Don’t Listen to This NCLEX® Test Prep Advice

• It’s easy to caught up in how to approach NCLEX® test prep, but we want to remind you of what not to do as well. 
• Don’t let distractions get in the way of your study time, and don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. 
• Not using an NCLEX® test prep program like Slone NCLEX is also something to avoid. 

We talk a lot about what to do to prepare for the NCLEX®, but with every positive there is a negative. The same can be said about NCLEX® preparation — There are tactics you should avoid in your NCLEX® test prep.  

NCLEX® Test Prep Pitfalls

Here is a list of all the things you should remember (not to do!) heading into exam day: 

• Doing nothing will not help you! 

  • There’s a rumor that if you passed nursing school, you don’t need to do anything to prep for the NCLEX®. This is a lie. Sure, there are people who have been able to take the exam without preparing, but they aren’t always successful. It is not worth the risk. Make an NCLEX® test prep study plan and stick to it.  

• Slacking off = lackluster results. 

  • Once you’ve graduated from nursing school, it’s so easy to feel like you are done and can take a break. But that’s a TRAP you must avoid. After nursing school is when you should be working overtime. You have one focus and that is to pass the NCLEX®. 

• Not using a prep program is a recipe for disaster.

  • There is a LOT of talk about not needing to use an NCLEX® Test Prep program. People are often falsely confident, then take the exam and don’t pass. Set yourself up for success and use a program like Slone NCLEX® that can provide a structured, detailed, and focused NCLEX® review.  

• Being distracted = being unprepared.

  • Oof, this is a tough one. Once you’re done with nursing school, you so badly want to just take a break. But you must be disciplined and maintain focus on taking and passing the NCLEX®. You need distraction-free time to focus. So keep those library dates. Continue to utilize day care. Whatever ways you created distraction-free study time in nursing school should continue until AFTER you have taken and passed the NCLEX®. 

• Don’t cram! Don’t wait until the last minute

  • This one is so important. Last-minute studying leads to information overload and poor retention. You should begin your NCLEX® Test Prep during your final semester of nursing school and prepare every day until you sit for the exam.  
  • Take 200-400 questions per day. Make sure those questions cover a variety of topics and are presented in a variety of ways. 

• Don’t rush.

  • Rushing through practice questions leads to rushing through the actual exam, which leads to careless mistakes. Take the time to read the questions thoroughly and give yourself time to really understand the rationales and why something is right and why something is wrong. Don’t assume you know the answer without thoroughly reading the question and ALL of the answer options. 

• Don’t pinpoint your focus and lose the big picture. Diversity is key

  • The NCLEX® includes a variety of item types. Remember, in 2023 the NCLEX® underwent a major update and added a variety of new item types in addition to the traditional item types. Finding a test prep program, like Slone NCLEX, that offers a solid variety of item types and topics will set you up for success on test day. 
  • NCLEX® is administered through computer-adaptive testing, meaning it will give you more questions on areas you’re weaker in, so present a well-rounded and comprehensive approach. 

• Don’t become lost in the specialties or facility-specific practices

  • Prioritize your studying by focusing on entry-level nursing knowledge that aligns with the NCLEX® blueprint. 
  • Remember the NCLEX® tests you over perfect-world nursing with all resources available. So don’t answer questions based off what you see at your facilities. Keep your answers to the exam’s standard.  

• Neglecting your self = neglecting your success. 

  • This is easier said than done. You need to make sure you are eating, but more importantly, that the food you are eating is healthy, feeds your brain, and helps you focus. Foods such as berries, nuts, leafy greens, eggs, dark chocolate (yes, chocolate), avocados, and even coffee (before noon) are proven to help boost brain activity and improve focus. Additionally, you have to sleep! I know that can be a challenge, but it is evidenced-based in study after study that your brain needs rest, and you need to sleep! So, make sure that when you are creating a study plan, sleeping and a balanced diet are part of it.  

• Ignore your weaknesses = ignoring opportunities.

  • There is no bigger lie than the one you tell yourself. You know you are weak in some areas of nursing and that there were areas in nursing school you really struggled through. Make sure you give yourself extra time to review those areas. 
  • Taking a readiness exam like the one we have on Slone NCLEX will help you identify your knowledge gaps and provide a focused and targeted review to help you improve those areas. 

The Bottom Line 

Avoiding these things in your NCLEX® test prep will help you pass the exam with flying colors. Only you can take your NCLEX® exam, so give it the attention it deserves. You have worked too long and too hard getting to this point to not give it your all and avoid these basic sink holes. You can do this. You just need to set yourself up for success and not failure. 

Begin your NCLEX® preparation journey with Slone NCLEX today.