Top Tips for Passing the NCLEX on Your First Attempt

Congratulations on making it through nursing school! Now you’re facing your final challenge: the NCLEX. This big exam might seem scary, but with the right preparation, you can pass it on your first try.

Let’s go through some of the best ways to get ready for this important test.

Understanding the NCLEX

Before we jump into study tips, let’s talk about what the NCLEX actually is.

What is the NCLEX?

NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination. It’s a test that all nursing graduates in the United States and Canada must pass to become licensed nurses. There are two types:

1. NCLEX-RN for registered nurses
2. NCLEX-PN for practical nurses

The test checks if you have the knowledge and skills needed to be a safe and effective nurse.

How does the NCLEX work?

The NCLEX uses a special system called computerized adaptive testing (CAT). This means the computer chooses your next question based on how you answered the previous ones. If you answer a question correctly, the next one will be harder. If you get one wrong, the next will be easier.

The test can have anywhere from 75 to 145 questions for RNs, or 85 to 205 for PNs. The exam stops when the computer is 95% sure whether you’re above or below the passing standard.

Now that we know what we’re dealing with, let’s look at how to prepare.

Create a Study Plan

Having a good study plan is like having a map for a long journey. It helps you know where you’re going and how to get there.

Start Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying. Begin preparing at least 2-3 months before your test date. This gives you plenty of time to review everything without feeling rushed.

Set a Schedule

Make a study schedule that works for you. Some people like to study a little bit every day, while others prefer longer sessions a few times a week. Figure out what fits your life and stick to it.

Example schedule:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2-hour study sessions after work
• Tuesday, Thursday: 1-hour review of weak areas
• Saturday: 3-hour practice test
• Sunday: Rest day

Know Your Learning Style

Everyone learns differently. Some people learn best by reading, others by listening, and some by doing. Try different methods to see what works best for you:

• Visual learners: Use diagrams, charts, and color-coding
• Auditory learners: Listen to lectures or record yourself reading notes
• Kinesthetic learners: Use hands-on activities or walk around while studying

Break It Down

Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Break your study material into smaller, manageable chunks. This makes studying feel less overwhelming and helps you remember information better.

Master the Content

Now let’s talk about what to study and how to study it effectively.

Review Core Nursing Concepts

The NCLEX covers a wide range of nursing topics. Make sure you have a good grasp of these key areas:

1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity

Under each of these, review specific topics like:

• Patient safety
• Infection control
• Basic care and comfort
• Pharmacological therapies
• Reduction of risk potential

Use Your Nursing School Materials

Don’t throw away your nursing school notes and textbooks! These are valuable resources for NCLEX preparation. Review your class notes, assignments, and exams. They cover many of the topics you’ll see on the NCLEX.

Invest in Good Study Resources

While your school materials are great, it’s also helpful to use resources specifically designed for NCLEX prep. Some popular options include:

• NCLEX review books
• Online practice question banks
• Mobile apps with practice questions
• Review courses (online or in-person)

Choose resources that fit your learning style and budget.

Focus on Weak Areas

As you study, keep track of topics that give you trouble. Spend extra time on these areas. It’s tempting to stick with what you know, but improving your weak spots will boost your overall performance.

Practice, Practice, Practice

You’ve heard the saying “practice makes perfect.” Well, for the NCLEX, practice makes prepared!

Do Lots of Practice Questions

Doing practice questions is one of the best ways to prepare for the NCLEX. It helps you:

• Get used to the question format
• Learn to manage your time
• Identify areas where you need more study

Aim to do at least 50-100 practice questions every day.

Use NCLEX-Style Questions

Make sure you’re using questions that are similar to what you’ll see on the real NCLEX. These often require you to think critically and apply your knowledge, not just memorize facts.

Example: Instead of: “What is the normal range for blood glucose?” You might see: “A patient with type 2 diabetes has a blood glucose of 250 mg/dL. What should the nurse do first?”

Take Full-Length Practice Tests

While daily practice questions are great, also make time for full-length practice tests. These help you build the stamina you’ll need for the real exam and give you a better idea of how you’ll perform on test day.

Review Your Answers

After each practice session or test, review all your answers – even the ones you got right. Understanding why an answer is correct or incorrect is just as important as getting it right.

Develop Test-Taking Strategies

Knowing the content is crucial, but so is knowing how to tackle the test itself.

Read Questions Carefully

NCLEX questions can be tricky. Read each question and all answer options carefully before choosing your answer. Look for keywords that might change the meaning of the question.

Example: “Which of the following is NOT a symptom of hypothyroidism?” The “NOT” is crucial here – missing it could lead you to choose the wrong answer.

Use the Process of Elimination

If you’re not sure of the answer, try eliminating options you know are wrong. This increases your chances of choosing the correct answer from those remaining.

Look for Patterns

Sometimes the question itself gives clues to the answer. For example, if a question asks about a patient’s “primary” concern, look for the answer that addresses safety or physiological needs first.

Don’t Second-Guess Yourself

Once you’ve chosen an answer, resist the urge to change it unless you’re absolutely sure it’s wrong. Your first instinct is often correct.

