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Anna
Student
Colorado Springs, Colorado
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What were some of the ways that you practiced your skills to prepare for the NCLEX-RN and exams? How did you reinforce the skills so you had them memorized?
I'm looking for practical tips--what tools you used, did you work with family or peers, what other practice opportunities you used, etc! (#Spring25)
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Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Hey Anna! I love that you’re asking for real, practical tips, that’s the kind of mindset that will carry you far and I hope we can figure out things a little. So, here’s what helped me (and a lot of others I’ve studied with) which I hope helps you as well.
First, For studying and memorizing:
One is talking to yourself, Seriously, explaining things to yourself or a friend like you're the instructor makes it stick way better than silent reading.
Try to use visuals– Draw diagrams, label blank body systems, or watch videos of procedures. It’s way easier to remember something when you see it in action.
Now, If you’ve got family or friends around, even if they’re not in nursing, pretend they’re your patients or students. Teach them about meds, procedures, etc. You’ll quickly realize what you know and what you don’t. Teaching helps learn in a greater level. Me giving advice is not because I use my time but because each question teaches me a remembrance of my forgotten knowledge or to build a new one so I know it is very effective when you do it yourself.
Flashcards which basically is Old-school, but they work effectively. I liked making them myself because the writing process helped me remember. Apps like Quizlet are also super handy.
Mnemonics and silly phrases, Use funny or weird ways to remember steps, symptoms, or drug side effects. If it makes you laugh, you'll remember it. most students use this method and has helped them a lot.
For practicing skills, Try, Practice on real objects like, Use rolled towels for arm placement, a water bottle for catheter practice, or oranges for injections. Don’t wait for a perfect setup.
Join peer study groups or skill sessions, Even if it's just one partner, practicing with someone else sharpens your confidence.
Even Record yourself, Walk through procedures on video and watch it back. You’ll catch what you miss or forget.
You’re building muscle memory, mentally and physically, and that takes time, so be kind to yourself through it. You're not supposed to feel perfect. You’re just supposed to keep showing up. Keep at it, one small win at a time and remember Anna you got this.
Make a list of the top skills or topics you feel shaky about.
Dedicate 20-30 minutes a day to just one of those. Consistency beats cramming.
Set one “teaching session” a week — even if it’s just you explaining a topic to a plant or your dog!
Start combining NCLEX-style questions into your daily routine, even just 5 a day to get your brain into test mode.
First, For studying and memorizing:
One is talking to yourself, Seriously, explaining things to yourself or a friend like you're the instructor makes it stick way better than silent reading.
Try to use visuals– Draw diagrams, label blank body systems, or watch videos of procedures. It’s way easier to remember something when you see it in action.
Now, If you’ve got family or friends around, even if they’re not in nursing, pretend they’re your patients or students. Teach them about meds, procedures, etc. You’ll quickly realize what you know and what you don’t. Teaching helps learn in a greater level. Me giving advice is not because I use my time but because each question teaches me a remembrance of my forgotten knowledge or to build a new one so I know it is very effective when you do it yourself.
Flashcards which basically is Old-school, but they work effectively. I liked making them myself because the writing process helped me remember. Apps like Quizlet are also super handy.
Mnemonics and silly phrases, Use funny or weird ways to remember steps, symptoms, or drug side effects. If it makes you laugh, you'll remember it. most students use this method and has helped them a lot.
For practicing skills, Try, Practice on real objects like, Use rolled towels for arm placement, a water bottle for catheter practice, or oranges for injections. Don’t wait for a perfect setup.
Join peer study groups or skill sessions, Even if it's just one partner, practicing with someone else sharpens your confidence.
Even Record yourself, Walk through procedures on video and watch it back. You’ll catch what you miss or forget.
You’re building muscle memory, mentally and physically, and that takes time, so be kind to yourself through it. You're not supposed to feel perfect. You’re just supposed to keep showing up. Keep at it, one small win at a time and remember Anna you got this.
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for your encouragement!