise daily - walk outside, walk or run on the treadmill, play tennis, or jog first thing in the morning. Go to the gym, whatever works for you.
Now, the next most common question I got from my students was usually about test anxiety. The strategy here is to consistently do all the things we have covered so far. You should be fine if you are ready, have taken another test, and got above 79%. Test anxiety should be less if you are prepared and know it. If your test anxiety continues even with all that we have talked about, consult your doctor for medications to help. I have referred students whose medication did not help to a counselor to help with their anxiety. Most students are in the first group, though. I will put my brochure for test anxiety in the insight pack of this week’s subscription.
Set up your home office space or study space to mimic the conditions for the NCLEX exam test location
6. Simulate Test Conditions:
I have seen the effects of the pass rate on how a student studies. If you are a bed or couch study person, remember: there are no beds or couches at the NCLEX. Your study time should be sitting up, not lying down. While sitting at a desk, make sure you do not have access to your phone, music, snacks, water, or even chap stick. This items are not allowed in the testing facility.
Keep your routine as normal as possible in the week leading up to the test. The day before, rest! There is to be no NCLEX questions or content to study. On the test day, arrive early and acquaint yourself with the rules and procedures. Do not let the procedure cause anxiety; it is how they protect the public from persons who should not be there. During the test, take your time. Yes, you need to keep moving but follow the process you learned with the client, including the condition and what it wants. Do not rush the process.
A nurse grad testing confidently because they followed the plan and know the content
7. Stay Motivated and Confident:
Surround yourself with positive people who will see what you can be and will be when you pass this test. Stay away from the nay sayers who have no idea how much studying you are doing. Now, if a professional tutor tells you you need more time before you are ready, then you should heed, and listen. But, provide yourself an incentive to keep going. What will you do with your pay raise after passing the NCLEX? Maybe a new apartment, or a new car? It may not be what you will buy with your pay raise, but who you will be with. Are you getting married or making a big move? What will be your incentive? Keep pictures on your bathroom mirror or kitchen cabinet to keep your goals at the forefront of your mind. Now remember, when you have studied and done what you need to do, you will pass and be successful. You can do this!
Conclusion:
Decode/ Understand the NCLEX Format and Content
Create a Study Plan
Utilize High-Quality Resources
Practice, Practice, Practice
Stay Healthy and Manage Stress
Simulate Test Conditions
Stay Motivated and Confident
You can do this! If you need help, I am here :)
If you need help, please contact me by email at: rhodasommer@oneononenclextutoring.com
Comment below!
Is there something I should have covered that you would like information on? Please comment in the comment section. Maybe someone else thinks the same thing and is afraid to speak up. Be brave and tell me what you need to know.
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Do you have your copy of the latest NCLEX for Dummies book?
This fully updated and revised edition is tracked to the latest NCLEX-RN exam, and comes complete with deep content review, study tips, and top test-taking strategies. You also get access to online flashcards and two practice exams with answer explanations to flesh out your technique and study.
Practice with hundreds of test questions
Go online for vocabulary flashcards and practice exams
Find full coverage of the medical, surgical, pediatric, psychiatric, and obstetric subjects schools require for the test
