The right strategies and a positive mindset can give you the extra boost you’ve been looking for as you prepare NCLEX® study guides and get ready for exam day. Prep programs like Slone NCLEX provide a nice supplement to your study materials. Slone NCLEX Professor Tanya Killian breaks down even more NCLEX® study dos and...
If you’re struggling with how to pass the NCLEX® on your first try, consider these seven tips from Slone NCLEX Professor Tanya Killian. Most important is the volume of practice questions that you review each day. Programs like Slone NCLEX can help you not only review 200 to 400 questions per day but give...
There’s a lot to consider when choosing an NCLEX® prep course.
The best programs will take a comprehensive approach, using adaptive learning technology and focusing on effective test-taking strategies.
Perhaps most important is to ensure that the prep course includes the most recent changes to the exam from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (NCSBN).
I often get asked about the best NCLEX® prep course. While I may personally favor Slone NCLEX, I truly believe it stands out as one of the best options available. However, regardless of my opinion, I will share what I know about top NCLEX® prep courses and what you should look for when selecting the right one for you.
A quality NCLEX® prep course will offer a comprehensive approach by utilizing adaptive learning technology and emphasizing effective test-taking strategies. It will feature an extensive question bank with detailed explanations and focus on core content review through lectures and online ... Read more
The right strategies and a positive mindset can give you the extra boost you’ve been looking for as you prepare NCLEX® study guides and get ready for exam day.
Prep programs like Slone NCLEX provide a nice supplement to your study materials.
Slone NCLEX Professor Tanya Killian breaks down even more NCLEX® study dos and don’ts to help you focus.
Preparing for the NCLEX® can be a bit daunting, but with the right strategies and a positive mindset, you can tackle it with confidence! Here are some NCLEX® study tips to help you along the way.First, we will give you a quick reference guide and then a little more detail below for your NCLEX® Study Dos and Don’ts.Let’s focus on the NCLEX® Study Do’s!
Develop a study plan: This is key! Make sure that you make (and follow) a study plan. This will help you to stay on track and stay focused. It is easy to lose the rigor and routine of nursing school once you have graduated, but remember you are not done until AFTER you take — and pass — your NCLEX® Exam.
Use an NCLEX® prep course: An NCLEX® prep course can be a great help! It provides a friendly structure for tackling all the material you'll need to know, helps you discover your strengths and where you might need a bit more focus, and offers practice questions with easy-to-understand explanations. Plus, by simulating real exam conditions, it can boost your confidence and improve your chances of passing.
Eat a healthy meal: Start your test day with a hearty breakfast. Choose foods that will give you sustained energy, like eggs, whole grains, and fruits. A well-fueled brain will help you stay focused!
Practice with NCLEX®-style questions: Give yourself plenty of opportunities to get comfortable with the exam format. Take practice tests that simulate the NCLEX® experience. This will not only help familiarize you with the types of questions but also highlight areas where you might want to dive deeper. When you practice, create a quiet space and set a timer to build those test-taking skills.
Focus on critical concepts: Spend some time identifying the core nursing skills you need to master, like airway management, vital signs, and medication administration. Prioritizing these essential topics will give you a solid foundation and boost your confidence when it’s time to take the exam.
Make a schedule: Creating an NCLEX® study schedule is invaluable. It helps you manage your time wisely, cover all the key nursing topics, and practice with questions that you'll see on the exam. Plus, it boosts your chances of passing by giving you plenty of time to focus on each subject without the stress of cramming at the last minute.
Get a study partner or group: Study partners and groups help identify key material, share memory tricks, and keep motivation high for exams. Teaching others enhances your understanding and memory through the “protégé effect,” which encourages deeper thinking and highlights gaps in your knowledge.
Know your content: Getting a good handle on your NCLEX® content is important. This exam is about how well you can use your nursing knowledge in real-life situations. It’s a chance to show off your critical thinking skills and prove you understand key concepts across different medical specialties. Instead of just memorizing facts, focus on what it takes to make safe and informed decisions for your patients.
Test on a rested and fresh brain: Did you know that getting a good night's sleep can really help with memory and learning? It turns out that memory and learning are consolidated during sleep, especially in the REM phase. Try to aim for around eight hours of sleep. Sweet dreams!
Drink water: It's important to drink water before a test and while studying. Staying hydrated helps your brain work better, allowing you to focus, remember information, and do your best. Since your brain is mostly water, even a little dehydration can make it hard to think clearly.
