Nclex, the second try...

Jules A, MSN · Feb 19, 2007

No good advice but I wanted to wish you the best. Jules

MsLady06 · Feb 19, 2007

Good Luck :) try to use your old notes from class. Those study guides to me dont really help.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 19, 2007

I posted some strategies on this very same issue 14 months ago, and I hope that they are of some valuable assistance to you. Good luck and happy reading! In addition, Kaplan publishes a book filled with NCLEX strategies.

http://teach.lanecc.edu/nursing1/trends/NCLEXtips.htm

TESTING STRATEGIES

1. Restate/ Reword the question. Be clear on what is being asked

If there is a lengthy client situation or case study, read the stem question before reading the case study.

2. Read ALL distracters before answering. Evaluate each distracter for ability to answer the question asked. It may give correct information but not answer the question.

3. Focus on eliminating responses instead of seeking the “right“answer. In the NCLEX there may be more than one answer that is correct. You are looking for the BEST answer. Focus on eliminating responses and the best answer will surface.

4. Priority Setting – use the frameworks of Maslow Hierarchy, ABC , “unstable before stable” as priority setting guides.

5. Use nursing process sequence – Assessment should occur before intervention. Even in a code you assess breathing and pulse before “911”

6. Safety – do no harm. Err on the side of promoting physical safety for pt .

7. Take care of patient before you take care of equipment.

8. Consider and uphold the 5 Rights of Medication administration standards

9. Don't spend alot to time on questions you don't know, and realize that there will be questions you don't know. Don't panic - try to eliminate responses - then make an educated guess.

10. If part of the answer is incorrect, the whole answer is incorrect.

Although very few, you may find negatives in the question stem. Be alert to these.

11. If you really have to guess - look for responses with

broad focus ("multiple aspects of the child's life are affected" rather than "frequent fights with peers") and average length of answer (not shortest, not longest)

12. Be wary of answers that have absolutes (always, never, only, etc) in them. Be wary of answers that make the client seem inferior, unworthy or ignorant. When asked about numerical values or dates, the one in the middle range is more oftern correct.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 19, 2007

Since you have one more week to go, I wish you the very best of luck. theCommuter just posted wonderful responses. Be calm and think hard. Remember that you have 5 hours to remain there. Use the time wisely. Best wishes to you!

angeltero · Feb 19, 2007

Good luck.I take my exam on Feb.24.I was thinking about rescheduling because I don't feel prepared.

Simon1 · Feb 19, 2007

Thank you all for the encouragement and advice. Been studying today and i was not doing so badly at it either so we will see soon. I know there are three different levels of questions: low, medium and high level questions. I was told that to get the high level questions are the best. Still trying to understand that but anyway, I'll try my best again and see what happens.

Take care to all and Thank You again!!!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 20, 2007

I was always trying to figure out the difference between the "low-medium-high" level questions myself! I just kept answering and praying for it to be over with a passing grade. I also heard that high level was better, that the higher level they are, that is showing that you are passing...whatever that means... Good luck!

angeltero · Feb 20, 2007

I guess going in and taking this exam it's good to keep things in mind and have a general idea.In the end,it's not what you know but how well you can prioritize and apply the information given.Remember you have five hours to complete the exam go at atleast one question every one to two minutes.Think safety,safety and good luck.

I take my exam on Feb. 24 at 9'oclock.I am kind of anxious.I graduated the program in October so I kind of need to take the exam now.I was thinking about rescheduling but I think not.Atleast I get to see how the exam is if worse comes to worse.I'll have that much better advantage next time if necessary.

I am in Florida,so we get results online from the board within two days or so. I will let you know how things went and if I passed or not.Wish me luck!:uhoh21:

Simon1 · Feb 20, 2007

Good luck for the 24th. I must say when i attempted it last year I did not get a good night sleep and was tired the morning when i took the exam so get a good nights sleep and a filling breakfast. My exam stopped at 141 questions. Hopefully this year I'll finish with 85 questions and pass but if it goes on I'm going to remember to take one question at a time because i guess your still in it until it stops.

angeltero · Feb 20, 2007

Thanks,I will definintly try to get a good nights sleep and eat a good breakfast.The anxiety is really getting to me.I know if I go in without confidence it could make me or break me.I am really trying to control my nerves.I am just going to go in and say to myself I will pass,I will pass.Hopefully that will help.