Please help, need study tips and help for nclex RN

amy9999 · Feb 8, 2014

[h=1]Here are some tips you should read over to get into the mindset of the type of questions you will have. Next make sure to review your ABCS, maslows hierarchy, infectious diseases and precations. KNOW the common EKG strips and treatment for abnormals. Do as many questions as you can and review each rationale. You can do it! Good luck! (also there is thousands of posts and threads here on nclex questions you can browse through them by searching "nclex" in the top right search box or looking through the Nclex Discussion board)

NCLEX Exam Tips[/h][h=4]Why Are NCLEX Questions so Hard? [/h]NCLEX style questions often require knowledge of several concepts in order to determine the correct answer. Additionally, the concept of critical thinking is paramount. Therefore, a student may prepare very well and still miss questions. Furthermore, sometimes questions are intentionally worded to trip the student up. The test taker must learn how to utilize common sense and become proficient in test testing.

[h=4]What is Critical Thinking?[/h]Critical thinking is a higher level of thought process that involves the ability to understand a concept beyond the basic memorization of facts in order to apply it to a situation. In nursing, this entails the dissection of fact, understanding why you need to know it, and being able to integrate the details as well as the main idea.

[h=4]Develop a NCLEX Mode Mindset [/h]In order to become a master of NCLEX-style exams, the student must get into a test taking level of consciousness. For many students, drilling over practice questions works great. For others, not over-studying is the best approach, as this prevents them from overthinking test content. The best mode is unique to the individual, so look at your performance objectively to determine the optimum method for your style.

[h=4]Dining with Grandma Versus Cannibalism[/h]Every word counts in NCLEX style. In fact, one word can completely alter the question. Consider the statement: ‘Let’s eat, grandmother.’ Exclude the comma and revisit the sentence: ‘Let’s eat grandmother.’ An innocent request to dine with granny is transformed into statement of nepotistic cannibalism by the mere absence of a coma. Yes, this is a dramatic example, but it illustrates the importance of reading questions carefully in order to truly comprehend what’s being asked.

[h=4]Don’t Assume [/h]Many times, we answer incorrectly because we ran with a scenario that we create in our minds. While the test taker can make some assumptions, don’t make assumptions in the sense of adding information. For instance, you can make assumptions based upon knowing that the patient is elderly but don’t assume they have diabetes because they had a stroke.

[h=1]NCLEX Style Questions[/h][h=4]The Priority Intervention[/h]As new students, we often loathe Priority Intervention question because, they’re all $#!$%+&! correct! Priority based questions asks the student what action the nurse would do first. They can be tricky as all of the answers may be appropriate, yet only one is correctly identified as the priority. Use your ABCs of prioritization in these (airway, breathing, circulation). One professor put it this way, “if you were forced to chose one, and only one action, which one would it be?”

[h=4]Assess-It-First Student Question[/h]The Assess-It question will not obviously appear to be this. This question group describes a scenario and asks the test taker which action to perform or which to perform first. When answering these, consider that nurses should not intervene before accessing. Also, a nurse will not run to call the physician until it’s been confirmed that the intervention is out of the nurse’s scope of practice and that any information the physician may ask for has already been obtained. This translates into real world practice, in which the nurse would appear foolish to call a provider and not be able to answer the anticipated questions.

[h=4]The Clueless New Nurse Question[/h]The Clueless New Nurse question may cause your eyes to roll, NCLEX authors love questions that involve a scenario in which a clueless new nurse performs something out of line. The question will place the test-taker in the role of the wise and experienced nurse and ask you how to correct the action’s of the new grad. There are a few variations to this question group. The test may list four actions that the nurse did improperly and ask you which one should be fixed first. In this case, ask yourself which mistake is the most likely to kill or inflict harm upon the patient the fastest if not corrected. Another form will describe three correct actions and ask you to determine which one needs to be corrected. When encountered with these questions, close your eyes and envision what you would do in an identical situation before looking at the answers. When you are complete, attempt to locate the one that isn’t a part of your vision.

[h=4]Select All That Apply NCLEX Question[/h]There’s no use in sugar coating it, Select All Questions are nauseating. Statistically, this question group is the most highly missed. They usually entail three to four concepts all rolled into one question that appears to be on corticosteroids (our guess is prednisone). They will get you good if your didn’t study well as the wing-it rates on these are low.

[h=4]Need for Additional Teaching NCLEX Question[/h]If you were to teach a patient about a self-care concept, how would you know that it sunk in? This is the basis of the Confirm Teaching question. Often, the question posed in a discharge setting. The patient makes four statements, and you must determine which one is either correct or which one indicates the need for additional teaching. They may be challenging when the patient makes several accurate sounding statements or several sketchy ones. In this case, go with your gut and attempt to deduce the best answer that’s backed by the most evidence, or lack thereof.

[h=4]Arrange in Correct Order NCLEX Question[/h]The Correct Arrangement question group is another instance in which it benefits to not look at the answer choices until you first visualize the concept. Also, these questions are worth double checking as they leave ample opportunities for reader error.

