As a nurse, all that will keep you going is the knowledge and the power to help others at the most challenging times. It can be exhausting. However, nurses turn out to be strong spirited, focused and positive. However, as far as we discuss about the struggle regarding passing the NCLEX exam, the struggle is real. Moreover, of course, you’ll need a little ‘pick me up’ once in a while.
Digging over the Internet, you’ll find many tips shared by successful nurses. Down here, we’ve found and collected the 10 topmost helpful NCLEX-RN study tips shared by professional nurses from different specialties just to motivate you –
Tip #10: When studying, always review the rationales and make sure you understand why each answer is correct. This will help you answer similar questions correctly. – Ashley from Toronto, Ontario
Tip #9: Practice taking your time with questions. The worst thing you can do on exam day is rush. I did this on my first write of the NCLEX and did horribly because I didn’t take time to really read and understand the questions. Don’t make my mistake! Read the questions and answer carefully so that you don’t miss anything. –Laura from Regina, Saskatchewan
Tip #8: The first time I took the NCLEX I failed. I found many questions had to do with delegation and prioritization, which I had not studied enough. During my second round of studying, I used the book “Prioritization, Delegation and Assignment: Practice Exercises for the NCLEX.” I found this book to be extremely helpful and I can happily say I passed the exam on my second attempt! – Mike from Timmins, Ontario
Tip #7: Do not study on the day before the exam! Relax with a close friend, get a manicure or a massage, treat yourself to a nice dinner and then go to bed early. Cramming the day/night before will just make you anxious and more likely to freak out on exam day. – Jessica from Haliburton, Ontario
Tip #6: Take time off from studying occasionally. At least once or twice a week do something fun with family or friends to relax and de-stress. – Kailey from Windsor, Ontario
Tip #5: Practicing the alternate-format really helped me on the exam. I and my other nursing friends found that many of the exam questions were in this format. Studying these really helped the majority of us who did. – Manpreet from Toronto, Ontario
Tip #4: Study with someone if you can. Take turns explaining key concepts to each other. Teaching and explaining something to someone else is one of the best ways to learn something yourself. –Amber from Innisfil, Ontario
Tip #3: I found the Kaplan “Decision Tree” to be extremely helpful in answering questions. It helps you use your critical thinking and application skills in order to improve your clinical judgment. A good tool for anyone. – Esha from Brampton, Ontario
Tip #2: I have always created acronyms to help me remember certain things (like cranial nerves or what to delegate). I have found that this study technique works better than anything else does because it maps out details really well in your mind. – Kerry from Edmonton, Alberta
Tip #1: Focus on yourself! The number one thing I can recommend while studying is don’t worry too much, about what your friends are doing. You’ve made it through an undergraduate degree or diploma so you know how you learn. Figure out your areas of weakness and focus on these. Do practice questions. Take your time. Relax and you will do fine! – Mary from Toronto, Ontario
Moreover, the last one is indeed a cherry on the top! Have fun while studying. Love what you study and it will definitely love you back. All the best!