Read questions carefully: Take a moment to really digest each question. Look out for keywords that can change the meaning, like “first” or “best.” Understanding the question fully will help you choose the right answer more efficiently.
Study to your learning style: Adapt your study techniques to your preferred learning style, whether through visuals, auditory information, hands-on activities, or reading and writing, to enhance your understanding and retention of the material.
Take it as soon as you are able: It is important to take your NCLEX® as soon as possible after graduating. The information is still fresh in your mind, which increases your chances of passing on your first attempt. Waiting too long can lead to forgetting important concepts, which may lower your pass rate and delay your ability to start working as a registered nurse. Essentially, the sooner you take the NCLEX®, the better prepared you will be to succeed.
Stay calm and focused: Remember to breathe! Test day can be stressful, but using relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualization can help keep those nerves in check. Remind yourself that you’ve put in the work to prepare!
Manage your time: Time can slip away during the exam, so practice pacing yourself. When you take practice tests, keep an eye on the clock to make sure you’re not spending too long on any one question.
The Bottom Line
Keep these tips in mind and you'll be on your way to feeling ready for the NCLEX®. Just to take it one step at a time, stay positive, and believe in yourself — you’ve worked hard for this, and you can do it! Good luck!
[post_title] => NCLEX® Study Dos and Don’t
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => nclex-study-dos-and-dont
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2025-01-10 19:47:22
[post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-10 19:47:22
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://nclex-review.com/?p=969
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
[1] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 978
[post_author] => 3
[post_date] => 2025-02-26 06:45:55
[post_date_gmt] => 2025-02-26 06:45:55
[post_content] =>
If you’re struggling with how to pass the NCLEX® on your first try, consider these seven tips from Slone NCLEX Professor Tanya Killian.
Most important is the volume of practice questions that you review each day.
Programs like Slone NCLEX can help you not only review 200 to 400 questions per day but give you detailed rationales for why an answer is both right or wrong.
Passing the NCLEX® on the first go-round means you can jumpstart your nursing career. It helps you avoid the stress of retaking the exam, which can be a hassle. Plus, it saves you money since you won’t have to pay additional testing fees. If you plan for how to pass the NCLEX® on your first try (and succeed!), this will give you a boost of confidence as you start your nursing career.To do that, it is essential to develop a solid study plan. Focus on the following strategies:
Use quality practice questions that come with detailed rationales: To effectively prepare for the NCLEX®, this is essential. We have discussed this previously, but your primary focus for NCLEX® study prep should be on answering NCLEX questions. Set a goal to complete between 200 and 400 questions each day. These questions should encompass all item types and cover all client need categories and clinical judgment categories.
Identify your weak areas and target them specifically during your study sessions: Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses is essential when planning how to pass the NCLEX® on your first try. By reviewing your practice exams, you can uncover both your triumphs and challenges. Enrolling in a dedicated NCLEX® prep course, like Slone NCLEX, can be a game-changer. It empowers you to focus on specific content areas that need your attention and helps you craft a personalized study plan that paves the way to success.
Take practice tests to monitor your progress: You should take at least two practice exams to determine your exam readiness. Take one at the beginning of your journey to identify your strengths and weaknesses and again after you have completed 1,500-3,000 questions to see where you stand. This helps you evaluate your current knowledge level and identify areas that require more study. Additionally, these exams familiarize you with the exam format, allow you to practice time management, and build your confidence by simulating the actual testing environment. Ultimately, this preparation increases your chances of passing the NCLEX® on your first attempt.
Consider joining study groups or having a study partner for additional support and motivation: Through collaborative learning with a study partner or group you’re able discuss and understand concepts with others, clarify doubts, and test your understanding of topics by explaining them to someone else. Study groups and partners also help you identify your weak areas and stay motivated with peer accountability. How to pass the NCLEX® on your first try could hinge on this approach.
Understand the computer adaptive testing (CAT) format to familiarize yourself with the exam structure: The NCLEX® uses the CAT exam model, which means the difficulty of each question adjusts based on your previous answers, tailoring the exam to your individual knowledge level. If you answer a question correctly, the next question will be slightly harder. If you answer incorrectly, the following question will be easier. The computer continues this process until it is confident enough to determine whether you have passed or failed the exam, based on the passing standard set by the NCSBN.
Manage test anxiety by staying calm and focused on exam day: Concentrate on thorough preparation by developing effective study habits. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing. Maintain a positive mindset, ensure you get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and avoid cramming at the last minute. On test day, arrive early, read the instructions carefully, and focus on one question at a time. Remember, it’s okay not to know every answer.
