My NCLEX Tips, Hoping to Benefit the Readers

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I had my NCLEX exam July 31, 2013.

Based on my experience, here are the tips that I can give to the would-be NCLEX takers.

  • Secure and schedule appointment ASAP. I didn't and believe me, the thought that I wouldn't be able take NCLEX only because there are no available dates was more nerve-wrecking than taking the exam itself. *for me at least*
  • To decrease level of anxiety, keep this in mind: NCLEX IS FOR ENTRY-LEVEL NURSES. Heard this from Feuer and it really calmed me down, I've only experienced anxiety during the exam day itself, one to two days before, I was perfectly relaxed. NCLEX is super basic. I just kept thinking to myself, NCLEX just want to know if I'm a safe nurse and I know I am!
  • BE YOURSELF when you STUDY. If you're a crammer (like me, who only studied seriously 2 weeks before the exam), then stay that way. If you don't feel like studying, stop forcing yourself because you wouldn't be able to understand anything you read and you'll just be giving yourself unnecessary stress. If you're more comfortable studying 6-12 months before taking the exam, then that's fine also. As long as you be yourself.
  • It's a matter of nursing principles. What I meant with this is that you just understand the essentials and you'll never be lost. For example, in Psych Nursing, you just need to know that safety is almost always the number one priority. If you're given an item that is seems to be not safe for the patient or those around him, then don't consider that as a NCLEX choice. In ICU Nursing, one principle is patient first before equipment. Have I made a point? I hope I did.
  • No way around it, MEMORIZE THE LABS. This will really help a great deal. I can assure you that you will almost surely encounter a problem that you will somehow know nothing about and the only thing that can save you would be the lab results being given.
  • Don't over-analyze. What info given on the question is the only info that you should consider. Don't visualize something like "Oh, she feel so she must have a fracture." IF it wasn't stated that there was a fracture, then don't think there is.

Well, I guess that's that. Thank you for reading and good luck with your own NCLEX. Remember: God has His own perfect timing. :yes:

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I took my NCLEX yesterday also and completely agree with all of this. Continuing to remind myself that they are just testing me on basic competence is what kept my anxiety at bay during the exam. Congrats!

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Specializes in ED; Med Surg.

And remember that 90% of it is a head game. They want to know you won't step on stage and freak out over the lights...you went to nursing school, you graduated, you know this stuff.

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Couldn't agree with you more Arrisub. Whoa! Good luck on your results or do you have it already? Have you tried the famous pearsonvue trick?

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Thanx....sounds like you didn't think it was so bad.

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Any topics I should definitely look over before taking my test? Content is not my strongest area though I have been working my butt off these past few months!!

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