[h=4]Multifactorial NCLEX Question [/h]Incredibly involved and complex, the Multifactorial just doesn’t give the test taker the most bang for the buck. It involves application and integration of material and may require knowledge of a outside or small and possibly obscure details to understand. To answer these correctly, you will have to put on your slickest “nursing cap” and think critically.

[h=2]Identifying the Types of NCLEX Answers[/h]Now that we discussed questions, let’s look at NCLEX style from the perspective of answers. Much like a recipe, there tends to be certain reoccurring elements to the NCLEX answer. Being aware of the commonly occurring answer types during exams can help you find the rhythm and flow of the content.

[h=4]The Distractor Answer[/h]The Distractor is sneaky as it initially appears like the correct answer. This answer is often selected when the student fails to understand the true meaning of the question. Don’t rush through the test and read each question twice. Some students prefer to highlight key words and phrases to solidify their comprehension of the meaning.

The Wrong-Correct Answer

This Wrong-Correct answer is correct, just not to the question being asked. This is a devious trick test authors use to see if you’re paying attention and taking the exam seriously, almost as if they’re thinking, “I wonder who is rushing through my test?” All kidding aside, real-life practice is full of opportunities to make silly errors with dire consequences. The take away? Don’t rush and don’t assume!

The Second Best Answer

This Second Best answer is correct, just not the most correct (we here you sighing out there and feel your pain). This one may look very similar to the correct one. Think about which one has the most correct and relevant information to the question. Think about the pros and cons, just like you do when you can only buy one new pair of shoes.

[h=4]The LOL NCLEX Answer[/h]Unless the student has the ability to look back at their mistakes and laugh at themselves, the humor of the LOL is only applicable to the test-maker. The question will contain a word, phrase, or term that may have the test-taker wondering, “How did I skip reading over/learning this?” Alas, the sympathetic fight-or-flight ensues, leaving the students in a cold-sweat panic. The LOL is often selected when the student hasn’t studying enough for whatever reason (hey, we’re not judging you), or when you are in doubt of yourself for other reasons. When in a bind that indicates the need to make an educated guess, skip over an answer with an outrageous word or phrase that you have never heard, or at least never heard in application to the material.

[h=4]The [insert Curse Word]!!! It Should Be Correct NCLEX Answer[/h]At the time of the test, the Insert Curse Word answer may have seemed rather obvious. You may have felt good about it, (as opposed to adding it to your mental tally list of the ones you probably got wrong). Perhaps you have a photogenic memory of sorts and could picture the precise location in the book where it covered this topic. Only later you become shocked to discover that you were marked wrong on it. Never did a student go through nursing school without encountering at least a handful of these types of answers. If you still feel strongly about it, know your school’s policy for disputing exam questions and follow it to the T. Also, remember the power of numbers; if the majority of the students in your class feel the same way about this question, form a group consensus to back the dispute. On the other hand, if you were wrong, investigate why, accept it, and move on.

[h=4]The Correct One NCLEX Answer [/h]This Correct One answer contains the most elements that are accurate and apply to the question. When differentiating it from the Distractor, ask yourself this: if I could only do one thing, which action would it be? Which answer is backed by the strongest evidence? Which is the most relevant to the question?

[h=1]NCLEX Division[/h][h=4]What’s in the NCLEX[/h]How is the actual NCLEX divided up? According to the NCSBN, the test is proportioned into four major “Client Need” categories. Within each major section, content is subdivided into percentages.

[h=4]Safe and Effective Care Environment[/h]

Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care (17-23%). Safety and Infection Control (9-15%)
Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%)
Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%)
Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort (6-12%). Pharmacological and Parental Therapies (12-18%). Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15%). Physiological Adaption (11-17%)

amy9999 · Feb 8, 2014

Are you a "safe" nurse?? Is your focus on the patient and getting the best outcome for him/her?? Have you brushed up on infection control, ie standard, airborne, droplet, and contact precaution?? Have you practiced prioritizing care questions...do you understand delegation of duties?? Do you remember Maslows, the ABCs, etc??

All you need is self confidence. Go for it as scheduled and don't be afraid. Never forget your test taking skills, remember your ABC's, how to prioritize and patient safety. Also go with your instinct and don't change your answers unless your are certain of your decision.

Do as many questions as you can and go over all of your rationales.

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There are a ton of study tips and suggestions on this website. Above are some I was recently reading over. You can also browse through the nclex-discussion forum or search in the top right corner with keywords such as "nclex tips'

Here are some of my tips, I am also preparing to take the nclex in march:

Manage your time. Don’t cram for the exam! Make sure to set aside enough time each day to review the materials before the test. It’s essential to make the exam a top priority to do your very best, and it’s been advised to answer at least 1,000 test prep questions prior to taking the test itself. • Take a review course. There are many review courses available – both online and in-person – to help you prep for the exam. Many universities provide review classes as well. NCLEX study books are also available for purchase if you study better solo.

-Saunders, Kaplan, Davis, NCSBN course online

• Study! Even though your classes at nursing school have definitely helped you to prepare for the NCLEX exam over the years, existing knowledge alone isn’t enough to pass the exam. It’s important to understand exactly how the test questions are written, and be sure to take as many practice exams as you can. When the time comes, don’t wing it – you want to go into the test feeling as confident and prepared as possible.

