Learn about NCLEX-RN® study tips for foreign students. Most importantly, ensure that you study how practice in the U.S. differs from international nursing. Don’t be afraid to ask for support as you prepare for exam day. The NCLEX-RN® is a nursing student’s personal Goliath, and as an international student, that giant can feel unbeatable! But — we...
Mastering NCLEX-RN® med-surg topics will lead you toward a passing score on the NCLEX. Prioritize care using the ABC approach (airway, breathing, and circulation). But also review the nine focus areas detailed by Slone NCLEX Professor Tanya Killian. The ability to master NCLEX-RN® med-surg topics will lead you toward a passing score on the NCLEX. ...
The NCLEX-RN® retake policy is set up to help you easily take the necessary steps to schedule another exam.
Contact your local board of nursing to ensure you’re following the proper procedures.
Use your Candidate Performance Results (CPR) as the starting point for a new study plan.
Let’s address the uncomfortable truth: you don’t want to fail the NCLEX®. But what if you do?
It’s important to remember that if you need to retake the exam, you can. Your failure does not define you. Instead, what matters is how you respond to that failure.
Many people face this challenge; approximately 60,000 individuals failed the NCLEX® in 2024. This means that about one in every five test-takers didn’t pass on their first attempt. So, if you didn’t pass on your first try (or struggle in the future), remember — you are not alone.
Plus, the introduction a few years ago of the Next-Generation NCLEX® (NGN) has resulted in higher pass rates compared to the ... Read more
Learn about NCLEX-RN® study tips for foreign students.
Most importantly, ensure that you study how practice in the U.S. differs from international nursing.
Don’t be afraid to ask for support as you prepare for exam day.
The NCLEX-RN® is a nursing student’s personal Goliath, and as an international student, that giant can feel unbeatable! But — we have study tips designed specifically for international NCLEX-RN® candidates to help build defenses and defeat your Goliath.Generally speaking, study tips for international students are pretty similar to the advice I’d share with a student from the United States. The big difference here would be to ensure that you study how to practice in America — not what is done internationally — and that you follow the steps from the NCSBN, which details how to register for the NCLEX. As a foreign-educated nurse, preparing for the NCLEX can present its own challenges. However, there are plenty of resources and tips available to help you succeed. Let’s explore some common hurdles you may encounter and how to overcome them.
6 NCLEX-RN® Study Tips for Foreign Students
English as a Second Language
Navigating the NCLEX can be challenging if English is not your first language. The test focuses heavily on critical thinking and judgment, which can be difficult due to language barriers. To enhance your English skills, consider taking classes or finding a language partner to practice with. Engaging with native speakers will help you become more comfortable with complex questions.
Get to Know the Terminology
You may find that the nursing terms used on the NCLEX differ from those you've learned in your home country. No worries! Refer to the NCSBN Glossary of Terms to familiarize yourself with the language you’ll encounter.
Familiarize Yourself with U.S. Nursing Skills
Nursing practices vary significantly across countries. To understand how nursing is performed in the U.S., consider volunteering or shadowing at local hospitals and healthcare facilities. This firsthand experience will give you insight into U.S. nursing practices. Additionally, enrolling in NCLEX review courses and doing practice exams through prep programs like Slone NCLEX will help sharpen the skills that will be tested.
Learn About Pharmacology
Pharmacology plays a significant role in the NCLEX, and understanding the terminology can be challenging. Focus on studying medication classifications, side effects, contraindications, and nursing considerations to build your confidence. Taking practice exams can also reinforce your knowledge.
What to Study to be prepared for Pharmacology:
Medication Classifications: Learn about different types of medications like antibiotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants.
Drug Uses: Understand what each medication treats, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or fast heartbeats.
Drug Interactions: Know how drugs can affect each other and how they may impact other parts of a patient's health.
Drug Side Effects: Be aware of the side effects that can come with various medications.
Therapeutic Drug Levels: Identify which medications need regular blood tests to check if the levels are safe and effective.
Practice Therapeutic Communication
Communication styles can differ between cultures, and it may take some time to adjust. Practice active listening with your patients and colleagues to enhance your communication skills. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to better understand the cultural nuances in the U.S. Your curiosity will benefit you.
