Pass your NCLEX-RN exam with ease. Check out our top studying tips and tricks to excel in your nursing career.

Top 5 NCLEX-RN studying tips and tricks

The NCLEX-RN exam is a rigorous exam that requires in-depth knowledge of nursing practices and concepts, as well as a solid understanding of patient care. The exam is challenging, but with the right preparation, anyone can pass it. In this article, we will discuss the top NCLEX-RN study tips and tricks that can help you ace the exam and achieve your nursing goals.

All about the NCLEX-RN exam

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, commonly known as the NCLEX-RN exam, is an important examination that nursing students in the United States must pass in order to become licensed registered nurses (RNs). The exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to provide safe and effective nursing care.

When you should start studying for the NCLEX-RN exam

Generally, it is recommended to start studying for the NCLEX-RN exam at least two to three months before the scheduled exam date. This allows ample time to review and practice the material, identify areas of weakness, and improve test-taking skills. However, it is important to keep in mind that every student's situation is unique, and some may need more or less time to prepare adequately. Ultimately, the key is to start studying early enough to avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed as the exam date approaches.

What to expect from the NCLEX-RN test: format and content

The NCLEX-RN exam is a computer-adaptive test consisting of a minimum of 75 and a maximum of 265 test questions. The exact number of questions a candidate will receive depends on their performance, as the exam is designed to determine their level of nursing education and competence in the field of nursing.

The exam covers a comprehensive review of what you learned in nursing school and covers a range of topics related to nursing, including health promotion, science in nursing, maintenance and restoration, patient care, management of care, pharmacology, and pharmacological therapies. It also assesses the candidate's critical thinking and decision-making skills, as well as their ability to apply nursing knowledge and principles in a clinical setting.

The pass rate for the NCLEX-RN exam

The pass rate for the NCLEX test, like any standardized exam, can vary depending on the year and the group of test-takers. However, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the organization responsible for developing and administering the exam, the average pass rate for first-time test-takers in the United States is around 85%. This means that the majority of nursing graduates are successful in passing the exam and obtaining their RN license. Although the exam is challenging, with hard work, test prep, and a solid NCLEX study plan, you can ensure the optimal amount of correct answers.

Top NCLEX-RN studying hacks

Preparing for the NCLEX exam can be an overwhelming experience for many nursing students. However, with the right approach and strategies, it can also be a rewarding experience. Whether you're a recent nursing graduate or an experienced nurse seeking to advance your career, passing the NCLEX-RN exam is essential, so let’s explore some of the top NCLEX tips to help you ace this important exam on the first try and succeed in your healthcare and nursing career.

Develop a study plan

Creating a study plan is essential for success on the NCLEX-RN test as it helps students organize their study sessions, set achievable goals, and track their progress. Students should break down their NCLEX review sessions into manageable chunks of time, prioritize the topics they need to study the most to avoid cramming, feeling overwhelmed, and, most importantly, stay on track. To make sure that you cover all the necessary material, you should create a study and test plan that includes a schedule for reviewing each subcategory of the exam.

Use practice questions and tests

Practice questions and tests are valuable tools for NCLEX-RN studying. Practice exams help students get familiar with the format and types of questions they will encounter on the exam as well as identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to focus on areas where they need the most improvement. Practice NCLEX questions and tests can be found in study guides, online, and in NCLEX prep courses and review courses.

Utilize text to speech technology

Utilizing text to speech technology, such as Speechify, can be a game-changer when studying for the NCLEX-RN exam. With this technology, students can listen to their study materials instead of just reading them, making it easier to absorb and retain information. By converting written material into spoken words, students can listen to study material and reinforce learned concepts through auditory learning.

Practice thinking critically

The NCLEX-RN is a computerized adaptive test, meaning that the questions are tailored to each student's knowledge level. To succeed on the NCLEX-RN, students must learn how to think critically and apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios. It's important to learn test-taking strategies, such as how to approach multiple-choice questions, how to eliminate wrong answer choices, and how to answer "select all that apply" questions. It’s also good to analyze rationales for correct and incorrect answers and use mnemonics to remember important information.

Consider a comprehensive NCLEX-RN prep course

For some students, a comprehensive NCLEX-RN prep course may be the best option for success on the exam. These courses offer study materials, practice tests, and expert guidance to help students prepare for the exam. Kaplan is a well-known provider of NCLEX-RN prep courses, but there are many other options available. Students should choose a prep course that fits their learning style and budget.

Boost your NCLEX-RN studying with Speechify

Speechify is an AI-powered study and text to speech tool that can help nursing students prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam at a record pace. Speechify converts study materials, such as notes, articles, documents, and webpages, into audio content that students can listen to on-the-go. This allows students to maximize their study time and retain more information by studying while exercising, commuting, or doing other activities.

Speechify also offers a variety of voices and playback speeds, making it easy for students to customize their listening experience. Additionally, Speechify is available on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, providing students with flexibility and convenience in their study routines. Try Speechify for free today and see how it can enhance your studying experience.

FAQ

What I should I do the night before test day?

On the night before and the day of the exam, it's important to get plenty of rest and eat a healthy meal to fuel your brain. Try to avoid cramming or studying right before the exam, as this can increase test anxiety and decrease your confidence.

How do I find my NCLEX-RN testing center?

To find your NCLEX-RN testing center, you can visit the Pearson VUE website, which is the organization that administers the NCLEX-RN exam.

When should I take the NCLEX-RN exam?

You should take the NCLEX-RN after completing your nursing degree to become a licensed registered nurse. The NCLEX-RN examination tests your knowledge and competency in nursing practice, so it is important to prepare adequately before taking the exam. The best time to take the NCLEX-RN is when you feel confident in your knowledge and skills and have completed a nursing program.

What is the difference between the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX-PN is designed for practical nurses, while the NCLEX-RN is intended for registered nurses. This means that the NCLEX-RN covers a broader range of nursing topics and requires a higher level of knowledge and critical thinking skills. Additionally, the NCLEX-RN has a higher number of questions and a longer testing time compared to the NCLEX-PN.

What does BSN stand for?

BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing.