My tips for passing NCLEX-RN

[ItsMikeRN]

Hi there just wanted to share some tips to help out any anxious soon to be NCLEX takers out there

1. Foundation is key

Know your fundamentals, bottom line. Basic things such as lab values, electrolytes, various charts like Apgar, Glasgow, burns %, anatomy of each system, etc. This is a given, know this stuff like the back of your hand.

2. Study for real life as well

Don't just sit there and say "Ugh I hate studying I only need to study this for NCLEX." Wrong, you need this information for life. Even if your plan is to work hospice, you should just know about OB or Peds or Psych as well, knowledge is power.

3. Don't do TOO much bookreading

Obviously you might have bought a Saunders or various NCLEX review book which is completely fine. But don't forget this exam is question based, multiple choice, SATA, drag and drop etc, so doesn't make sense to study using practice questions? Reading book information doesn't really train your brain to dissect critical thinking questions. You can read a whole chapter on Diabetes and think you mastered it, but NCLEX will come around and throw you a tricky question with answer choices you've never heard of. Developing critical thinking skills only comes from doing practice questions.

Uworld is an amazing study tool. I know people that used Kaplan and passed, but for me personally I think Uworlds rationale outshines Kaplan by a longshot. 1900+ questions with amazing rationale worth its weight in gold. Uworld is like playing a video game on expert insane mode, then the NCLEX will be like playing just in normal/easy mode. Uworld will push you to insanity at times because it is so difficult. It will make you feel stupid and frustrated at times, but I think that's the beauty of it! I sat down during NCLEX completely calm, I knew like 20 questions into the test that I would pass, since it just seemed so basic compared to Uworld.

4. Stay consistent, practice practice practice

We all have lives, and sometimes life will get in the way of studying. Just stay consistent and try to do minimum 75-100 questions a day and understand the rationales of why you got a question right/wrong. Don't expect these exact practice questions to come out on the NCLEX. Its going through the motions of practicing and knowing rationales that will help you pass.

5. Don't give up!!!

You will feel down, depressed, frustrated, on the verge of quitting. Everyday leading up to NCLEX is like slow torture. You will be terrified, nauseated, may doubt yourself everyday. You're not alone, just stay focused and dig deep for that motivation to study hard everyday. This is for your future and your livelihood. You only need to pass this exam once and you're done!!!! So study and take it serious like your life depends on it!!

Last little quick tip: Once you sit down in your test center, get comfy. You're not getting out of that chair for awhile so you might as well lock-in for the ride. I suggest turning off the clock and question indicator in the top right corner. Your focus needs to be on the questions only. No point in pressuring yourself with the time or the number you are currently on which will only increase your anxiety.

Good luck!!!

[rmrzedu]

I feel like pulling my hair and I am filled with mixed emotions, Uworld is a good tool but you have to put in the time, effort as it can take the whole day to complete exam and read rationales, Did you use any other source for Q&A's?

Q

[ItsMikeRN]

Absolutely I agree, you need all the time/effort you can give, but just imagine after NCLEX you don't need to study these difficult practice questions any longer.

The sources I used was mainly Uworld/Lacharity. If I didn't understand a specific disease or medication I would then use the Saunders book as reference, and and also since I am a visual learner I looked up videos on YouTube from time to time. I tried doing the Saunders practice questions but it just seemed too basic and didn't require much critical thinking.

Prioritization/delegation questions are more available on Uworld/Lacharity, I had a few questions on my NCLEX regarding "Oh this certain nurse so and so was floated to the med/surge floor, which patient would you delegate to him/her". NCLEX will give alot of scenario based questions.

[Mrs2016]

For those who solely used Uworld, how many questions did you answer in one sitting, and per day? What percentage should you have using Uworld is most likely to pass NCLEX?

[ItsMikeRN]

Well if you go back and read the previous posts, you can't solely use Uworld and pass. If you know nothing about core content and fundamentals, using Uworld "solely" won't help.

Uworld is used as your main tool on the belief that you've already studied and mastered your anatomy, patho/physio, labs, charts, meds, procedures, etc.

Aim for minimum 75-100 questions each day. If that's easy for you then bump it up to 150, but typically 75 questions of Uworld and understanding the rationale can take hours to study. As far as % average, again that means nothing. Unless you're getting 20% each test then I don't advise using Uworld, go back and re-study core content if you're getting low scores. Aim for getting around or close to the average exam score for each individual exam.