Prepare and Seek Support
Preparing for the NCLEX is crucial for success, so find a study method that suits your learning style — whether it's practice exams, case studies, or study groups. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone!Look for support from other nurses who have been through the process or seek professional tutors. There is a community of professionals eager to help you succeed, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Starting early reduces stress and boosts your confidence!
Craft a Study Plan: Begin by creating a study schedule that includes breaks to recharge. Break down topics into manageable chunks, focusing on care management one week and infection control the next. Find a study routine that works for you and stick to it.
Get to Know the Test Format: The NCLEX adjusts question difficulty based on your performance, so familiarize yourself with how the test works and the types of questions you'll face.
Discover Your Strengths and Areas for Improvement: Taking practice tests helps you identify areas where you excel and where you might need a bit more help, which is especially beneficial for international nurses who may find some topics challenging.
Use Helpful Resources: Gather NCLEX review books, practice questions, and flashcards. Engaging in study groups is also a fantastic way to motivate each other and learn together!
Take Breaks: Remember to take breaks! They help keep your mind fresh and focused.
Get Enough Sleep: Ensure you get plenty of rest. A good night’s sleep is essential for feeling your best on exam day.
The Bottom Line
You can do this! With the right preparation and support, you’re on the path to passing the NCLEX. Use these tips and resources to set yourself up for success. Believe in yourself!
Mastering NCLEX-RN® med-surg topics will lead you toward a passing score on the NCLEX.
Prioritize care using the ABC approach (airway, breathing, and circulation).
But also review the nine focus areas detailed by Slone NCLEX Professor Tanya Killian.
The ability to master NCLEX-RN® med-surg topics will lead you toward a passing score on the NCLEX.It’s important to have a good grasp of essential medical-surgical nursing concepts. This means being familiar with client assessments, common illnesses, being able to choose the right interventions, and how to safely administer medications. You’ll want to prioritize care using the ABCs — airway, breathing, circulation — while also keeping an eye out for any complications. Don't forget the value of client education and knowing some basic surgical procedures! Most importantly, use your critical thinking skills to adapt your care based on the situation at hand. You've got this!
Key Focus Areas for NCLEX-RN® Med-Surg Topics
Anatomy and Physiology: Get familiar with how the body’s systems normally work! This will help you spot when something's off. You need to understand the location, function, and interactions of major body systems, organs, tissues, and cells. It is essential to focus on how abnormalities in these structures can present clinically and how to evaluate them. A quick review of the A&P basics:
Respiratory System: Lung anatomy, gas exchange, and breathing mechanics.
Gastrointestinal System: Digestive tract organs, the digestion process, and absorption.
Renal System: Kidney function, urine formation, and electrolyte balance.
Musculoskeletal System: Bones, joints, muscles, and movement mechanics.
Nervous System: Brain, spinal cord, neurotransmitters, and basic neurological functions.
Endocrine System: Hormones, glands, and hormone regulation.
Reproductive System: Male and female anatomy and the reproductive cycle.
Integumentary System: Skin layers and wound healing.
Immune System: Immune cell types and immune response mechanisms.
Important Aspects to Understand:
Cellular Level: Basic cell structure, cell division, and cell communication.
Tissue Types: Different tissue types (epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous) and their functions.
Pathophysiology: Common disease processes, their effects on the body, and related clinical manifestations.
Assessment Techniques: How to evaluate the functioning of different body systems through physical exams, laboratory tests, and diagnostic imaging.
Medical Terminology: Understanding key medical terms related to anatomy and physiology.
Pathophysiology: Dive into the disease processes! Understand the signs and symptoms, causes, and potential complications for common medical-surgical conditions. Familiarize yourself with the common diseases that affect various body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and neurological. Understand their typical signs, symptoms, complications, and treatments. Recognize how diseases in one system can impact other systems, leading to systemic complications. Identify key risk factors associated with different diseases to aid in preventative care. Additionally, understand the purpose and interpretation of common diagnostic tests used to identify specific diseases. Be aware of the rationale behind standard treatments for various conditions, including medications, dietary modifications, and surgical interventions.
Pharmacology: Familiarize yourself with common medications used in medical-surgical nursing. Know their purposes, dosages, side effects, and any interactions to watch for. You should be able to list the following for the most common medications for your NCLEX-RN® exam.
Drug Classifications: Learn the categories of drugs and their functions.
Drug Names: Recognize common generic names and key prefixes/suffixes.
Mechanisms of Action: Understand how drugs work in the body.
Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects.
Nursing Considerations: Administer medications safely and monitor clients effectively.
Therapeutic Drug Levels: Identify drugs that need regular serum monitoring.
Laboratory Values: Understand the implications of various lab results and how to apply that knowledge in client care. In 2023, the NCSBN updated the NCLEX-RN® exam to include all normal lab values. This means that if a question presents a hemoglobin level, the normal range for that value will be provided in parentheses. This is a significant change, as you no longer need to memorize every single lab value for your studies. Instead, focus on what actions to take based on those lab values.
For example, if a client has a low hemoglobin level, anticipate that their blood pressure may also be low, their heart rate may be elevated, and they might experience dizziness or lightheadedness. In such cases, the client may require a blood transfusion. Conversely, if the hemoglobin level is high, the client might have elevated blood pressure, and it’s important to identify and address the underlying cause.
Surgical Procedures: Understand the care required before, during, and after common surgical procedures. To understand surgical procedures, focus on the three key phases: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care, emphasizing client assessment and the prioritization of airway, breathing, and circulation.
Preoperative Care:
Obtain informed consent.
Review client history and medications related to bleeding.
Conduct assessments: vital signs, labs, and physical exams.
Educate the client about the procedure and postoperative care.
Implement NPO (nothing by mouth) instructions and perform skin preparation.
Intraoperative Care:
Maintain a sterile field.
Assist the surgical team with instruments.
Monitor vital signs and report changes.
Manage potential complications, like bleeding or anesthesia reactions.
Handle specimens properly.
Postoperative Care:
Monitor vital signs and pain levels.
Check the surgical site for infection.
Manage drains and dressings.
Administer pain medication as ordered.
Encourage deep breathing and coughing to prevent pneumonia.
Monitor for complications such as bleeding and delayed wound healing.
ALWAYS Keep in Mind:
Prioritize airway, breathing, and circulation.
Ensure client safety with sterile techniques and double-checking.
Communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
Have strong assessment skills to identify complications.
Priority Setting: Always remember to prioritize interventions based on the ABCs: airway, breathing, and circulation.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Utilize this to prioritize needs, focusing on physiological needs (such as food and water) before safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs.
The Nursing Process: Assessment (gather information), diagnosis (analyze the collected data and identify what is going on), planning (develop a plan of care focusing on highest priority first), implementation (Carry out the planned interventions), and evaluation (assess the effectiveness of your interventions).
Airway – Breathing – Circulation.
Assess the client’s condition to determine if they are stable or unstable, prioritizing interventions for unstable clients.
When evaluating multiple clients, prioritize the one with an acute, emergent condition over a chronic, stable one.
Safety & Risk Reduction:Always assess potential risks and prioritize actions that reduce harm to the client.
Least Restrictive/Least Invasive: When selecting interventions, prioritize the least invasive option first then progress. Always least invasive to most invasive.
Acute vs. Chronic/Unstable vs. Stable/Urgent vs. Nonurgent:When comparing multiple clients, prioritize those with acute, emergent conditions over those with chronic, stable ones.
Client Education: Think about the information your clients need! Be ready to guide them about their conditions, medications, and self-care tips.
When preparing for the NCLEX, it’s important to keep in mind the key principles of client education. This means customizing information to match your client’s understanding, figuring out what they need to learn, and giving them clear instructions on how to manage their health. It’s also crucial to check in to make sure they really grasp the information.
Don’t forget to be sensitive to cultural differences and any challenges they might face in learning. In the end, your goal is to help your clients understand their diagnosis, treatment plan, and how to take care of themselves so they can achieve the best health outcomes possible!
Complications: Stay informed about potential complications that can arise from various medical conditions and surgical procedures.
Assessment Skills: Get comfortable performing thorough physical assessments, including checking vital signs, and learn how to interpret your findings.
Helpful Tips for Studying NCLEX-RN® Med-Surg Topics:
Focus on Clinical Application: Instead of just memorizing, try to understand how your knowledge applies to real-life client situations. It makes learning more meaningful!
Practice with NCLEX-Style Questions: Use practice tests to get familiar with the exam format and question types. It’s a great way to boost your confidence!
