Education

A Procrastinator’s Guide To Studying For The NCLEX

Studying For The NCLEX

The NCLEX is a challenging test that requires you to prepare adequately if you want to score in the top percentiles. This article is a review on the guideline of how to prepare for the NCLEX test in 30 days and pass. However, the recommendation of study time may differ upon the level of preparation needed. The main concern in this article is breaking down the available NCLEX test prep time you have so you can still cover everything in 30 days. The strategy is divided in four weeks as follows:

Week 1 – Study Plan

Developing a study road map is the key to 30 days of NCLEX test preparation. During this week, you will need to spend between two to four hours in developing a study schedule. You can prepare it on a blank sheet of paper that contains thirty boxes representing the number of study days. Alternatively, you can use a paper planner or a digital planner on your laptop or phone. Of the most important is the date of the NCLEX test. Indicate it on the planner to know when to begin with your study preparation. On the study plan schedule dates of practice tests, and if it’s on digital planner include reminders.

The secret to passing the NCLEX test is answering as many questions as possible during your practice tests. The minimum questions you can do during the 30 days preparation are 3500. That’s means studying at least 28 questions a day. After reviewing the answer, you need to take the time to review wrongly answered questions so you can learn as much as possible from any mistakes.

Week 2 and 3 – Working On Your Action Plan

As a way of ensuring you pass on your NCLEX test, you need to continue with your practice test questions. Review the previous test before taking the next step and compare the present results and previous test results to see if there is an improvement. The practice will help you reinforce familiar content and work on new content.

This is also an excellent time to work with an NCLEX test prep tutor. Because you are trying to cram so much studying into such a short amount of time, having a tutor or prep course you can turn to will help you make the most of your time. This will allow you to ask questions and get help if there are certain areas that you feel stuck on. They will also be able to tell you know what material you should focus on, and what material you can most likely afford to skip.

Week 4 – Countdown To The NCLEX

Anxiety may start to rise as the test day approaches. During this time, you need a technique to regulate yourself, such as exercise to help you focus. Mindful skills such as yoga and meditation can help to improve stamina and to reduce anxiety. Having negative thoughts can create additional stress and cause you to lose focus. The following are some of ways to help you reduce stress and get through the last week:

  1. Keep a healthy snack close to you.
  2. Take regular breaks during the study period.
  3. Drink a lot of liquid to stay hydrated.
  4. Have brisk walks regularly.
  5. Get plenty of sleep – between 7 hours to 8 hours.
  6. On the 29th day, schedule something fun.

The NCLEX Test Day

On the day of the NCLEX test, wake up early and prepare. Make sure all materials needed in the testing room are in order. Have positive, motivational thoughts such as “I am a winner”, “I will pass the test”, “I have prepared enough”, and “this test is ordinary, just like the practice test I took”. Now walk to the exam room confidently, sit, and ace the test!