Master the NCLEX® Review with this Advice

• You’ve reached the point in your nursing journey where it’s time to create and master your own NCLEX® review. 
• You’ll want to consider the exam structure, your test-taking strategies, and more as you prepare for exam day. 
• As always, practice questions and reviewing rationales should be a key element of your study plan. 

You’ve heard about the NCLEX® a lot over the past few years as you’ve navigated nursing school. It has been this daunting task looming in the distance. Now you’ve reached the point in your journey where you need to create and master your own NCLEX® review.  

We have a few pieces of advice to help you create the best NCLEX® review. 

5 Reminders for Your NCLEX® Review 

Here are some things to remember when completing your NCLEX® Review. 

• Each exam question is structured as follows: 
  • The stem is where the question begins. 
  • The case represents the patient’s unique situation. 
  • Distractors are the options designed to challenge you. 
• Dissect and analyze each question. 
  •  Read the stem at least twice to ensure you grasp every nuance and intent. 

Test-Taking Strategies to Master your NCLEX® Review 

Consider the following strategies as you prepare for exam day and really dig into the material: 

• Identify Keywords: 
  • Look for the essential terms that reveal critical information.  
  • Discard answers emphasizing signs and symptoms that stray from direct interventions. 
• Note Repeated Words:  
  • Pay close attention to terms that appear multiple times in questions and answers.  
  • Recognizing synonyms or repeated concepts can lead you closer to the correct answer.  
• Employ Prioritization Techniques:  
  • For questions that ask for “initial,” “first,” or “best,” prioritize among generally correct options. Consider the following when determining your answer: 
    • ABCs (Airway, Breathing, and Circulation): Patients with airway issues must be prioritized. 
    • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Begin with physiological needs before addressing safety and psychosocial concerns. This approach is especially crucial for patients with multiple health challenges. 
    • Nursing Process: Conduct assessments before planning or taking action. Always ask yourself if more data is needed before proceeding. 
• Navigating NCLEX® Scenarios: 
  • Engage with hypothetical scenarios where you are entrusted with a patient and have the necessary information at hand.  
  • Empower yourself to make decisions autonomously, contacting a physician only when all other interventions have been tried.  
  • These scenarios test your understanding of nursing principles and your critical thinking, preparing you for real-world complexities. 

The Best Tactics to Master the NCLEX®-RN:

• Understand the exam format:
  • Familiarize yourself with the computer adaptive testing (CAT) system, which tailors question difficulty to your responses and provides a personalized experience. 
• Create a comprehensive study plan:  
  • Organize a detailed schedule covering essential nursing topics, including prioritization, medication administration, health assessments, and disease processes. 
  • Take a readiness exam to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses. 
• Practice questions extensively:
  • Dive into various NCLEX® practice question banks from reputable sources like Slone NCLEX to identify strengths and weaknesses. 
  • Take 200-400 NCLEX® questions per day and ensure they include all of the Next-Generation NCLEX® item types. 
• Analyze practice test results:
  • Review rationales behind incorrect answers to understand and improve on areas of difficulty. 
• Prioritize critical concepts:
  • Focus on high-priority nursing concepts like ABCs, safety protocols, and immediate interventions vital for patient care. 
• Learn key nursing mnemonics: 
  • Use mnemonic devices to aid retention of critical information related to medical conditions and treatments. 
  • Watch our TikTok and Instagram for some great memory tricks on need-to-know topics 
• Develop test-taking strategies:  
  • Cultivate time management skills, eliminate clearly incorrect answers, and trust your intuition when uncertain. 
• Address weak areas:
  • Dedicate additional study sessions to mastering concepts that challenge you. 
• Join study groups:
  • Collaborate with peers to discuss difficult topics, share effective study techniques, and engage in quiz-style testing to reinforce your learning. 
• Consider enrolling in a prep course:  
  • Structured preparation courses like Slone NCLEX offer invaluable guidance, extensive practice questions, and critical feedback. 
• Manage stress effectively:
  • Incorporate relaxation techniques to alleviate test anxiety and stay focused during the exam. 

Need-to-Knows for Exam Day: 

• Stay calm and focused: Arrive early, get adequate sleep, and avoid last-minute cramming that could elevate anxiety. 
• Read questions carefully: Pay attention to key details and the intent behind each question. 
• Prioritize patient safety: Your primary goal should always be to select the answer that best ensures patient safety. 
• Don’t dwell on difficult questions: If you encounter a challenging question, answer it to the best of your ability and move on. 

The Bottom Line 

The NCLEX® is a vital step for aspiring nurses on their journey to becoming licensed registered nurses. While it may be challenging, it’s an opportunity to showcase your critical thinking skills. The exam encourages you to apply your nursing knowledge to real-life scenarios, empowering you to make decisions under pressure. Additionally, the adaptive testing format ensures that as you progress, you are continually challenged, pushing you to new heights. Embrace this journey and remember that each question brings you closer to your goal! 

Start your exam preparation journey with Slone NCLEX.