So you want to become an RN? Now, one of the most important steps is to pass the NCLEX RN board exam. But how do you create the best NCLEX study plan? How do you know which resources to use? And for that matter, what are those specific resources?
The best NCLEX study plan is going to be different for everyone. Everyone has different learning styles and prefers different methods of studying.
When it comes to studying for any exam, but especially when you have a limited amount of time, there's no set way to study.
In this article, we will help you figure out the best NCLEX study plan! So, without further ado, Let's begin!
NCLEX Study Plan Week 1: Create a Plan
1. Sit down and figure out your plan of action
The first step to creating an effective NCLEX study plan is to sit down and figure out what resources you have available, how much time you can devote to studying and what your goals are.
If you're already working as a nurse or planning on applying for a job as a nurse in the near future, you may want to focus on passing quickly at first so that you can start making money as soon as possible.
If that's the case, then it might be worth taking an online course or two to supplement your own studies.
If time isn't an issue, then it's important to decide how much time you want to spend studying each day or week.
It's important not only because it will help keep you motivated but also because it will give you an idea of how much content there is left for you to cover when it comes time to take your exam!
2. Get the review books you need (If you need them)
First things first: You need NCLEX review books! There are tons of options out there, but make sure they're up-to-date with the latest changes in nursing education.
The best ones will include practice questions, multiple-choice questions with rationales (the explanations of why an answer is right or wrong), case studies, and more. Some even come with online access codes so that you can get even more practice tests online.
We'd recommend Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN, as it provides the best outlines and guides with the practice questions at the end of each chapter.
Make sure that any review book you purchase includes enough content for all four sections (psychosocial health; physical health; mental health; medical-surgical) and has been updated since 2016 when the NCLEX changed.
SOME USEFUL TOOLS TO PREPARE FOR NCLEX
NCLEX-RN Prep Plus 2019 | Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment | PEARSON EXAM CRAM |
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3. Use a study schedule – and follow it!
You should make a schedule that works for you. You may want to study for just one hour each day or for 20 hours each week, but whatever it is, make sure you stick to it. It's important to keep up with your studying so that you don't feel overwhelmed.
If you need help remembering what day it is, try using a calendar or an app on your phone. That way, you'll be able to keep track of when you studied last and how far along in the material you are currently.
It can also help to set up reminders on your phone so that you don't forget when it's time for a new session of studying!
4. Study in different locations
Studying can get boring if you do it in the same place every day. Change up where you study by moving around from room to room or even from house to house (if possible).
This will help keep things fresh and prevent burnout from setting in too early on in your studies.
NCLEX Study Plan Week 2: Get to know about NCLEX-RN
The next step in your NCLEX-RN study plan is to get acquainted with the test. This will help you to understand how it works and what kind of questions to expect from it.
5. Get familiar with the NCLEX layout and question types
The placement of questions on your screen will vary depending on which version of the NCLEX you're taking (there are several).
If possible, take a practice test or two before your nursing school graduation date so that you can familiarize yourself with the layout and types of questions.
Also, get familiar with how long each question takes to answer — some questions may be short and simple while others may require more time and thinking.
This will help ensure that you don't run out of time before answering all questions in a given section.
6. Practice taking multiple-choice questions
As mentioned above, there are several versions of the NCLEX exam. One common type is multiple-choice questions (MCQs), where four possible answers are displayed on-screen and you must choose the best response from these options.
When preparing for this type of question, it's important to read each answer carefully and eliminate any that are clearly wrong before choosing your final answer.
7. Review your weak areas to make the most of your study time
Do you know those topics that give you trouble? Those ones with all sorts of weird acronyms and terminology? The ones that aren't covered in your textbook but are essential for passing? Those are what we call "weak areas." When it comes time to study, these weak areas should be your priority.
You won't be able to remember everything on your own — or at least not everything at once — so take some time each day (or even a few minutes each hour) to review these important facts until they stick in your head.
NCLEX Study Plan Week 3: Improve your critical thinking
8. Learn how to answer NCLEX questions with critical thinking skills
When you're answering NCLEX questions, you'll need to use more than just your memorization skills. The questions on this exam are designed to test your ability to think critically and apply your knowledge in clinical situations.
To answer these types of questions successfully, you'll need to be able to read each question carefully and determine what information is relevant to the scenario. From there, you can use your critical thinking skills to choose the best answer from the options given.
Here are the tips to practice your critical thinking skills:
- One way to practice your critical thinking skills is to take practice questions that are similar to those you'll find on the NCLEX exam. Try to answer these questions without looking up any information — just use your own knowledge and reasoning skills to come up with the best answer.
- Another way to improve your critical thinking skills is to take part in clinical experiences, such as externships or nurse assistant roles. These experiences will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-world situations and learn how to think on your feet when confronted with new challenges.
