How to review for the NCLEX exam to become a Nurse (RN)
Does the thought of taking an exam that is programmed to keep giving the test taker more questions on content answered incorrectly leave you feeling a bit intimidated? Or are you perhaps feeling a little frustrated by looking at a huge stack of text books and wondering where to begin?
Well, I have good news. There are many resourses available to help you focus on what is important for passing your state boards.
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Things You'll Need
- Study time
- Money for practice books and/or classes.
- Practice books and/or classes.
- A library card
Instructions
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After going through nursing school, you probably know what type of learner you are. So keep your learning style in mind while making a study strategy. If you are an audio or visual learner, you may really want to take advantage of the suggestions offered in step 3.
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Decide what areas you feel weak in. Do you feel like you haven't quite grasped intravenous drug calculations? Or do you need some major review on what vitamins/minerals are in certain foods? There are usually quite a few nutrition questions on everyone's exam, so don't skip that topic! Make a list of things that are a priority for you to review (this will be good practice for you because as an RN you will be constantly prioritizing) and sharpen up on those topics. Ask for help from someone that is strong in those areas if you can.
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I strongly recommend going to the Kaplan test prep and admissions
web-site. I have included a link to their web-site at the bottom of this page under "resources" along with links to Kaplan and Saunder's study tools available through Amazon.
Kaplan is the world's leader for test preparation classes. They offer a variety of quality tools and resources to graduates from nursing schools. From your list of priorities, you can decide which resourses you need. If you need help, you can call and speak to one of their advisors over the phone.
I recommend taking the class that includes both an on-line review and a class-room course. With this class, you can watch an instructor give reviews of important information. You can do this at your own pace from home. You can review all of the content or just the topics that you think you'll need. I suggest you review all of the topics and do all of the practice questions. In the class room portion, you will take a practice NCLEX-RN exam and then review all the answers with the Kaplan instructor. This will not only give you rational to questions but help you with testing strategies. When you enroll for this course, Kaplan actually guarantees that you will pass or they will give you your money back. You might want to look at it as though the money you spend now is preventing you from having to fork it over later to take the boards again. And in some cases, if you register early with Kaplan, they will give you a discount on the class. But if you decide you can not take that course, consider at least purchasing the portion that gives you access to the on-line practice questions. I am sure you know that the test is computerized. Doing practice questions on a computer will keep you from being presented with something that you are unfamiliar with on exam day. -
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Take advantage of any reviews that your school holds. Also, if you have been part of a study group during school get your friends together again for one last meeting.
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Study from past tests. When you do this, try to extract themes that were being presented. For instance, say you were asked one drug related question on a test. They asked you to match a group of symptoms to a drug family and the answer was "beta-blockers". Do not just study "beta-blockers", memorize all of the drug families, their uses, and symptoms. It is a good idea to know a few drug names for each family as well. Just make sure to ask yourself, what big picture is this question hinting that I should know and then study important details from there.
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Practice, practice, practice. Do every NCLEX-RN practice question that you can get your hands on. Many schools have a NCLEX-RN practice book that they want you to use, but don't stop there. If you can not purchase another one, go to the library and check one out. You can't write in these so just use a separate piece of paper. You can also go to a book store and get a practice book to go through some questions over a cup of coffee/tea, or whatever. If you know anyone that has recently taken the boards, ask them if you can use their practice books. Most people will be happy to share.
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Schedule your test. Give yourself plenty of time to be adequately prepared before scheduling your NCLEX-RN exam. Happy studying and good luck!
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Tips & Warnings
Make your study time a priority in your schedule.
Ask friends that have taken the boards what helped them.
Try to get a good night's sleep the night before the exam.
Eat a good breakfast before the test. A complex carbohydrate and a protein combination should keep hunger pangs at bay.
Use the rest-room prior to the test.
Make sure you have all of the required items for entry to the examining room.
Know where the exam building is and how long it will take to get there before test day.
Personal effort is required for achieving this goal.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo taken by Jaylyn Ranea Richards
