If you are a nursing graduate or an international nurse planning to work in the United States, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain a registered nurse (RN) license. The NCLEX is a standardized test that assesses your knowledge, skills, and decision-making abilities relevant to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level. The exam is computer-adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your performance. The NCLEX can be daunting, but with the right preparation, you can increase your chances of passing on the first attempt. In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive tips, strategies, and resources to help you prepare for the NCLEX exam.
Understanding the NCLEX Exam
First things first, you need to familiarize yourself with the format, content, and scoring of the NCLEX exam. The NCLEX exam consists of two types of questions: multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and alternate-format questions (AFQs). MCQs are the most common type of question and require you to select the best answer from four options. AFQs are designed to test your critical thinking and may include multiple-response, fill-in-the-blank, ordered response, hot spot, and chart/exhibit questions.
The NCLEX exam covers four major categories of client needs, which are further divided into subcategories:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Management of Care
- Safety and Infection Control
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Physiological Adaptation
The total number of questions you will receive depends on how well you are performing. You can pass or fail the NCLEX exam at any point during the test, depending on whether you have met the passing standard. The passing standard is a level of competence that NCLEX candidates must demonstrate to pass the exam.
Tips for NCLEX Exam Preparation
Now that you understand the basics of the NCLEX exam, let’s dive into the tips and strategies for your preparation:
1. Create a Study Plan
Before you start studying, create a study plan that fits your learning style, schedule, and goals. Determine how much time you need to allocate per day or week for studying, and break down the content into manageable chunks. Use a study calendar or planner to help you stay organized and accountable. Set achievable short-term and long-term goals, and reward yourself when you achieve them.
2. Identify Your Weaknesses
Take a diagnostic NCLEX exam or practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you focus your study efforts on the areas where you need improvement. Review the results of your diagnostic test and analyze which concepts or topics you struggled with the most. Consult your nursing textbooks, notes, or online resources to reinforce your understanding of these topics.
3. Use Multiple Sources
Don’t rely solely on one source of study material. Use a variety of sources such as nursing textbooks, review books, online courses, flashcards, podcasts, and videos. Each source has its advantages and disadvantages, and using multiple sources can help you gain a broader and deeper understanding of the content. However, be mindful of information overload and stick to reputable sources.
4. Practice Time Management
Time management is crucial during the NCLEX exam. You will have six hours to complete the exam, including two optional breaks. Practice answering questions under timed conditions to get a sense of how much time you should allocate per question. Don’t spend too much time on difficult questions or dwell on past questions. Trust your instincts, and move on to the next question.
5. Join a Study Group
Joining a study group can be beneficial for several reasons. You can exchange study tips and strategies with other NCLEX candidates, ask questions, and receive feedback. Moreover, studying in a group can help you stay motivated, accountable, and reduce your stress level. However, make sure you choose a study group that is focused and committed to achieving their goals.
Resources for NCLEX Exam Preparation
Here are some resources that you can use to supplement your NCLEX exam preparation:
- NCLEX Test Plan: The NCLEX test plan is a document that outlines the content and distribution of the exam. It provides an overview of the client needs categories and subcategories, as well as the percentage of questions in each category. You can download the latest NCLEX test plan from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website.
- NCLEX Practice Exams: Taking practice exams can simulate the actual testing environment and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. There are many paid and free NCLEX practice exams available online, such as Kaplan, UWorld, NurseAchieve, and BoardVitals. Choose a practice exam that is similar in format and content to the NCLEX exam, and take it under timed conditions.
- NCLEX Review Books: NCLEX review books are comprehensive study guides that cover all the content areas of the NCLEX exam. Some popular NCLEX review books include Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination, Lippincott Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN, and Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus.
- Online Courses: Online courses offer a structured and interactive way to prepare for the NCLEX exam. Some popular NCLEX online courses include Remar Review, Mark Klimek NCLEX Review, and Hurst Review Services.
- Flashcards: Flashcards are an effective tool to reinforce your memory and recall of important nursing concepts and facts. You can make your own flashcards or use pre-made flashcards from websites like Quizlet and Brainscape.
- Podcasts and Videos: Podcasts and videos are great resources for auditory and visual learners who prefer to learn through listening or watching. Some popular NCLEX podcasts and videos include Simple Nursing, NRSNG, and RegisteredNurseRN.