POLL: For those that have already passed NCLEX-RN

[healthcare4life]

I just want to get a sense of how most people studied. I know that we need to study content, take practice tests, and review test taking strategies altogether, but please don't criticize me for setting up this thread.

The question is: What do you think helped the MOST in passing your board exam?

[healthcare4life]

Thanks to those who have participated thus far :)

[healthcare4life]

And if anyone wants to comment, please feel free to share your opinion for those of us who have yet taken the exam.

[diana2520]

I think most important is knowing your

-CORE CONTENT, (no matter how they twist a question if you understand a disease process, its easier to pick the right answer

-then Reviewing Test Taking Strategies, learning the ABCs etc

-then practice practice (practice makes perfect ) the more practice, the questions or topic becomes familar, and the understanding of the content increase as well.:)

[MaleNurseIL]

Agree with Diana. thats what WE did haha.

Do as many questions as you can because you come across same questions but worded differently.

Good luck

God Bless.

[morningstarRN, RN]

My instructor really helped guide me in how I should study to prepare. We took the ATI predictor test and then used that to tailor a study plan. I think the plan should be highly individualized, there is no one right or wrong way to prepare in my opinion. For myself, I had a very good content base already in place. My issue was knowing how to approach each question and break it down. For this reason my goal was to do 300-500 questions per day and read all the rationales and strategies. Doing this built my confidence greatly. I felt very prepared when I took the NCLEX and I passed with 75 questions. Had I only focused on content I don't think I would have had that feeling of security. The realization that even if I was given a topic I didn't recognize I could still arrive at the correct answer allowed me to calm down and become very focused. Honestly, a good foundation in content is required but at the same time we are never going to know 100% of all the content. I wanted a plan in place that would allow me to work through any material I might not have known.

[cold_ice]

I just want to get a sense of how most people studied. I know that we need to study content, take practice tests, and review test taking strategies altogether, but please don't criticize me for setting up this thread.The question is: What do you think helped the MOST in passing your board exam?

They are equally important in nclex

[healthcare4life]

I do think that all 3 are important. I'm currently reviewing core content, but let's be honest. We can't possibly know everything that we study. I just try to understand how the disease works. Then from there, I take practice tests to reinforce what I've learned.

When I don't know what the question is asking at all, I turn to test taking strategies. It seems to be working so far since I've been scoring 70% on Saunders' level of cognitive ability type questions (analysis, comprehension, application).