How to Best Prepare for the NCLEX-RN

To become a licensed registered nurse, each state and the District of Columbia and U.S. territories require nursing students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. Although there's no magic formula that would allow you to pick the right answer to pass the examination, you can prepare in a way that helps you pass the NCLEX-RN. For example, don't cram for the NCLEX-RN. Piling on facts about patient care in addition to all the other information you learn may cause you to become too focused on remembering instead of answering the question correctly.

Things You'll Need

  • One or two NCLEX-RN review books (I recommend SAUNDERS)
  • A computer if you want to take computerized practice tests (recommended)
  • About 4-6 weeks of preparation time after you graduate.
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish a study plan. Pick the best time and place to study each day -- without interruption. You want an area with a desk or table, good lighting and chair. Mimic the same area you'll take the test.

    • 2

      Divide the examination into categories. Instead of studying all the NCLEX-RN categories every time you study, divide them into the four categories on the test so you don't become frustrated. For example, on Monday, study Physiological Integrity; Tuesday, focus on Safe, Effective Care Environment; and so on.

    • 3

      Take practice tests. Completing practice tests serves many purposes like showing you which categories you're deficient and helps you get the feel of taking the NCLEX-RN test. You can obtain the practice test by buying NCLEX-RN study guides or practice test disks and attending NCLEX-RN study courses.

    • 4

      Control anxiety before the NCLEX-RN. Try visualization, positive self-talk and deep breathing to control the anxiety you may feel before the test.

    • 5

      Place required information in your wallet or purse. To avoid leaving needed information to take the examination like two forms of identification and the authorization to test form, pack everything a couple days prior. It eliminates the possibility of arriving to the testing site and being unable to take the NCLEX-RN.

    • 6

      Eliminate obvious wrong answers. The NCLEX-RN consists of possible answers such as scenario, correct option, stem and three distractors. Since all the answers seem plausible, eliminate the obvious wrong answer then continue to narrow the choices down.

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