NCLEX and YOU

I want to share some tips on how you can personalize and really get yourself ready for the NCLEX.

But before that, let me tell you something about myself:

I took the NCLEX-PN back in 2006 and passed with 85 questions. I recently took the NCLEX-RN exam and passed with 75 questions.

1. Know thy enemy

The NCLEX is your enemy.

If this is your ex-boyfriend's girlfriend, you probably checked her out multiple times on Facebook and learned everything you can about her.

You have to treat NCLEX just the same. You have to learn anything and everything you can learn about it. You have to read the NCLEX test plan (test plans changes every 3 or so years... for those retaking it is essential to get yourselves acquainted with the changes of the material because chances are, what you've learned back in school, have changed) because this is the outline of your enemy. This is the backbone of what the enemy is made off.

NCSBN Test Plan https://www.ncsbn.org/1287.htm

2. Know your weakness

"She might be prettier than me, but I am the best cook I know and the stomach is the way to a guy's stomach"

Recognize your weak areas. You can use the diagnostic tests offered by many review materials. Do not spend the same on subject you are competent on and weak subjects.

3. Know what your learning style is

"I like a guy who's not-so-tall, not-so-short, not-so-dark, not-so-pale, maybe long haired or bald..."

This is the most difficult part of NCLEX, being on your own and with no one to facilitate your learning.

There are a lot of free learning style tests online just like this one http://www.wright.edu/~carole.endres/learnstyles.htm

With knowing how you study, you can then choose the review method that will best suit you.

For visual learners:

Kaplan and ATI have intensive video lectures and procedures that will help you focus and learn better.

Review materials with pictures and in color such as the Mosby's comprehensive review will make you remember better.

For auditory learners:

Kaplan's and ATI can benefit you as well but Feuer's audio nursing review is the best. Also, reading the materials aloud will help you with your thinking process (you can do this while taking the test, but keep in mind to be courteous to others).

For Reading/Writing learners

Pearson Vue's comprehensive exam review and Saunder's comprehensive review can be your material of choice.

4. Pick a review material

Do not overwhelm yourself with too much reference. Remember that all of the review materials are based on the test plan and the best material for you is something that compliments your learning style.

No one test material is the best. No one test review suits everyone.

5. Do questions and questions and questions

Before you start reviewing, set a goal. Whether it will be 100 to 1000 a day, keep in mind that it is not the quantity but the quality of your review. Again, this will be more effective if you use materials suitable to your learning style.

Finally, do not forget to unwind and do something fun every day. It is essential that you do not forget yourself and your family. Have a laugh, watch a movie and learn when to stop studying and rest your brain.