The SECRET to passing the NCLEX

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I decided to write this post, based off of the many comments, and posts I have read in this particular forum. Let's get to it....

The NCLEX exam is very important; some of us have spent many years to get to this point. The countless hours put in to study, to pass exams, and to of course graduate, and be able to be approved to sit for the NCLEX. Some of you begin to look for the best resources to use to begin to study, even spending hundreds of dollars on the best review program. You schedule your exam between 2 weeks, and even some as far out as 3 months just to make sure you have covered it all, memorized as much as you can, made the highest scores on your question trainers...only to get to your exam date, stressed out, terrified, afraid, and already defeated before you've even taken your exam. You're in front of your computer screen, with your heart pounding out of control, you screaming in your head that you believe you've already failed, this exam is way too hard, and maybe I should have studied more....

Does any of this sound like you?

As soon as you get to your car, you cry your eyes out afraid of what happens next. Some of you do the Pearson vue trick, and some of you are too afraid to check your status. Many of you go home and cry for a while; some of you go on to find out you actually did pass the exam, and some of you find out you failed...

What happens next?

Some of you logon to allnurses and begin to search for a secret way to pass, plead with others to figure how you can pass next time, what you can do differently this time around.

Here's one thing I do know that will help you pass your exam, and that is to change your mindset. You cannot go into one of the most important exams you need to become licensed, feeling frazzled, overly anxious, upset, and not knowing if you studied enough, wanting to run away from the exam, and already thinking and believing you have already failed. I mean really how can you possibly pass the NCLEX exam with this mentality? You cannot!

Here is the advice I will give first time NCLEX takers and those having to retake the NCLEX

Change the way you think, your thoughts are powerful, and they can have a monumental effect on your life. Every day you must tell yourself that you can pass your exam, not only think it, but speak it into existence. Print out your name with RN or LPN/LVN next to it with your test date and time on it and post it throughout your home. Instead of dreading the day you have to take the exam, how about be excited about it, be excited to know the day you go and take your exam, is the day you will become a licensed nurse! While you sit down to take your exam continue to tell yourself you are going to pass your exam. Think about what the question is asking you, because you know the answer, don't spend a great deal of time on the question, answer it and move on to the next question. Also realize you are going to have to critically think through each answer.

YOU CAN PASS YOUR EXAM!!!! I hope this will help some of you.

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Lose the "terrified" and all its ilk. Substitute "excited."

"I am so excited to finally be taking my licensure examination! Whooeee!"

There now, doesn't that feel better? Doesn't your brain like that better?

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Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.

And you've GOT to remember.....the writers of the NCLEX assume you already have the knowledge to pass. After all, you DID pass nursing school....it's not about WHAT you know, it's about figuring out what the question is asking. So many people fail because they answered the question with what they think is the correct answer, only to find out they were wrong. Know your distracters, keywords, and prioritize! Think ABC's and Maslow's. (If there's an answer that includes airway, that is probably the right answer).

Sure, the test is hard. And stressful. But, the good thing is....one time taking it could also be your last time! If it's not, it's not the end of the world. I know some NP's that didn't pass their exam on the first try. Keep at it, and think happy thoughts. Remember to breathe, eat a good breakfast (or lunch) and use your time wisely. Take your breaks even if you don't think you need to take them.

And most of all....good luck. If I can do it, YOU can do it!

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Love this!!!!

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Love this!!!!

Glad I could help

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I am so glad that I clicked on your comment and took the time to read it all, awesome advice for sure. I am starting nursing school in July and have already started pumping myself up with preparation for not only the classes but the NCLEX-PN as well. I am definitely going remind myself of your advice throughout school and throughout the NCLEX when that time comes. Thank you @nwatson83

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I am so glad that I clicked on your comment and took the time to read it all, awesome advice for sure. I am starting nursing school in July and have already started pumping myself up with preparation for not only the classes but the NCLEX-PN as well. I am definitely going remind myself of your advice throughout school and throughout the NCLEX when that time comes. Thank you @nwatson83

No problem, I'm glad I could help you :-) I know life can get in the way at times, but as much as you can create a positive mindset no matter what! You'll enjoy school so much more, and life in general.

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This is really a great help. Thanks for sharing.

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Specializes in Psychiatri.

THANK YOU FOR THIS! God bless.

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Thanks for sharing ! Very encouraging

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You guys are very welcome

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I would worry if you didn't get a bit anxious about NCLEX. After all, once you have made it through nursing school, PN or RN, the biggest test of your life comes next. I graduated from PN school 22 years ago and there really weren't that many "NCLEX review" options around. I just prayed hard and went and took the written test, ALL day!! 2 months later I found out I passed. Many years later I found myself in nursing school again, this time for my BSN. I was very active in my school's SNA and state SNA and that is where I learned about Hurst Review. So needles to say after graduation, I took the live Hurst Review in my area, and the light bulb came on!! I didn't realize how much I had really learned and retained until I took Hurst Review. Knowing I was preparing for NCLEX with a company that does nothing but NCLEX preparation gave me that boost in confidence I needed. Once the review was complete and I had a better understanding of what I really needed to know to pass and that memorization was not what I needed, I took my NCLEX exam(on computer this time). Yes, I passed on my 1st attempt with only 75 questions. So my "Secret" to passing NCLEX is to take the Hurst Review but don't just take my word for it, try out their free trial. Good Luck to all those facing NCLEX in the days ahead!!

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