NCLEX Strategies

NCLEX – RN TEST PLAN – Step 1

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Step One: Familiarizing the NCLEX-RN Test Plan

As a newly-licensed, entry-level registered nurse, you will need to practice nursing care safely and effectively. In order for you to perform safe and effective nursing care, you need to meet the competencies expected of you and this can be measured through the NCLEX-RN or the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. How then will you be able to obtain this license to practice? You will need to pass the NCLEX-RN.  For you to ensure that you will pass NCLEX-RN, you need adequate preparation.

You have got to take at least one step to get to where you want to go. This one small step marks your initial preparation: familiarizing the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. The NCLEX-RN Test Plan serves as a guide for your preparation. It summarizes the content and scope of the examination. It will also tell you what cognitive abilities in you will be tested and explains the components that are organized into four major Client Needs categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. The NCLEX-RN Test Plan also describes the integrated processes such as the nursing process, caring, communication, documentation, teaching/learning, culture, and spirituality.

 

What are the Cognitive Abilities being measured?

Nursing as a practice discipline requires application of your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Majority of the test items in the NCLEX-RN measure your higher levels of cognitive ability as a nurse. The levels of cognitive ability that will be measured are: knowledge, comprehension, application, and analysis. Since nursing practice requires critical thinking skills when making decisions, most of the NCLEX questions are application and analysis type of questions.

 

Here are two sample NCLEX questions taken from Silvestri (2005) that measure the application and analysis levels of cognitive ability:

Sample Question 1

Level of Cognitive Ability: Application

A client is experiencing a hypoglycemic reaction. The nurse should administer which of the following items to best treat the reaction?

  1. Water
  2. Diet soda
  3. Milk
  4. One sugar-free cookie

 

Answer: 3

When answering an application type of NCLEX question, the question usually asks for a nursing action, or intervention, a decision, or a problem that needs a solution. In the question above, you are asked to select the best treatment for hypoglycemia. You will be able to answer this correctly when you recall that a client with hypoglycemic reaction needs to take in drinks that contains 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrate.

 

Sample Question 2

Level of Cognitive Ability: Analysis

The nurse administers 10 units of Regular Insulin at 7:00 AM to a client with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. The nurse monitors the client most closely for a hypoglycemic reaction during which time frame?

  1. 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  2. 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  3. 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  4. 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

 

Answer: 1

When answering correctly an analysis type of question, you need to integrate several concepts covered in the question. In the question above, recall that Regular insulin is a short-acting insulin that peaks in 2 to 3 hours. Recall also that hypoglycemic reactions most likely occur during peak time of drug action. Thus, the peak time of the short-acting insulin is most likely the time for a hypoglycemic reaction to occur.

 

There are also knowledge and comprehension type of questions in the NCLEX-RN, but majority of the questions are application and analysis types. You need to practice answering sample questions so that you will get used to the strategy or the techniques of answering these application and analysis types of questions.

 

What composes the Client Needs categories?

 

The Test Plan Framework of the NCLEX-RN is based on Client Needs. The Client Needs categories and subcategories identified by the (NCSBN) include:

 

  1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
  2. Management of Care

Questions under this subcategory may include the following content:

  1. Advance directives
  2. Case management
  3. Client advocacy
  4. Client rights (confidentiality and informed consent)
  5. Collaboration and consultation with interdisciplinary team
  6. Continuity of care
  7. Delegation, supervision, and management concepts
  8. Establishing priorities
  9. Ethical Practice
  10. Information Technology
  11. Legal rights and responsibilities
  12. Organ donation
  13. Performance improvement (quality improvement)
  14. referrals

 

  1. Safety and Infection Control

Questions under this subcategory may include the following content:

 

  1. Accident/error/injury prevention
  2. disaster planning and emergency response
  3. ergonomic principles
  4. handling hazardous and infectious materials
  5. home safety
  6. reporting of incident/event/irregular occurrence/variance
  7. use of restraints and safety devices
  8. safe use of equipment
  9. security plan
  10. standard precaution, transmission-based precaution, and surgical asepsis

 

  1. Health Promotion and Maintenance

Questions under this Client Need category may include the following content:

  1. Disease prevention
  2. Health promotion
  3. Aging process
  4. Maternal care and newborn care
  5. Developmental stages and transitions
  6. Health screening
  7. High risk behaviors
  8. Lifestyle choices
  9. Self-care
  10. Techniques of physical assessment

 

  1. Psychosocial Integrity

Questions under this Client Need category may include the following content:

  1. Abuse or neglect
  2. Behavioral interventions
  3. Chemical and other dependencies/substance use disorder
  4. Coping mechanisms
  5. Crisis intervention
  6. Cultural awareness/cultural influences on health
  7. End-of-life care
  8. Family dynamics
  9. Grief and loss
  10. Mental health concepts
  11. Religious and spiritual influences on health
  12. Sensory/perceptual alterations
  13. Stress management
  14. Support systems
  15. Therapeutic communication
  16. Therapeutic environment

 

  1. Physiological Integrity
  2. Basic Care and Comfort

Questions under this subcategory may include the following content:

  1. Assistive devices
  2. Elimination
  3. Personal Hygiene
  4. Mobility and immobility
  5. Nonpharmacological comfort interventions
  6. Nutrition and oral hydration
  7. Rest and sleep

 

  1. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Questions under this subcategory may include the following content:

  1. Blood and blood products
  2. Central venous access devices
  3. Dosage calculation
  4. Expected actions and outcomes
  5. Intravenous therapy and parenteral fluids
  6. Medication administration
  7. Pharmacological agents, actions, contraindications, interactions, side effects, and adverse effects
  8. Pharmacological pain management
  9. Total parenteral nutrition

 

  1. Reduction of Risk Potential

Questions under this subcategory may include the following content:

  1. Diagnostic tests and laboratory values
  2. Potential for alterations in body systems
  3. Potential for complications of diagnostic tests, treatments and procedures
  4. System specific assessments
  5. Therapeutic procedures
  6. Changes or abnormalities in Vital signs
  7. Potential for complications from surgical procedures and health alterations

 

  1. Physiological Adaptation

Questions under this subcategory may include the following content:

  1. Alterations in body systems
  2. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
  3. Hemodynamics and illness management
  4. Medical emergencies
  5. Pathophysiology
  6. Unexpected responses to therapy

 

The Table below shows the Client Needs categories, subcategories, and the percentage of test questions.

 

Client Needs categories, subcategories, & percentage (%) of Questions
Categories/Subcategories Questions (%)
Safe, Effective Care Environment

Management of Care

Safety and Infection Control

  

17% – 23%

9% – 15%
Health Promotion and Maintenance 6% – 12%
Psychosocial Integrity 6% – 12%
Physiological Integrity

     Basic Care and Comfort

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Reduction of Risk Potential

Physiological Adaptation

  

6% – 12%

12% – 18%

13% – 19%

11% – 17%

 

What are the Integrated Processes?

 

Fundamental to the practice of nursing are four processes identified by NCSBN as: Caring, Communication and Documentation, Nursing Process, and Teaching/Learning. These integrated processes are a component of the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. They are integrated throughout the four Client Needs categories: Safe Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiologic Integrity.

 

  1. Nursing Process
  2. Caring
  3. Communication and Documentation
  4. Teaching/Learning
  5. Culture and Spirituality

 

References:

NCSBN. (2016). NCLEX-RN Examination: Test Plan for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Retrieved from ncsbn.org: https://www.ncsbn.org/RN_Test_Plan_2016_Final.pdf

Silvestri, L. A. (2005). Strategies for Success for the NCLEX-RN Examination. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA: W.B. Saunders Company.

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How to prepare SMART for NCLEX – RN Exam?

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How to Equip yourself for NCLEX-RN Examination

The most common reasons for delaying or not taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) include: lack of confidence in one’s ability to pass the examination, test anxiety, no adequate time to prepare for the examination, and expiration of registration or authority-to-test (ATT) letter. In the study conducted by Woo, Wendt, and Liu (2009), among 28 US-educated RN candidates, 25% expressed that they were not confident in their ability to pass the examination while among 243 internationally-educated RN candidates, 18% expressed that they did not have enough time to prepare for the NCLEX-RN examination.

Perhaps you feel the same right now. You want to delay taking the NCLEX-RN examination because you feel that you lack preparation. If this is the main reason, then you might just find this article very helpful.

  1. Obtain review materials for NCLEX-RN examination.

A study investigating the relationship between NCLEX-RN passing rate and lag time in taking NCLEX showed that NCLEX-RN candidates do delay taking the examination because of lack of preparation. The very first thing you need to do to equip yourself is to get the materials that will assist you in the preparation process. This can be in the form of books, journal articles, NCLEX-related blog posts (from credible sources), electronic resources, practice questions study guides, etc.

 

  1. Choose a mentor you can trust.

A mentor walks with you all the way from the very beginning until the time you finally receive your US-RN license. Your mentor can help you overcome your test anxiety and lack of confidence through constant and consistent encouragement and practice. Your mentor however, must remind you that delaying in taking the NCLEX-RN examination does not cause you to fail the examination.

 

  1. Improve your weakness, and develop your strengths.

According to the study of McGahee, Gramling, and Reid (2010), nursing schools give priority to the success of first-time NCLEX-RNs and that they recommend nursing schools to look for trends in student success and failure and help RN candidates to pass NCLEX-RN examination by adequately preparing them. In their literature review, they identified the most significant predictor of NCLEX-RN failure: lower grades in nursing theory courses. Additionally, NCLEX-RN success was related to higher grades in other major nursing courses or subjects and high grades in pathophysiology!

So, go back to your Transcript of Records. Which nursing courses or subjects were you weak? Which were your strengths? Grades may be predictors of failure or success in NCLEX-RN examination but that does not mean you cannot do anything about them. How then will you improve on areas where you are weak? Practice answering questions related to the subject area. That’s it. For those concepts where you are strong, do not neglect them altogether. Practice answering questions related to those strengths still but spend more time answering questions on those concepts that you are weak.

 

  1. Empower yourself through self-assessment and individualized plan of interventions.

According to Stark, Feikema, and Wyngarden (2002), this strategy of self-empowerment can lead you to lifelong achievement of your goals. This strategy can help you build your self-confidence that will help you prepare for your NCLEX-RN examination. The plan that you will make for yourself based on your own needs will give you confidence that success can be objectively attained. The following guidelines is adapted from the study of Stark, Feikema, and Wyngarden (2002):

Guide to Self-assessment
For each of the four areas, answer the following questions:

 

What are your strengths in this area? What needs further development in this area?

I.                    Content areas: Consider your work in nursing courses, assessment test results, work & life experiences.

II.                  Test-taking skills: Consider your previous experiences reading and understanding multiple choice questions and previous experience with computerized testing.

III.                Managing anxiety: Consider your responses at other stressful occasions. Have you ever had difficulty thinking clearly or panicked while taking a test?

IV.                Preparation for day of testing: Consider your schedule in the days before testing.

Consider family and work responsibilities, available support systems. Consider whether you have sufficient information about the testing process.

 

A Guide to Possible Interventions
I.                    Improving in content areas:

a.       Target specific areas of content: What content?

b.      How do you study best?

Study groups, independent study, tutoring, sit in on classes, computer    programs Select a review course or book.

Prepare a schedule: When and where will you study?

II.                  Improving test-taking skills:

a.       Learn strategies for taking multiple choice questions— Academic Student Services counseling or classes, NCLEX-RN® review courses and books, Web sites

b.      Develop strategies for taking computerized tests Practice taking NCLEX-RN®-style computer testing programs

III.                Managing test anxiety:

a.       Reduce stresses related to testing Prepare in advance—follow your plan and do not cram.

b.      Gain relaxation/coping skills

Select and practice mind/body techniques that are effective for you (eg, relaxation, meditation, visualization, deep breathing)

c.       Have a quiet spirit Nourish your own spirit, spiritual care for self (eg, prayer, scripture reading), accept spiritual care from others.

d.      Think positive! Surround yourself with positive people, practice positive self-talk.

IV.                Preparing for the day of testing:

a.       Practice self-care prior to testing.

Include adequate sleep, proper nutrition and hydration.

Locate testing site, know the rules for testing

Know what supplies will be required for testing

b.      Have balance in your life prior to testing

Study vs. work vs. recreation; Solitude vs. social support

c.       Clear your mind

Reduce demands on your attention, spend time in a natural environment daily.

 

Remember, delaying the time you will take the NCLEX-RN examination will only prolong your agony of wondering, waiting, and asking “what if” and thinking, “if only.” Delay in taking the NCLEX-RN examination does not imply failure, but it is better to just get it over with and jumpstart your career as US-RN with adequate preparation. You need to equip yourself for the examination. No one else can equip you holistically. Not even your mentor. Your mentor is there only to provide you with encouragement and boost your motivation. Every energy and enthusiasm must come from within you.

Start now. Gather review materials for the NCLEX-RN examination, choose a mentor you can trust, improve your weaknesses and develop your strengths, and empower yourself through self-assessment and implement your individualized plan of interventions for NCLEX-RN success!

References

Ada Woo, A. W. (2009). NCLEX Pass Rates: An Investigation Into the Effect of Lag Time and Retake Attempts. JONA’S Healthcare Law, Ethics, and Regulation, 23-26.

Mary Ann Stark, B. F. (2002). Empowering Students for NCLEX Success. NURSE EDUCATOR, 103-105.

Thayer W. McGahee, L. G. (2010). NCLEX-RN® Success: Are There Predictors. Southern Online Journal of Nursing Research.

 

How to Eliminate Severe NCLEX-RN Test-Taking Anxiety

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“How to Eliminate Severe NCLEX-RN Test-Taking Anxiety”

 

Test-taking anxiety occurs with fear of the unknown…unknown result of the examination. To do well on any exam, active anxiety control is needed. Mild anxiety is somewhat helpful because it can be a motivator that can push the candidate to take a test seriously and prepare adequately for it. Severe anxiety however can lead to negative consequences that can affect the test score. Here are some helpful tips on how to reduce if not, eliminate severe test-taking anxiety associated with NCLEX-RN examination.

  1. FOCUS

Focus on your goal. Your goal is to become an RN…an NCLEX-RN passer. Focus on that.

  1. POSITIVITY

A positive attitude matters a lot. When thoughts like “What if I fail?” gets into your head, think of positive thoughts to interrupt the negative thoughts. When you start to question your ability to pass the NCLEX-RN examination, think about how you prepared for the examination. If you have reviewed and prepared adequately, then it is time to get it over with. Look forward to finally taking the examination and just get it done. Imagine yourself as an NCLEX passer and the things you want to do after the examination. Remember that worrying will not help you reduce your anxiety. So, when you begin to worry, start thinking positive and happy thoughts.

  1. RELAX

Before and during the examination, use guided imagery, meditation, and guided visualization as relaxation techniques to help decrease your feelings of anxiety. Play a soothing music days before you take the exam to help you feel calm. On the day of the examination, do deep breathing exercises and a five-minute meditation. This will help calm your nerves and allow for a better blood circulation.

