Make sure that you do lots of practice questions. The Saunders (Silvestri) NCLEX-RN review book is great for giving the rationales. You need to know why the question was correct, as well as why it was incorrect. Look at the stem of the question, because this is what the question is really asking. Look for keywords like MOST, FIRST, BEST, INITIAL, etc.
DO NOT attempt to "cram" just before the test. You need to put information into your head in as organized and as stress-free a process as possible.
Make use of pre-testing tools and follow their "brush-up" recommendations if your scores are lacking.
Study the art of successful test-taking with an emphasis on navigating multiple-choice formats. There are many great tutorials available online.
The night before the test, go through your selected group of notes and flash cards ONCE, then get some rest.
The day of the test make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the testing facility. Once you arrive, stop going through your notes, etc...if that info hasn't been memorized by testing day a few more frantic minutes of study will not make the difference.
Try to remember that the fact you have made it through years of training means that you have earned this opportunity to successfully complete the licensing process. How many times in nursing school were you faced with something and you told yourself, "I will never learn this" ? And then you went right on and did it!!
Don’t second guess yourself. Content over questions. If you know your content well, you will be able to answer any type of questions.
I took a Kaplan course
Try Regina revue class.. it called ReMar v2 RN/PN
use archer review. watch all her videos & do the whole question bank
From what my students have told me, doing the ATI questions and practicing and practicing was a big help. I have also heard that the Archer program was an enormous help as well.
Use Archer and Saunders
I just took the NGN NCLEX on 1/8/24 and got the notification that I passed on 1/10/24
Honestly, I recommend that you make sure you know your content first especially the larger test areas like basic care and comfort, reduction of risk, physiological adaptations, meds (especially psych). On YouTube there are plenty of channels that have NCLEX material reviews (i.e. HETV - Dr. Chelly offers review packets). I recommend no more than 5-25 questions a day on U-World to be able to realistically grasp what you missed and not get burnt out. And I also recommend doing flashcards for pharm and infectious diseases so you know the correct content precautions.
Most importantly, pace yourself, set a study schedule, and don't try to cram. The NCLEX wants to see what the nurse can do, not what the doctor can prescribe.
It’s been a long time since I’ve taken this exam..
But one never forgets..
I prepared myself by taking mock exams.
I was well informed of the all lab values
Don’t be in your head and second guess your answers go with your gut always chose the most obvious don’t sit there thinking it’s a tricky question because it’s not..
know your values!!!
Know medications.. S/S of complications. How they metabolize..
focus on topics you are not that comfortable with.
Labor/Delivery life saving interventions
All ages from birth to death.
KNOW interventions regarding S/S of complications
Step by step process
Normal VS for all age group
And Much more..
but one really important thing to remember you got this far, Confidents is really important!!
Walk into that test site saying “I Got This”
Oh yes forgot to mention
Never take test on an empty stomach.
Get a good night sleep the night before , get there early and what ever you do..
do not cram study the night before or the day of the test..
Be prepared.!!
I highly recommend the HEARST practice questions… It was about $250 for 3 months of unlimited questions. It is expensive but it really simplifies what the NCLEX is looking for. ALSO, you really need to study daily for the exam for a few months ( about 3 hours per day) and I mean, a SOLID 3 hours. You need to have a quiet room with no interruptions, TV or phone calls.
Write down your weak areas so you remember what you need to review. Make sure to review all safety measures, like never leave the patient alone when there is a problem ( call for help) and know the top 50 medications and what they’re used for & side effects . Also know the difference between a side effect and an adverse reaction.
Hope this help you! I just passed my boards in June 2022. Best of Luck!!!
Study hard and it will be worth it.
