TIPS FOR NCLEX SUCCESS
The one word that every future or current nursing student dislikes hearing is “NCLEX”. We as nursing students dread this word until the day comes where we take it, and it is over. I successfully passed the NCLEX in May and want to share with you some tips to make your NCLEX experience the best it can be.
When it comes to preparing for the NCLEX my school provided us a NCLEX prep by a company called KAPLAN. I highly recommend this NCLEX prep program. Kaplan NCLEX is an excellent choice for improving your test-taking strategies. Kaplan NCLEX is known for its” Decision tree for NCLEX”. This method helps you interpret and handle the varied questions encountered in the NCLEX examination, which tests your ability to manage different nursing situations.
One of the things I noted was that the KAPLAN practice test was very similar to what the actual NCLEX screen looked like. I have also used Archer, HURST, and Saunders. I do like the extra questions from these three companies, but their questions are not set up exactly like the NCLEX screen.
When it comes to practicing you want to make your testing environment exactly like it is going to be on the day of the test. This should include using soundproof headphones or earplugs and taking the test in very quiet and secluded environments. Every testing site is different, so you may be in a room with cubicles and have a non-erasable dry erase board or you may be in a room with no barriers with other individuals in the same room with a scratch piece of paper with a pencil. The time scheduled may be anytime throughout the day.
Is it better to wait or take NCLEX exam as soon as possible? I recommend taking the test within two months of graduation, if possible. The consensus seems to be the sooner the better. And I strongly recommend spending significant time reviewing material from throughout your nursing classes, completing practice questions and practice examinations. I graduated April 27th and took my test on May 16th. In preparation, I did 60 to 85 questions a day and remediated the ones that I got incorrect. I also read through the KAPLAN book to review content I may have forgotten from the very beginning of nursing school.
When it comes to the exam all lab value ranges are on the test, but I encourage you to study what the abnormal values represent. On the NCLEX exam there will be a range of 85 questions minimum to a maximum of 150 questions.
Will case studies be on the exam? All NCLEX candidates will receive three scored case studies, each with six questions (18 questions total), making case study practice essential to NCLEX prep. The six topics addressed for the case study questions are as follows:
Question 1- Recognizing Cues (what matters most?)
Question 2- Analyze Cues (why does it matters?)
Question 3- Prioritize Hypothesis (what is going on or what to do next?)
Question 4- Generate Solutions (what could help?)
Question 5– Take Actions (what do I do or how do I do it?)
Question 6- Evaluate Outcome (how did it go?)
Finally, try to relax on the day of the test. During the exam do not stress when someone testing gets done before you do. Remember that every person is different. The only thing that matters is you and your test. With that being said if you do not feel comfortable taking it so soon after graduating then wait and take more time to prepare. What truly matters is that you pass and can continue your journey into becoming an amazing nurse.
Good luck to those of you that are taking the NCLEX soon and CONGRATULATIONS to those that have already passed! Welcome into the Nursing Profession.
