Studying for NCLEX: Balancing it all

Many NCLEX candidates spend WAY TOO MUCH TIME studying before writing their exam. They read their textbooks, review all of the notes from their lectures, rewrite their flashcards, and stay glued to their computer screens watching countless hours of instructional videos. It’s no wonder so many candidates get overwhelmed and either put off taking the exam, or rush into it unprepared and have an unsuccessful attempt. Instead of studying yourself to death, set some easier, yet impactful goals that will optimize your time studying.

Here Are Some Ways You Can Balance It All:

TIP 1 This is a test. Set a time limit of 3 to 4 hours per day of study time.

More than 3 or 4 hours of study time per day and your focus begins to decline. If you cannot give it your full attention, then don’t waste your time studying. Time is valuable, so don't waste it! You could be using that time to cuddle with loved ones, or enjoying a nice family meal.

TIP 2 Be sure to study when you are most alert and have the most uninterrupted time to complete your goals.

If you are a morning person, then be sure to set time aside each morning to study. If you are unable to get away from others during the times you’ve chosen to study, see if you can optimize your study time by using noise cancelling headphones, or going to a room where others cannot interrupt.

TIP 3 Always give it your best effort when answering practice questions.

The goal is to simulate taking the NCLEX every single time. With this repetition, you will build your stamina, focus, and ability to improve your scores. Don’t feel like you need to answer questions just for the sake of answering them because this will not help you. If anything, you will waste valuable time that could be spent doing something else that will help you stay balanced, like exercising or meditating.

TIP 4 Optimize your resources by sticking to one resource at a time.

So many people find themselves swimming in a sea of NCLEX prep resources. Many new grads feel that it’s beneficial to have every single test-taking strategy book, and gain access to every online question bank, but in actuality, it often causes unnecessary stress and confusion. You see, each NCLEX prep resource is created and written by very different people with varying levels of experience. Some resources have been around for a long time and rely on strategies that were designed for previous NCLEX test plans. Other resources offer no additional insight to the exam and only offer a detailed review of nursing content. If you have too many varying resources, the problem becomes that you will not be able to identify what method works best for you. You may find yourself frustrated by the contradictions between resources, or you may feel lost on where to spend your time. By focusing on one resource at a time, you will be able to get the most out of your studying and improve your practice in answering NCLEX questions.

TIP 5 Get your friends and family involved in helping you study.

There are plenty of ways that you can spend quality time with friends and family while also improving your ability to recall important information. Since the NCLEX expects that candidates know all of the nursing content that they learned in school, it is essential to review certain facts on a routine basis so that you do not forget. You can make flashcards and have your friends and family quiz you. You can create a game that offers prizes to others for every answer you get wrong. No matter how you choose to get friends and family involved, having them support you on your journey is an amazing way to enjoy their company while also working towards your study goals.

As you can see, there are many ways that you can find balance while studying for the NCLEX. The goal is to study smarter and not harder, so that you can optimize your time and effort and enjoy your life outside of studying for the NCLEX!

Keep up the great work, and we’ll see you soon future nurse!

Do you find yourself struggling with studying? Post your thoughts below.