What to study the most?

Published

Specializes in Neuroscience/Brain and Stroke.

I know the NCLEX covers every area of nursing, that said, is there one area to focus on more than others? For instance, reading my ATI books, would I focus more on this gigantic med surg ATI or would I read all of them including OB, MH, ect...... Basically, are there more med/surg questions in general?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

For me the test had a little bit of everything...ortho, peds, maternity, med/surg, psych, respiratory, it didnt focus on just one thing. I also know of someone that took the nclex and she said most of her questions related to the eyes. She said she felt like she was trying to get a certificate to work in an opthalmologists office. So I think it all varies.. I know how you feel, I didnt know where to focus either, so I just tried to understand everything the best that I could. Its impossible to know it all. Find your weak topics and focus on those. Good Luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ambulatory care.

@ FORTHELOVEOF!!!! I would strongly suggest you have a good understanding of all topics because the exam is cumulative and covers all areas and if there' a weak spot the computer will dig it out and focus on it too. So the best plan is to make sure you have no weak spots and that you're consistently scoring around 60% minimum in all areas. If you have access to some sort of review software take a diagnostic test to pin point your weak areas , topics, or question types. You should know what they are so you can focus your studying. Know if you're weak in knowledge use saunders to learn the content and use kaplan to learn and practice testing skills. I highly recommend taking the kaplan onsite review course or at the very least Qbank, and if really can't afford then get the kaplan 2012-2013 nclex boook from bookstore.

My exam was 75Q had a lite scatter of peds, maternity, pysch AND heavy focus on medsurg (Cardiac, renal, hepatic, respiratory), just about all areas of medsurge i got asked on. some infection control, saftey, therapuetic communications, pt teaching on medsug/drug topics, delegation, priority,Know how to answer all sorts of questions, multiple choice, SATA(select all teha apply), drag drop, math yes know how to set up and solve 3 levels of conversions for a "simple" math question ... i got stuck having to convert mcg to mg and sat there wondering what was equivilant to what. 1000mcg=1mg

NCSBN has a breakdown of the testplan for RN and LPNs. https://www.ncsbn.org/1287.htm for a score comparison between yourself and others for reassurance can look at some other people's kaplan practice scores

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@FORTHELOVEOF!!! I feel the same way... When are you taking your test?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuroscience/Brain and Stroke.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the feedback. Laine10, I don't graduate until December so hopefully I will take in January.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion