Ten Success Tips for the Nursing Exam NCLEX

The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a computerized test used to identify those nursing graduates who are prepared to begin an entry level career as either a registered nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) also known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

The NCLEX is not a content-based examination but tests the candidate's ability to apply knowledge, skills, and abilities developed through coursework. The exam also tests the candidate's ability to apply analytical thinking to decision-making.

NCLEX Success Tips

Prepare for the exam before graduation.Preparation is critical to passing the NCLEX. Ideally, preparation should begin when you enter nursing school. Because a large part of the NCLEX is about critical thinking and decision-making the earlier you start to develop to skills the better prepared you will be.

Learn the content. Make sure you thoroughly learn the content. Take notes and/or tape record class sessions. If something is unclear, be sure to ask right away rather than letting the information build-up to unmanageable portions because you will feel overwhelmed.

Begin to think like a nurse. As new information is presented, try to think of patient scenarios in which you may apply new learning. Oftentimes, instructors will bring up these scenarios as part of the class discussion.

View clinical work as learning opportunities. This relates t point 3 above. While participating in clinical internships, pay attention to how nurses make decisions and how tasks are prioritized and delegated. In this way you will begin to develop important critical thinking skills.

Practice Exam Questions. Get some NCLEX review books that are organized by topic so that you can begin to work on the questions as you are learning the material. As you gain practice with the exam it will be easier to develop test-taking strategies that will assist you when sitting for the actual exam.

Devote specific time periods to study. Carve out set times and let family and friends know that you will be unavailable during this period for phone calls or any type of socialization.

Set daily goals.Do not bite off more than you can chew during any one study session. Limit time so that you can comfortably accomplish during any one session.

Change focus.Try to include on a few different topics during every study session so that you keep the sessions interesting.

Choose the best time of day. Schedule your study sessions for the time of day that you are at your best. If you have most energy in the morning, then that should be the time that you devote to study.

NCLEX Guides. Peruse guides online, with sample exams and tips for passing the exam.

The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a computerized test used to identify those nursing graduates who are prepared to begin an entry level career as either a registered nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) also known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

The NCLEX is not a content-based examination but tests the candidate's ability to apply knowledge, skills, and abilities developed through coursework. The exam also tests the candidate's ability to apply analytical thinking to decision-making.

NCLEX Success Tips

Prepare for the exam before graduation.Preparation is critical to passing the NCLEX. Ideally, preparation should begin when you enter nursing school. Because a large part of the NCLEX is about critical thinking and decision-making the earlier you start to develop to skills the better prepared you will be.

Learn the content. Make sure you thoroughly learn the content. Take notes and/or tape record class sessions. If something is unclear, be sure to ask right away rather than letting the information build-up to unmanageable portions because you will feel overwhelmed.

Begin to think like a nurse. As new information is presented, try to think of patient scenarios in which you may apply new learning. Oftentimes, instructors will bring up these scenarios as part of the class discussion.

View clinical work as learning opportunities. This relates t point 3 above. While participating in clinical internships, pay attention to how nurses make decisions and how tasks are prioritized and delegated. In this way you will begin to develop important critical thinking skills.

Practice Exam Questions. Get some NCLEX review books that are organized by topic so that you can begin to work on the questions as you are learning the material. As you gain practice with the exam it will be easier to develop test-taking strategies that will assist you when sitting for the actual exam.

Devote specific time periods to study. Carve out set times and let family and friends know that you will be unavailable during this period for phone calls or any type of socialization.

Set daily goals.Do not bite off more than you can chew during any one study session. Limit time so that you can comfortably accomplish during any one session.

Change focus.Try to include on a few different topics during every study session so that you keep the sessions interesting.

Choose the best time of day. Schedule your study sessions for the time of day that you are at your best. If you have most energy in the morning, then that should be the time that you devote to study.

NCLEX Guides. Peruse guides online, with sample exams and tips for passing the exam.