9. Don't forget about the other sections of the NCLEX
While the focus of your study time may be on the question types that will appear in each section, don't forget about the other content areas that will be tested.
These include things like prioritization, delegation, and patient teaching. You should also review common diseases and disorders, as well as their treatments.
Make sure to allocate some study time each day for these content areas so that you're well-rounded and prepared for anything that comes your way on test day!
NCLEX Study Plan Week 4: Practice, Practice, And Practice!!
Now that you've been studying for a few weeks, it's time to start putting your knowledge to the test.
This week, your goal is to take as many practice questions as possible. You can find practice questions in a variety of places, such as NCLEX review books, online question banks, and even apps for your smartphone or tablet.
When you're taking practice questions, it's important to simulate the testing environment as much as possible. This means working under timed conditions and taking breaks in between questions so that you can stay fresh.
It's also a good idea to review the explanations for each question, even if you got it right, so that you can solidify your understanding of the concepts.
By the end of this week, you should have taken at least 100 practice questions. This may seem like a lot, but it's important to get as much exposure to NCLEX-style questions as possible. The more questions you take, the better prepared you'll be for test day!
Now that you've reached the end of your NCLEX study plan, it's time for one last review of the material. Take some time to go over any areas that you're still struggling with.
Make sure you can answer questions quickly and accurately under timed conditions. And don't forget to review the content areas that will be tested on the exam, such as diseases and disorders, treatments, and patient teaching.
By the end of this week, you should feel confident and prepared to take on the NCLEX exam. Remember to stay calm and focus on each question as it comes. You've studied hard and you're ready to show what you know! Good luck!
Related: Is Anatomy and Physiology Hard?
General Study Tips To Prepare For NCLEX-RN
If you're preparing to take the NCLEX-RN, here are some general study tips that may help you succeed on the exam:
- Get plenty of rest and exercise leading up to the test. Both of these things will help improve your focus and concentration.
- Make sure you understand the format of the NCLEX-RN and the types of questions that will be asked. This will help you better prepare for what to expect on test day.
- Use practice tests to help you identify any areas where you need further study. There are many free NCLEX-RN practice tests available online.
- Make a study schedule and stick to it. This will help you make the most of your study time and ensure that you're covering all the material you need to know.
- Take some time to relax and de-stress before the test. This will help you stay calm and focused during the exam.
By following these general study tips, you'll be well on your way to success on the NCLEX-RN. Good luck!
What to do on the NCLEX-test day?
NCLEX-test day is here! The big day has finally arrived, and you are about to take the NCLEX-test. Before you go into the test center, make sure that you have taken care of all the prerequisites.
But then it hits you: What if I fail?
Don't panic! There are some things you can do on test day to make sure everything goes smoothly. Here are some tips:
- First of all, bring all your personal belongings with you. This includes your driver’s license, passport, social security card, birth certificate, and other documents.
- It is also important to have a good night’s sleep before taking this exam to remain fresh.
- You should also have a good breakfast on the day of your NCLEX-test as it will help you to stay focused throughout the day.
- Make sure that you reach the test center at least an hour before the exam is scheduled to start. This will give you time to relax and get comfortable with the surroundings.
- During the exam, make sure that you take your time in answering each question. Don’t rush through the questions as it will only lead to mistakes.
- If you don’t know the answer to a question then it is better to skip it and come back to it later rather than wasting time on it.
- After the exam, you should relax and not think about the test as it will only lead to anxiety.
- Be sure to take a deep breath before entering the room.
Related: 9 Good Signs You Passed NCLEX 2022
Let's Wrap It: How to Create a NCLEX study plan
The NCLEX-RN is a challenging exam, but with enough preparation and focus, you can overcome any obstacle.
Follow the tips we've provided in this article to make sure that you're ready for test day and create a study plan according to yourself.
Additionally, if you still have concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us for help. We wish you the best of luck on your NCLEX-RN journey!
FAQs
1. How long should I study for NCLEX?
It would be best if you studied for the NCLEX for as long as it takes to feel comfortable with the material. Some students only need a month of preparation, while others may need up to six months. The key is to find a study plan that works for you and stick to it.
2. Is 2 weeks enough time to study for NCLEX?
Yes, two weeks is enough time to study for the NCLEX if you are adequately prepared. You should use this time to review all of the material you have covered during your nursing program.
3. Is 6 weeks enough time to study for NCLEX?
Yes, six weeks is enough time to study for the NCLEX. However, it is essential to start studying early. Be diligent in your studying to get the most out of the time you have.
4. Is it crucial to have a review book for NCLEX?
While it is not necessary to have a review book for NCLEX, doing some studying in this area can be helpful. The NCLEX is designed to test your knowledge on the topics you learned in nursing school, so a review book could help you refresh your memory on these subjects.
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