When should I start studying for the NCLEX-RN?

[carissabest]

I will be an incoming freshman this fall. When should I begin studying for the NCLEX-RN? Is it too early? Should I wait until I get into a nursing program to start?

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

If you are a US nursing student then it is best to continually review while you are attending classes.

If you are a foreign student then it is best to pass your local board before beginning your standard review for NCLEX and then do an intensive review once you have completed your application package for licensure/eligibility.

Then do a follow-up review once your eligibility has been approved.

This is because as a foreign nurse your local boards will be looking for different sets of information than NCLEX and your NCLEX review pre-local board can misdirect your responses for local board.

This is due to the difference between what the US nursing career demands from a nurse and what other countries will demand from the similar position.

As an American Nurse, I have found the student find it too intense to study for the NCLEX while going to school. I would study what you are learning and learn it well. Nursing Education is geared towards the NCLEX and over 90% past the first time.

I would not take the advice above but study well as you go along. If you are a marginal student I would suggest a review course once you graduate. My students have close to 100% pass rate following my advice.