Manage Your Time Wisely

Remember, the NCLEX is timed. Don’t spend too long on any one question. If you’re stuck, make your best guess and move on. You can always flag it for review if you have time at the end.

Take Care of Yourself

Studying is important, but so is taking care of your physical and mental health.

Get Enough Sleep

A well-rested brain works better than a tired one. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, especially in the week leading up to your exam.

Eat Well

Fuel your brain with healthy foods. Include lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Avoid too much caffeine or sugar, which can lead to energy crashes.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve your mood and focus. Even a 30-minute walk each day can make a difference.

Practice Stress-Relief Techniques

Find ways to manage stress that work for you. This might include:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Yoga
• Listening to calming music
• Talking with friends or family

Take Breaks

Don’t study 24/7. Regular breaks help prevent burnout and actually improve your ability to learn and remember information.

Example break schedule:

• Study for 50 minutes
• Take a 10-minute break
• Repeat

Prepare for Test Day

As your test date approaches, there are a few more things you can do to set yourself up for success.

Know the Test Location

If you’re taking the test at a testing center, visit it before your exam day if possible. This helps you:

• Know exactly where it is
• Figure out how long it takes to get there
• Reduce anxiety about finding the place on test day

Gather What You Need

The day before the test, gather everything you’ll need:

• Your ID
• Registration confirmation
• Directions to the test center
• A light sweater or jacket (test rooms can be cold)

Have a Good Night Before

The night before your test:

• Review your notes one last time if you feel it will help you feel prepared
• Set out your clothes for the next day
• Pack your bag with everything you need
• Go to bed early to ensure you get enough sleep

Start Your Day Right

On test day:

• Wake up with plenty of time to spare
• Eat a good breakfast
• Do some light exercise or stretching to wake up your body and mind
• Use positive self-talk to boost your confidence

Remember, you’ve prepared for this. You know the material. You can do it!

During the Test

You’ve made it to test day. Here’s how to handle the exam itself.

Stay Calm

It’s normal to feel nervous, but try to stay calm. Take deep breaths if you start to feel anxious.

Read Carefully

We said it before, but it’s worth repeating: read each question carefully. Make sure you understand what it’s asking before you answer.

Use Your Time Wisely

Pace yourself. Don’t rush, but don’t spend too much time on any one question. Remember, the test will stop when the computer is sure of your ability level.

Trust Your Knowledge

You’ve studied hard. Trust in your preparation and your nursing knowledge.

Stay Positive

Even if you hit a tough question, stay positive. One difficult question doesn’t determine your whole test result.

After the Test

Congratulations! You’ve finished the NCLEX. Now what?

Relax

You’ve done your best. Now it’s time to relax and wait for your results.

Don’t Overthink

Try not to spend too much time thinking about specific questions or answers. It’s over now, and worrying won’t change anything.

Treat Yourself

Do something nice for yourself. You’ve worked hard and you deserve it!

Plan Your Next Steps

While you wait for results, start thinking about your next steps. Update your resume, look into job opportunities, or consider additional certifications you might want to pursue.

Remember, many nurses pass the NCLEX on their first try. With good preparation and the right mindset, you can be one of them!

Related Articles

How to Pass the NCLEX-RN: 7 Key Tips

Mastering the NCLEX the First Time: Strategy and Tips

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: How long should I study for the NCLEX? A: Most experts recommend studying for 2-3 months before your test date. However, this can vary depending on your personal situation and how recently you graduated.
2. Q: How many hours a day should I study? A: Aim for 3-4 hours of focused study time each day. Quality is more important than quantity, so make sure you’re studying effectively, not just for long hours.
3. Q: What’s the passing score for the NCLEX? A: The NCLEX doesn’t have a traditional passing score. Instead, it uses a pass/fail system based on your ability to consistently answer questions at or above a certain difficulty level.
4. Q: Can I use a calculator on the NCLEX? A: Yes, the testing software provides an on-screen calculator for questions that require calculations.
5. Q: How soon can I retake the NCLEX if I don’t pass? A: You can retake the NCLEX after 45 days. However, it’s best to use this time to study and improve your weak areas before retesting.
6. Q: Are there tricks to answering NCLEX questions? A: While there are test-taking strategies that can help, there’s no magic trick to passing the NCLEX. The best approach is thorough preparation and understanding of nursing concepts.
7. Q: Is the NCLEX all multiple-choice questions? A: No, the NCLEX includes various question types, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, ordered response, and hot spot questions.
8. Q: How long does it take to get NCLEX results? A: Official results are usually available within 6 weeks, but many states offer quick results within 48 hours for an additional fee.
9. Q: Can I bring anything into the testing room? A: No personal items are allowed in the testing room. The testing center will provide any necessary materials, like scratch paper and a pencil.
10. Q: Is the NCLEX the same for all states? A: Yes, the NCLEX is a national exam and is the same regardless of which state you’re in. However, each state has its own requirements for nursing licensure beyond passing the NCLEX.