|
|
|
|
|
NCLEX Exam Preparation
The NCLEX-RN® exam is different from tests taken in nursing school. Its purpose is to determine whether you have sufficient skill – not knowledge – to safely practice nursing. It is designed to assess your judgment and critical thinking skills in typical real-life situations.
Preparing for the Test
Preparing for a test that depends on value-based judgement is different that preparing for a knowledge-based test. You'll be expected to apply your knowledge, and there are no canned answers because each scenario will be different. To prepare, you can review general medical knowledge before the test as you would for a college final, but the most important thing you can do the day before the test is get plenty of rest, eat properly and hydrate. Your best asset is alertness.
What to Expect
The NCLEX-RN® exam consists of proposed scenarios with several possible actions to choose from. Most of the answers will be within reason. Your job is to decide which one is the most right in this situation and explain why. Some of the questions will center on assigning priority to more important procedures or more urgent need patients, and some will ask which of the following procedures will most help this patient at this time given these circumstances or symptoms.
Taking the test
A lot of people fail tests simply because they get bogged down on a question that stumps them. Frustration over not being able to answer that single question can destroy confidence and suck up your time, compromising the remainder of the test. If you find yourself stuck on a question after giving it the same consideration as the last question, move on. If you have time, you can come back to questions missed at the end of the test. You'll score better if you answer as many as you can confidently first.
Breathe. Wait, what? Many people are so stressed by the very idea of test-taking that they forget to breathe, effectively limiting oxygen to the brain. Breathe deeply and regularly and you'll have a clearer head. The best test-takers instinctively relax during a test. They sit comfortably, they don't rush, they breathe naturally, and they trust themselves. You know this stuff, so relax and trust yourself and the answers will come.
The Results
You'll get your results by mail in 2-4 weeks. If you don't pass, don't be discouraged. You'll get a diagnostic evaluation of your performance in each test category that you can use to improve your performance for the next time. You can apply again in three months – with a much clearer understanding of what's expected.
|
|
|
|
|
|
