Is it normal to get depressed before the NCLEX?

FL_Nurse92 · Jul 12, 2015

2 months is a long time to study. I know for myself I get burnt out if I study for too long. I studied for about 4 total hours every day for 3 weeks. I would review content for 2 hours and take practice questions and review rationals for 2 hours. Doing just that I passed NCLEX on the first try with 75 questions. You should already know the content and should used your study time as a review. Practice questions are the most important thing for you to do at this point. I had a method I used to answer questions know matter what the question was and I advise you to develop a method of your own. You have done the work necessary in nursing school to become a competent new nurse. You know the information now it's time for you to apply it. Don't stress about it and be confident in yourself!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 12, 2015

Although the PP had good points, I don't think two months is too long; in fact that is the maximum amount of time I learned from some of my instructors, who write questions for the NCLEX; anything past two months will lessen your chances if passing the NCLEX.

I passed the NLCEX-PN and RN by studying for two months, and got the minimum questions.

How are you studying?

The issue may not necessarily the source of the review, but how one approaches the NCLEX itself: understanding the four concepts of becoming a competent, entry-level nurse:

1. Safe, effective care;

2.Health promotion;

3.Physiological Integrity;

4.Psychosocial integrity

Will determine WHAT the question is asking you; the question may be Respiratory related-but is it a Health Promotion or a Safety, or a Physiological or a Psychosocial one? Would you know the difference and choose the BEST answer?

Once one understands the concepts of NCLEX, they can do so successfully.

Don't look at content; you know most of the material because you passed nursing school; begin to do questions related to each concept; review all questions and rationales; ANY rationale you struggle with, THEN review content. Lather, rinse, repeat.

When practicing the questions, prepare the questions like a mock NCLEX exam, review the minimum and then work up to the maximum for endurance purposes.