Prioritize taking care of yourself: Sleep, a balanced diet, and proper hydration can elevate your test scores by unlocking the full potential of your mind. These essential elements enhance memory and concentration, which are vital for learning and recalling information during exams. Adequate sleep allows your brain to weave together memories, while the right nutrition and hydration fuel your focus and determination during testing. Embrace these habits to empower your journey to success.
The Bottom Line
The NCLEX® may be the hardest exam of your nursing career. It will definitely be one the most important. We want you to be successful — and learn how to pass the NCLEX® on your first try. Make sure you use these tips to do so. Remember, believe in yourself, study hard, and focus and you will be an amazing RN before you know it!
[post_title] => How to Pass the NCLEX® on Your First Try
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => how-to-pass-the-nclex-on-your-first-try
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2025-01-10 20:55:31
[post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-10 20:55:31
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://nclex-review.com/?p=978
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
[2] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 960
[post_author] => 3
[post_date] => 2025-02-20 06:45:18
[post_date_gmt] => 2025-02-20 06:45:18
[post_content] =>
There’s a lot to consider when choosing an NCLEX® prep course.
The best programs will take a comprehensive approach, using adaptive learning technology and focusing on effective test-taking strategies.
Perhaps most important is to ensure that the prep course includes the most recent changes to the exam from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (NCSBN).
I often get asked about the best NCLEX® prep course. While I may personally favor Slone NCLEX, I truly believe it stands out as one of the best options available. However, regardless of my opinion, I will share what I know about top NCLEX® prep courses and what you should look for when selecting the right one for you.A quality NCLEX® prep course will offer a comprehensive approach by utilizing adaptive learning technology and emphasizing effective test-taking strategies. It will feature an extensive question bank with detailed explanations and focus on core content review through lectures and online resources. The NCLEX® prep course you select should prioritize comprehensive rationales and provide varied practice scenarios, as this will greatly enhance your ability to succeed on the NCLEX-RN® Next-Gen exam.
10 Key Features of A Good NCLEX® Prep Course
Comprehensive Question Bank: A large collection of practice questions covering all content areas, complete with detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers.
Flexible Learning: Offers a variety of content with different levels of difficulty in practice questions, helping you focus on the areas that need the most improvement.
Readiness Exams: Full-length practice exams that simulate the actual NCLEX® format, featuring varying difficulty levels and a variety of question types.
Content Review Materials: Video lectures, study guides, and supplementary resources designed to reinforce essential nursing concepts.
Test-Taking Strategy Instruction: Guidance on how to approach various question types, such as “select all that apply” (SATA), along with strategies for time management.
Personalized Study Plan: The ability to create a study schedule tailored to your individual needs and learning pace.
Expert Faculty: Instruction and support provided by experienced nurses and educators.
Structured Learning: The course offers a well-organized curriculum that covers all essential content for the NCLEX®, ensuring that you don't overlook any categories.
Personalized Feedback: Some courses provide personalized feedback based on your performance in practice exams, enabling you to focus on areas that need improvement.
Exam Simulation: Practice exams closely replicate the format and difficulty level of the actual NCLEX®, helping you become familiar with the test environment.
Reminders For Choosing an NCLEX® Prep Course
When choosing an NCLEX® prep course, make sure it covers all types of question formats. In 2023, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) introduced new question types, including bowtie and drop-down questions, in addition to traditional formats like multiple-choice and SATA. Remember that approximately 10% of your exam will consist of these new question types. Each NCLEX® exam also now includes three unfolding case studies, each with six different questions and item types. A quality NCLEX® prep course, such as Slone NCLEX, will feature these unfolding case studies to mirror the actual exam.In addition to quality and varied practice questions, prep courses need to offer detailed rationales for each answer choice. Understanding the rationale behind each correct answer reinforces your knowledge and helps solidify your understanding of key nursing concepts. Moreover, the rationales should thoroughly explain why the other options are incorrect, enabling you to identify common pitfalls and misconceptions.Understanding the “why” is crucial for retaining information, as it fosters deeper cognitive processing and connects new knowledge with what you already know. This not only aids in recall but also enhances your ability to apply concepts in different situations. By seeking the “why,” you engage more deeply with the material and develop critical thinking skills. When you can explain the rationale behind a topic, it reflects a solid understanding.
