NCLEX Tips and Tricks

One of the biggest milestones on the way to becoming a nurse is the NCLEX exam. It’s also the cause of a lot of stress and nerves. However, in order to avoid feeling lost in the anxiety or feeling overwhelmed by preparation, there are a few simple tips and tricks nursing students can implement to avoid burning out while preparing for the licensure exam.

Use NCLEX exam study aids

Many profess recommend review classes and study calendar. Likewise, many schools offer official NCLEX prep materials, from simulated NCLEX exams to hosting study groups for students. Much like preparing for the standardized testing you may have done in high school, practicing for the areas in which you scored the lowest is often one of the most effective ways to study. Additionally, Kaplan and Saunders have well-known official resources.

Schedule study time

Juggling the last year or so of nursing school and simultaneously preparing for board exams is no small feat. It’s easy to lose track of what needs to take priority, or feel overwhelmed by the exams and classwork alone. Mapping out study time specific to the NCLEX ahead of time, and regularly, is one of the most effective ways to tackle preparation. If you’re able, make sure you’re using this study time in an optimal environment, whether that’s at the library, your desk, or a quiet room.

Practice stress management techniques

As exam day comes closer, it’s easy to get caught up in the physical manifestations of anxiety. We’ve all felt it: our heart starts racing, our stomach ties up in knots and we get nauseous, or we feel like we can’t breathe. Stress management helps to get the physiological reaction to test day under control and is also helpful for clearing your head on the big day. Simple breathing techniques, stretching before and after studying, and eating as nutritiously as possible all help the brain and the body feel well prepared and as at ease as possible.

The truth is, no matter what, taking the NCLEX is nerve wracking, and that’s normal. Maybe the biggest key is to trust your knowledge, your training, your nurse’s intuition. Like we always say, nursing is a calling. You were meant to be here.