Review Key Concepts Regularly: Since med-surg covers so many topics, regular review will help reinforce what you learn.
Ask for Help When Needed: If you find certain concepts tricky, don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructors or look for extra resources. You’re not alone in this!
The Bottom Line
Remember, you've got this — good luck with your studies!
The NCLEX-RN® retake policy is set up to help you easily take the necessary steps to schedule another exam.
Contact your local board of nursing to ensure you’re following the proper procedures.
Use your Candidate Performance Results (CPR) as the starting point for a new study plan.
Let's address the uncomfortable truth: you don’t want to fail the NCLEX®. But what if you do? It’s important to remember that if you need to retake the exam, you can. Your failure does not define you. Instead, what matters is how you respond to that failure. Many people face this challenge; approximately 60,000 individuals failed the NCLEX® in 2024. This means that about one in every five test-takers didn't pass on their first attempt. So, if you didn’t pass on your first try (or struggle in the future), remember — you are not alone. Plus, the introduction a few years ago of the Next-Generation NCLEX® (NGN) has resulted in higher pass rates compared to the previous format.Reports indicate a significant increase in passing rates since the launch of the NGN, which is attributed to its focus on real-world clinical judgment scenarios and question types that more accurately reflect actual nursing practice.
What’s the NCLEX-RN® Retake Policy?
If you do not pass the NCLEX® , you will receive the Candidate Performance Results (CPR). This report highlights your strengths and weaknesses in various content areas, helping you understand what you need to focus on when studying for the next attempt. After a waiting period of 45 days, you can contact your state nursing board to schedule a retake. You may continue to take the exam until you pass.
Steps to Retake the NCLEX®
Connect with Your Local Nursing Board: Reach out to find out what the specific requirements are in your state. They’re there to help you!
Stick to the Waiting Period: You’ll need to wait at least 45 days before you can retake the exam. (But continue studying during this time!)
Review your CPR report: Review your results, understand your weak areas and create a study plan that emphasizes them.
Reregister with Pearson VUE: When you’re ready, you can easily sign up again. Go to the Pearson Vue website, login with your account and register for a new attempt.
Pay the Fees: Be prepared to pay a $200 registration fee and a $75 reapplication fee. Some states may have you pay for another background check depending on how long it has been in between attempts.
Get Your New Authorization to Test (ATT): This is provided as part of a multi-step process through your board of nursing and will allow you to schedule your exam.
Schedule Your New Exam Date: Pick a time that works for you and get excited!
The key to passing the NCLEX on your next attempt is to use your previous results as a roadmap to help direct your studies.
Here’s How to Use Your NCLEX® Results to Study Effectively:
Review Your CPR: Check how you did across different content areas and see where you might need a little extra attention.
Spot Your Weaknesses: Make a list of the specific topics that tripped you up the last time.
Revise Your Study Plan: Take a moment to think about what strategies worked for you last time and what you’d like to tweak this time around.
Create a Targeted Study Plan: Focus your efforts on those areas you found challenging and spend a bit more time on them.
Practice with Purpose: Use NCLEX®-style practice questions that concentrate on your weak spots to boost your confidence. This is where an NGN NCLEX® preparation program like Slone NCLEX becomes invaluable. It will help you create a targeted study plan and practice with purpose.
Take readiness exams that provide detailed feedback: To understand where you are on your NCLEX® journey, you should consistently assess your readiness. Take a readiness exam as you start your preparation journey, review the results and then use resources to review and improve your weak areas. Feedback is so important. Take at least one more readiness exam when you feel you have completed your review and are ready to test. This will help you gauge if you’re ready or if you need a little more review!
Simulate Real Exam Conditions: Practice taking full-length tests under timed conditions to get used to the exam's flow and ease any anxiety.
Explore Extra Resources: Look for review books, online courses, or study groups that can help clarify those tricky topics.
Keep These Tips in Mind
Focus on Understanding: Rather than just memorizing information, make sure you understand the “why” behind each answer. This will really enhance your critical thinking skills!
Review Regularly: Don’t forget to revisit concepts that were tough for you to help reinforce your learning.
Stay Organized: Keep everything in one place — important dates, study materials, you name it!
Set Goals: Set achievable goals and track your progress to keep your motivation high.