Focus On Comprehensive Review Materials
Find a course that offers a comprehensive review of important nursing topics, ensuring you have a strong grasp of the material before the exam. This is where having a quality and current NCLEX® prep course is HUGE! Make sure that whatever course you choose addresses all eight client needs categories and all six clinical judgment categories that are tested over on the NCLEX®.
The 8 client need categories:
Management of Care, which tests your ability to prioritize, delegate, and coordinate care for yourself, your patients, and other healthcare professionals.
Safety and Infection Control, which tests your ability to follow proper isolation precautions, sterile techniques, and general infection control protocols, such as proper hand hygiene.
Health Promotion and Maintenance, which tests your ability to properly educate patients on their preventative care and healthy lifestyle choices.
Psychosocial Integrity, which assesses your ability to assess and address a client’s emotional and psychological needs.
Basic Care & Comfort, which tests your ability to provide care to your patients in a safe way that promotes their care and ensures their basic needs are met and their activities of daily living (ADLs) are safely performed to the best of their ability.
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies, which test your understanding of medications, their administration, dosages, and side effects.
Reduction of Risk Potential, which tests your ability to identify and manage potential risks for patients such as medication errors, fall prevention techniques, and safe sex practices; and
Physiological Adaptation, which tests your ability to understand how the body responds to alterations in their health and the interventions needed to prevent further harm from occurring.
The 6 Clinical Judgment Categories:
Recognize Cues
Analyze Cues
Prioritize Hypotheses
Generate Solutions
Take Actions, and
Evaluate Outcomes.
NCLEX® Prep Course Test-Taking Strategies
In addition to mastering the content, the best prep courses teach valuable test-taking strategies that boost students' confidence as they head into the exam. Find NCLEX® prep courses that offer full-length practice tests that mimic the real exam setting, helping familiarize yourself with the testing format you will see on your exam day. Choose an NCLEX® prep course that provides support from experienced nursing instructors who can provide guidance, clarification, and encouragement throughout your entire preparation journey.
The Bottom Line
Enrolling in an NCLEX® prep course opens the door to countless advantages that can elevate your preparation journey. These courses empower you to focus on the most vital and relevant material, ensuring that each study session is productive and efficient. With a wealth of targeted practice questions and detailed explanations, you gain a deeper understanding of not just the correct answers but the reasoning behind them.Finally, an NCLEX® prep course helps pinpoint specific areas for further review, allowing you to channel your efforts where they will have the greatest impact. You will learn essential test-taking strategies that enhance your performance under exam conditions. By simulating the real exam environment, the course builds your confidence, making you feel well-prepared and reducing anxiety. This comprehensive approach aids in critical thinking and prepares you to tackle questions with confidence during the exam.
[post_title] => What to Look for in a Quality NCLEX® Prep Course
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => nclex-prep-course
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2025-01-10 19:17:01
[post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-10 19:17:01
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://nclex-review.com/?p=960
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
)
[post_count] => 3
[current_post] => -1
[before_loop] =>
[in_the_loop] =>
[post] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 969
[post_author] => 3
[post_date] => 2025-02-27 06:45:40
[post_date_gmt] => 2025-02-27 06:45:40
[post_content] =>
The right strategies and a positive mindset can give you the extra boost you’ve been looking for as you prepare NCLEX® study guides and get ready for exam day.
Prep programs like Slone NCLEX provide a nice supplement to your study materials.
Slone NCLEX Professor Tanya Killian breaks down even more NCLEX® study dos and don’ts to help you focus.
Preparing for the NCLEX® can be a bit daunting, but with the right strategies and a positive mindset, you can tackle it with confidence! Here are some NCLEX® study tips to help you along the way.First, we will give you a quick reference guide and then a little more detail below for your NCLEX® Study Dos and Don’ts.Let’s focus on the NCLEX® Study Do’s!
Develop a study plan: This is key! Make sure that you make (and follow) a study plan. This will help you to stay on track and stay focused. It is easy to lose the rigor and routine of nursing school once you have graduated, but remember you are not done until AFTER you take — and pass — your NCLEX® Exam.
Use an NCLEX® prep course: An NCLEX® prep course can be a great help! It provides a friendly structure for tackling all the material you'll need to know, helps you discover your strengths and where you might need a bit more focus, and offers practice questions with easy-to-understand explanations. Plus, by simulating real exam conditions, it can boost your confidence and improve your chances of passing.
Eat a healthy meal: Start your test day with a hearty breakfast. Choose foods that will give you sustained energy, like eggs, whole grains, and fruits. A well-fueled brain will help you stay focused!
