The most important nursing board exam tip for students is to develop a plan of study and follow through with it. Some students make the mistake of over-studying or understudying. It is important to find a balance that makes the most efficient use of study time. Jobs and family obligations can make finding time to study for the nursing board exam difficult, but it is recommended that students set aside at least one hour per day for efficient study. Efficient study includes learning how questions and answers on the NCLEX are designed, the rationale the exam uses, and strategies to solving questions. Investing in NCLEX study cards and question banks is vital. Many students answer upwards of 100 questions per day from study guides. Focus on understanding the theory and principles of nursing, rather than rote memorization. Allow at least three to four weeks to prepare for the exam.
Including time to mentally prepare for the nursing board exam is another important element in overall NCLEX preparation. Devote a few minutes several times per week to visualizing a relaxing, successful nursing board examination experience. Envision the specific exam score desired, the number of questions completed, or the amount of time spent taking the exam. Be as detailed as possible in every visualization. A regular exercise routine is also beneficial for mental clarity, which is vital on test day.
If an effective plan of study and regular mental preparation have been incorporated into test preparation, test day will be less stressful. Get at least seven hours of sleep and consume a healthful breakfast that is liberal in protein and fruit before the exam. The added protein will help maintain mental clarity and stamina throughout the duration of the nursing board exam. If time allows it, go over a few practice questions before the exam. Do not cram. Concentrate on material that has already been learned, rather than trying to remember new facts. During the exam, pay special attention to the structure and stem of the questions. If an answer is unknown, use deductive reasoning to eliminate unlikely answer choices rather than guesswork.