Ask for Help: If you’re feeling stuck, consider reaching out to a nursing instructor or tutor for some personalized guidance. They can offer great support!
The Bottom Line
Remember, you’ve got this! Each attempt is a step closer to reaching your goal. Good luck!
Learn about NCLEX-RN® study tips for foreign students.
Most importantly, ensure that you study how practice in the U.S. differs from international nursing.
Don’t be afraid to ask for support as you prepare for exam day.
The NCLEX-RN® is a nursing student’s personal Goliath, and as an international student, that giant can feel unbeatable! But — we have study tips designed specifically for international NCLEX-RN® candidates to help build defenses and defeat your Goliath.Generally speaking, study tips for international students are pretty similar to the advice I’d share with a student from the United States. The big difference here would be to ensure that you study how to practice in America — not what is done internationally — and that you follow the steps from the NCSBN, which details how to register for the NCLEX. As a foreign-educated nurse, preparing for the NCLEX can present its own challenges. However, there are plenty of resources and tips available to help you succeed. Let’s explore some common hurdles you may encounter and how to overcome them.
6 NCLEX-RN® Study Tips for Foreign Students
English as a Second Language
Navigating the NCLEX can be challenging if English is not your first language. The test focuses heavily on critical thinking and judgment, which can be difficult due to language barriers. To enhance your English skills, consider taking classes or finding a language partner to practice with. Engaging with native speakers will help you become more comfortable with complex questions.
Get to Know the Terminology
You may find that the nursing terms used on the NCLEX differ from those you've learned in your home country. No worries! Refer to the NCSBN Glossary of Terms to familiarize yourself with the language you’ll encounter.
Familiarize Yourself with U.S. Nursing Skills
Nursing practices vary significantly across countries. To understand how nursing is performed in the U.S., consider volunteering or shadowing at local hospitals and healthcare facilities. This firsthand experience will give you insight into U.S. nursing practices. Additionally, enrolling in NCLEX review courses and doing practice exams through prep programs like Slone NCLEX will help sharpen the skills that will be tested.
Learn About Pharmacology
Pharmacology plays a significant role in the NCLEX, and understanding the terminology can be challenging. Focus on studying medication classifications, side effects, contraindications, and nursing considerations to build your confidence. Taking practice exams can also reinforce your knowledge.
What to Study to be prepared for Pharmacology:
Medication Classifications: Learn about different types of medications like antibiotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants.
Drug Uses: Understand what each medication treats, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or fast heartbeats.
Drug Interactions: Know how drugs can affect each other and how they may impact other parts of a patient's health.
Drug Side Effects: Be aware of the side effects that can come with various medications.
Therapeutic Drug Levels: Identify which medications need regular blood tests to check if the levels are safe and effective.
Practice Therapeutic Communication
Communication styles can differ between cultures, and it may take some time to adjust. Practice active listening with your patients and colleagues to enhance your communication skills. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to better understand the cultural nuances in the U.S. Your curiosity will benefit you.
Prepare and Seek Support
Preparing for the NCLEX is crucial for success, so find a study method that suits your learning style — whether it's practice exams, case studies, or study groups. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone!Look for support from other nurses who have been through the process or seek professional tutors. There is a community of professionals eager to help you succeed, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Starting early reduces stress and boosts your confidence!
Craft a Study Plan: Begin by creating a study schedule that includes breaks to recharge. Break down topics into manageable chunks, focusing on care management one week and infection control the next. Find a study routine that works for you and stick to it.
Get to Know the Test Format: The NCLEX adjusts question difficulty based on your performance, so familiarize yourself with how the test works and the types of questions you'll face.
Discover Your Strengths and Areas for Improvement: Taking practice tests helps you identify areas where you excel and where you might need a bit more help, which is especially beneficial for international nurses who may find some topics challenging.
Use Helpful Resources: Gather NCLEX review books, practice questions, and flashcards. Engaging in study groups is also a fantastic way to motivate each other and learn together!
Take Breaks: Remember to take breaks! They help keep your mind fresh and focused.
Get Enough Sleep: Ensure you get plenty of rest. A good night’s sleep is essential for feeling your best on exam day.
The Bottom Line
You can do this! With the right preparation and support, you’re on the path to passing the NCLEX. Use these tips and resources to set yourself up for success. Believe in yourself!