Practice with NCLEX®-style questions: Give yourself plenty of opportunities to get comfortable with the exam format. Take practice tests that simulate the NCLEX® experience. This will not only help familiarize you with the types of questions but also highlight areas where you might want to dive deeper. When you practice, create a quiet space and set a timer to build those test-taking skills.
Focus on critical concepts: Spend some time identifying the core nursing skills you need to master, like airway management, vital signs, and medication administration. Prioritizing these essential topics will give you a solid foundation and boost your confidence when it’s time to take the exam.
Make a schedule: Creating an NCLEX® study schedule is invaluable. It helps you manage your time wisely, cover all the key nursing topics, and practice with questions that you'll see on the exam. Plus, it boosts your chances of passing by giving you plenty of time to focus on each subject without the stress of cramming at the last minute.
Get a study partner or group: Study partners and groups help identify key material, share memory tricks, and keep motivation high for exams. Teaching others enhances your understanding and memory through the “protégé effect,” which encourages deeper thinking and highlights gaps in your knowledge.
Know your content: Getting a good handle on your NCLEX® content is important. This exam is about how well you can use your nursing knowledge in real-life situations. It’s a chance to show off your critical thinking skills and prove you understand key concepts across different medical specialties. Instead of just memorizing facts, focus on what it takes to make safe and informed decisions for your patients.
Test on a rested and fresh brain: Did you know that getting a good night's sleep can really help with memory and learning? It turns out that memory and learning are consolidated during sleep, especially in the REM phase. Try to aim for around eight hours of sleep. Sweet dreams!
Drink water: It's important to drink water before a test and while studying. Staying hydrated helps your brain work better, allowing you to focus, remember information, and do your best. Since your brain is mostly water, even a little dehydration can make it hard to think clearly.
Read questions carefully: Take a moment to really digest each question. Look out for keywords that can change the meaning, like “first” or “best.” Understanding the question fully will help you choose the right answer more efficiently.
Study to your learning style: Adapt your study techniques to your preferred learning style, whether through visuals, auditory information, hands-on activities, or reading and writing, to enhance your understanding and retention of the material.
Take it as soon as you are able: It is important to take your NCLEX® as soon as possible after graduating. The information is still fresh in your mind, which increases your chances of passing on your first attempt. Waiting too long can lead to forgetting important concepts, which may lower your pass rate and delay your ability to start working as a registered nurse. Essentially, the sooner you take the NCLEX®, the better prepared you will be to succeed.
Stay calm and focused: Remember to breathe! Test day can be stressful, but using relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualization can help keep those nerves in check. Remind yourself that you’ve put in the work to prepare!
Manage your time: Time can slip away during the exam, so practice pacing yourself. When you take practice tests, keep an eye on the clock to make sure you’re not spending too long on any one question.
The Bottom Line
Keep these tips in mind and you'll be on your way to feeling ready for the NCLEX®. Just to take it one step at a time, stay positive, and believe in yourself — you’ve worked hard for this, and you can do it! Good luck!
[post_title] => NCLEX® Study Dos and Don’t
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => nclex-study-dos-and-dont
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2025-01-10 19:47:22
[post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-10 19:47:22
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://nclex-review.com/?p=969
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
[comment_count] => 0
[current_comment] => -1
[found_posts] => 34
[max_num_pages] => 12
[max_num_comment_pages] => 0
[is_single] =>
[is_preview] =>
[is_page] =>
[is_archive] => 1
[is_date] =>
[is_year] =>
[is_month] =>
[is_day] =>
[is_time] =>
[is_author] => 1
[is_category] =>
[is_tag] =>
[is_tax] =>
[is_search] =>
[is_feed] =>
[is_comment_feed] =>
[is_trackback] =>
[is_home] =>
[is_privacy_policy] =>
[is_404] =>
[is_embed] =>
[is_paged] => 1
[is_admin] =>
[is_attachment] =>
[is_singular] =>
[is_robots] =>
[is_favicon] =>
[is_posts_page] =>
[is_post_type_archive] =>
[query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => bb7a772656daeabe09e1f3dc4979c7e0
[query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] =>
[thumbnails_cached] =>
[allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] =>
[stopwords:WP_Query:private] =>
[compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array
(
[0] => query_vars_hash
[1] => query_vars_changed
)
[compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array
(
[0] => init_query_flags
[1] => parse_tax_query
)
)
