What is NCLEX asking of nurses?

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Specializes in "Wound care - geriatric care.

At first we hear a lot about "content Vs. strategy" Some say content is not that important and what you need is:"know what the NCLEX is asking of you" (Kaplan does say knowledge will not pass you) but without a good knowledge of the subject how can you even answer anything? I also see many people failing the exam with a outstanding knowledge base. There are people who score high (80-85%) on training material and still fail. There are people who understand about the strategies, are calm on the day of the test and fail. Of course the opposite is also true, many pass.

In your opinion what are the most important concepts to know in order to answer the questions in the NCLEX correctly? Is there a way in which to read the questions that will work? (kaplan has the "tree" but it does not help you with many of the questions). Why some people just get it and others have such hard time? If you take the test multiple times, what makes you pass one day? What is the leap one has to make?

My final question is: What do you learn new that makes you pass the test after trying a few times? Just luck, persistence, or is there something else I'm missing?

Thank you so much if you read all of my post. I appreciate your reply:yeah:

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I have taken Kaplan and my instructor stated that in order to pass, you need to know your content. If you don't you will not pass. That is true. I failed in December with 192 questions, and did not know enough of my content to pass, so I am studying again and review the content as well. I spoke to my professor at college and she also stated that we should have the content and there are some ways to figure out the answer. She also stated to do as many questions as possible before the exam and if you get a lot of questions wrong in one area, you need to review that area for the exam.

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Content. You have to know it in order to apply your knowledge and answer NCLEX questions correctly. You have to have a good understanding of the disease processes, body systems, medications and how they all correlate. Sure, test taking strategies are helpful, like decision trees and "go with the killer answer" but all the strategies in the world won't help you on that exam if you don't know your stuff.

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Critical Thinking: Although NCLEX questions cover all levels of cognitive abilities - from basic nursing knowledge to comprehension, application and analysis - most are written at the higher cognitive levels (such as analysis), which requires critical thinking. Critical thinking RELIES on nurse's KNOWLDEGE, SKILLS, and ABILITY TO PROBLEM-SOLVE.

*NCLEX-RN New Format Questions 2010 by Lippincott

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Im currently readin KAPLAN (2010 edition) and it tells you what NCLEX is looking for......

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Specializes in "Wound care - geriatric care.

Thank you all for the great comments

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I don't see wasting time trying to figure out the NCLEX. Just make a diligent effort to learn the material and pass the test.

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Hey. Before you read the answers.. look at the question and find out what its asking you.. what does this question want to know? Is it infection control? is it diet? Look at alllll your answers... what is priority? If you could do ONE thing and walk away from the patient forever, what would it be? Think of your ABC's but Airway is not always the answers.. for example in ectopic pregnancy... it would be fluid over O2.

The drugs are not going to fail you! Don't freak out over that so much. Know your drugs such as Morphine, Dilantin, Demerol, Lithium, digoxin, insulin info.

Know your diets e.g. Heart disease, Celiac, UC/C,

KNOW YOUR PRECAUTIONS!!!! Contact/Airborne/Standard and what they apply to.

Good luck! Take your time on each question.

Kaplan is a good review. Thats the only thing I did.. I didnt study like a maniac. Passed at 75 and thought I blew it! Eat a good breakfast...some say scrambled eggs and blueberries help with memory. I ate the eggs, no berries for me yuk.

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Specializes in "Wound care - geriatric care.

Thank you. Your post makes sense. I printed it and pinned to the wall so I can keep looking at it and reminding myself. I will follow these items closely...hope it will help. Yes eggs and blueberries, lots of it.

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P.s. Google Nursing Mneumonics! always helps. someone posted something about SPIDERMAN on another post that I think is excellent to know for Nclex! look it up! Good luck

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