NCLEX: Tips and Tricks
Lets just all agree that the NCLEX is one of the most terrifying things you’ll ever do. Its absolutely crazy to me that careers can ride on a single test, but here we are. I don’t have all the secrets to passing it, but I do have some pretty good pointers that helped me.
Program- I used Kaplan to study. I can’t speak to the other programs, such as UWorld, because I didn’t try them. However, I found that Kaplan prepared me well. I studied every question available within the program and thought the actual NCLEX was considerably easier than the Kaplan practice questions. I also liked that the formatting, down to the color and fonts were the same. It felt almost comforting.
Timing- I took the NCLEX 1 month after graduation. Truly I do believe the sooner, the better. I took it at the earliest test date available to me once the paperwork went through, which was about a week after I graduated. I’ll get more into the structure of my studying, but there is such a thing as too much studying and I believe anxiety worsens performance. Had I have waited, not only would that have prolonged my ability to start my career (which is what we’re all after anyway), my anxiety would’ve only increased with time and eventually made my studying sloppy and monotonous.
Study Structure- Create a rigid structure as best you can. I hadn’t started my job yet so my days were totally free. I studied every day for 3 weeks from 9-3 with a one hour lunch break and a 10 minute break at the end of every hour. I’m not kidding when I say I didn’t deviate from this in the slightest- it was almost neurotic. But the structure kept me hyper-focused and my hours were used well. Because it was a short amount of time, 3 weeks, and my hours were planned, I found it easier to stay motivated and keep the quality of my studying high. If I am lax with myself, my studying will also be lax. On the 10 minute breaks I looked at my phone and went for walks. DON’T UNDER ESTIMATE THE POWER OF WALKING. I swear by this and still use it when I’m studying for exams in grad school. Even if you just walk around your house in circles!
Preparation- I don’t necessarily believe the “don’t study the day before rule”. I didn’t go crazy, but I did review lab values and common meds. In total I probably spent an hour or so just reviewing basic stuff. Take the time to lightly review what you find difficult so that its fresh in your brain.
The test itself- Everyone’s is different so don’t psych yourself out by listening to what people tell you there’s a lot of. I was told there would be a ton of “select all that apply” and in total I had maybe 15-20 out of the 75 questions I took. I was told there was a lot of peds and OB and that also wasn’t true for me. Do NOT let anyone freak you out or tell you what it’s going to be like. There is a 100% chance their experience was different than from what yours will be.
As much as I hated the NCLEX, I really do feel confident in these study tips. As always, feel free to reach out to me with questions/comments/concerns and I’ll help in any way I can!
I hoped this helped you, good luck!!!