Take the Kaplan Review Class!!!! Luther built in the fee of this class into our tuition each semester, which was nice because we never really saw how much we actually paid for it. It's around $300 I think? My class was at the beginning of January from Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00am-4:00pm each day. We went through a ton of practice NCLEX questions and learned the Kaplan Decision Tree and how to approach questions, as well as general information about what to expect during NCLEX.

- With the Kaplan class, you also get access to the Kaplan website with thousands of practice tests and questions, which is ultimately the best way to study. You just need to get used to the type of questions NCLEX asks.

- Also on that website are a series of lectures about the different topics of NCLEX reviewing content and medicatons. This information is also in the review book that Kaplan has. I listened to all the lectures (which, to be honest, takes quite a while....maybe 2 weeks if you're doing 4 hours a day), but it's really helpful.

- I started out around 4 hours a day and ended up, some days, studying 2-2.5 hours a day. Even if you only have 30 minutes to study in a day, make sure you take practice questions. I always tried to take 50 questions each day just to keep up with the habit.

- Make notecards as you get closer to NCLEX with information that you are continually having trouble remembering and quiz yourself. Also, KNOW YOUR LAB VALUES!! By memorizing common lab values (AST/ALT, Hgb/Hmt, Lithium levels, INR, PT/PTT, Dig levels, etc), This is a must!

- Kaplan has an iPhone app that has some practice questions. There's a free version and a version you can buy.

- Go into the test with some confidence to help calm your nerves. Being too anxious can kill you before this test. Stay calm!

- About 15 of the questions you get are actually just questions that NCLEX is trying out for use in future tests. You won't know which questions these are, but they don't count towards your score.

- Go to the library with a headset, a laptop, ear plugs, coffee or water, a can of nuts (if your not allergic to it, or just any snack to feed your brain)

-I also search on youtube for topics I am having hard time remembering, it helps me because I am a visual learner. There is a ton of stuff on youtube like mnemonics and disease processes and of course many nclex youtubers just search "nclex"

-Also I have instagram and I follow a few pages on instagram that post strictly nclex questions and tips daily. you can find these by searching tags "nclex" (this helps me when I am at work I can go over them)

-Also I love the site allnurses.com everyone is so supportive and helpful and if you are having trouble with a topic, you can just post it on here for tips

-Good luck. Don't give up!

OVERALL MESSAGE:

The most important thing I can say is that it is very important to prepare for the test. However, don’t wrap your self-esteem up in it. Test-taking can really suck a lot of the time. However, if you are diligent in preparing. Everyone’s experience is different and everyone’s questions are different so don’t let people rattle you with what they say they had on the test (which they are not supposed to do anyway)..

I honestly feel you are going have to dig deep inside and have confidence in yourself. That is what it boils down to. Do not feel defeated before you go in there! You are doing your best to prepare and believe it is good enough. I feel we down too much time reaching out for numbers to compare but ultimately I think knowing its impossible to know what questions you will get! You will miss 50% and there are 15 test questions so... That helps me when I am taking it. Start telling yourself you have this... You are prepared and do you best! Praying and believing in yourself is key.

mamoli · Feb 8, 2014

thanks a lot really good advices really like it.......

RN2BEDREAM · Feb 9, 2014

Great advice!

rosary710 · Feb 11, 2014

Thanks for the good advice. I just rescheduled my test. It will give me 3 more weeks. I really feel anxious now since my score is only 60%.

AngelAsherah · Feb 27, 2014

Thanks for the good advice. I just rescheduled my test. It will give me 3 more weeks. I really feel anxious now since my score is only 60%.

Hi! I'm also a foreign grad. We're using the same materials. :) Keep us posted. Good luck and God bless! :)

rosary710 · Mar 14, 2014

I'm taking my NCLEX-RN this coming monday 3/17/14. I need a lot of prayers. Please pray for me. I quit my job to focus on my review every day for the last 2 months but I recently start working as a medical assistant for the last 3 weeks.I didn't review anything else except doing the questions. I'm scared now. This is my 3rd time and I really want to give up. I need a ton of prayers from you. Please pray with me.

MissyNik · Mar 14, 2014

Believe in yourself first of all! Then make sure you remember the test taking strategies using ABC's, Maslow's Hierarchy, the Nursing Process and Safety. Take your time and don't rush and also make sure to relax this weekend especially Sunday. You can do this just slow down, relax, and read what the question is asking you. Wishing you all the best! :up:

rosary710 · Mar 17, 2014

Thanks everybody for prayers. I tried the PE trick, it brought me to CC page. I burst in tears in the chapel.i got 78 questions. I had only 2 ECG, 1 Maths and a tons of SATA and psy and management and delegation. I'm so disappointed in myself. Don't know what next:(

AngelAsherah · Mar 18, 2014

I'm sorry to hear that. I think you should still wait for your official results. Pray. Keep your faith. But if you really didn't make it, take a break and recollect yourself and study again. It's hard, we're all going through tough times but it's not impossible to achieve your goal. Soon, everything will be over and you'll be an RN. Believe.