2 answers
Catherine
Student
Lynchburg, Virginia
1
Question
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What was the best way to prepare for the NCLEX test over time #Spring25?
I am a first semester RN student, but I know that preparing is key. Is there anything that I can do ahead of time to prepare as I go for the NCLEX test at the end?
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2 answers
Julian Moreno MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, CRRN, CDP
Registered Nurse
7
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Julian’s Answer
My best advice for preparing for the NCLEX is to focus on the subjects where you feel the weakest first and then work your way through the topics you’re more familiar with.
- Create flashcards to aid your study process.
- Don’t rely solely on memorization; aim for a comprehensive understanding of the material.
- Connect different concepts by linking information in a layered manner to help with recall.
Look for the interrelationships among the various elements you learn.
- Create flashcards to aid your study process.
- Don’t rely solely on memorization; aim for a comprehensive understanding of the material.
- Connect different concepts by linking information in a layered manner to help with recall.
Look for the interrelationships among the various elements you learn.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1872
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Congratulations Catherine! You've finished nursing school. Now your next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) so you can begin practice as a licensed registered nurse (RN). The NCLEX is a challenging compilation of nursing concepts, and you cannot prepare for it in a week or two. You will need at least a few months to prepare, so start working through review materials and practice questions as soon as possible.
DON'T OVERTHINK THE QUESTIONS
The NCLEX exam is a test of entry-level knowledge necessary to be a nurse. Therefore, it is important not to look for hidden meaning in the questions. The questions will test your basic knowledge or your ability to use critical thinking skills. Read the questions carefully, but don’t overthink them.
LOOK FOR “TRIGGER” WORDS.
Pay attention to trigger words that may help you exclude certain responses. A response that has “always” or “never” in the response is probably incorrect. Be careful to look for the word “not” in the question. This should be a clue to you to look for the incorrect answer.
ELIMINATE WRONG ANSWERS FIRST.
Exclude the responses that you know are wrong. If you can immediately exclude even one of the responses, you are much more likely to get the question correct.
DON'T DWELL ON ANY SINGLE QUESTION
If you get stuck on a question, allow yourself up to two minutes to think about it, then select an answer. Move on to the next question. No need to spend time agonizing over any single question, when you can prove your knowledge on the next one.
REMEMBER TO BREATHE
If you feel yourself becoming anxious or overwhelmed, stop and take three to five slow, deep breaths. Visualize a calm image and imagine yourself gently relaxing. Breathing evenly and calmly will oxygenate your blood, help clear your mind, and ease the anxiety.
Most importantly, believe in yourself. You deserve to pass, and you have already proven your potential as a nurse by graduating from nursing school. This is only the final step on your exciting new journey to becoming a RN.
Hope this will be helpful Catherine.
DON'T OVERTHINK THE QUESTIONS
The NCLEX exam is a test of entry-level knowledge necessary to be a nurse. Therefore, it is important not to look for hidden meaning in the questions. The questions will test your basic knowledge or your ability to use critical thinking skills. Read the questions carefully, but don’t overthink them.
LOOK FOR “TRIGGER” WORDS.
Pay attention to trigger words that may help you exclude certain responses. A response that has “always” or “never” in the response is probably incorrect. Be careful to look for the word “not” in the question. This should be a clue to you to look for the incorrect answer.
ELIMINATE WRONG ANSWERS FIRST.
Exclude the responses that you know are wrong. If you can immediately exclude even one of the responses, you are much more likely to get the question correct.
DON'T DWELL ON ANY SINGLE QUESTION
If you get stuck on a question, allow yourself up to two minutes to think about it, then select an answer. Move on to the next question. No need to spend time agonizing over any single question, when you can prove your knowledge on the next one.
REMEMBER TO BREATHE
If you feel yourself becoming anxious or overwhelmed, stop and take three to five slow, deep breaths. Visualize a calm image and imagine yourself gently relaxing. Breathing evenly and calmly will oxygenate your blood, help clear your mind, and ease the anxiety.
Most importantly, believe in yourself. You deserve to pass, and you have already proven your potential as a nurse by graduating from nursing school. This is only the final step on your exciting new journey to becoming a RN.
Hope this will be helpful Catherine.