  1. STRESS MANAGEMENT

Manage your stressors and your stress responses. Use stress management strategies when preparing for your NLCEX-RN examination. This will give you a sense of control over your test-anxiety. How do you do this? First, avoid unnecessary stress by learning to say “no.” Do not take more than you can handle. Second, limit the time you spend with people who are your stressors. Third, alter your environment to make it less stressful. Fourth, avoid conversations that make your blood boil. Fifth, list down your things to do and prioritize those that are necessary. Those that can wait or may be eliminated, don’t burden yourself trying to do them.

  1. EAT HEALTHY

A well-nourished body can better cope with stressful situations. Eat your breakfast and choose nutritious meals that keep you energetic, not lethargic. Avoid too much caffeine in your diet and too much alcoholic beverages. Avoid foods that can trigger your allergic reactions or can upset your stomach. Avoid spicy foods and acidic foods.

  1. SLEEP WELL

Adequate sleep allows for rejuvenation of body cells that keep you going throughout the day. Sleep also fuels the mind to think clearly and critically. When you are able to manage your anxiety with relaxation techniques, you will be able to sleep well. Avoid stimulating your mind through gadgets and television when you try to go to sleep. If you need to dim the lights in order to fall asleep, then do it. If you need music to help you doze off to sleep, then listen to music. Whatever routine you need to do in order to fall asleep, do it.

  1. HEALTHY DIVERSION

Diversional activities such as chatting with a very close friend, watching a favorite movie, writing a blog post, watching a favorite TV show, reading a book, going for a walk, jogging or running, working out, writing a journal, playing with a pet, gardening, cooking or baking, getting a whole body massage, getting a hair rebond, a manicure or a pedicure, going for a bike ride, and many more can help you take your mind off worrying over your NCLEX-RN examination. Think of anything that can divert your from your exam.

  1. REVIEW

An essential part of your test preparation is adequate review of the lessons you found hard in college. Reviewing some important topics you need to strengthen yourself with, can help alleviate your anxiety. Knowing the test framework and reviewing the techniques for answering NCLEX type of questions will help you build your self-confidence.

  1. PRACTICE

Practice answering NCLEX test questions on a computer. Time yourself if you need to. Score your results. Know the rationales in every test item and review the areas or topics where you are weak.

  1. OCULAR SURVEY

Visit your test site the day before you take your NCLEX-RN examination. Be familiar with the route from where you are staying to the testing center and how to get back to your accommodation. Not knowing where exactly to go on the day of the examination will only add up to your anxiety.

When your stress response is elevated beyond a certain level due to anxiety, your brain can lose the ability to think clearly and your memory function may be affected. This is not good for your NCLEX-RN examination. You have got to manage your stress response by alleviating your anxiety using the tips mentioned above. Remember to focus, think positive, relax, manage your stress response, eat healthy, sleep well, divert your worried mind, review and practice answering questions, and take a tour at your testing site. Learn to savor this experience and understand that whatever happens, everything you are going through has some life lessons for you and for other people. Keep the FAITH. Your NCLEX-RN license is within reach.

 

Bibliography

McDowell, B. M. (2008). KATTS: A Framework for Maximizing NCLEX-RN Performance. Educational Innovations, 183-186.

Oregon State University. (2011). Stress Management Strategies. Retrieved from oregonstate.edu: http://success.oregonstate.edu/sites/success.oregonstate.edu/files/LearningCorner/Tools/stress_management_strategies.pdf

 

NCLEX Question of the Week #6

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6. What is the nurse doing in the picture below?

NURSE PIC

A. Testing the neurological triceps reflex

B. Performing a nutritional assessment

C. Performing a musculoskeletal assessment

D. Testing the neurological biceps reflex

NCLEX Question of the Week #5

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5. You are caring for a client who is 5 foot 6 inches tall and has a BMI of 28. This client is now on a regular diet. You would most likely recommend:

A. Continuing their diet as it is

B. A weight reduction diet and exercise.

C. A high caloric diet to gain weight

D. Nothing at all, this client is normal.

Top 5 smart strategies for Passing NCLEX

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Sometimes, it is not all about how high your academic ratings were in college and how much you have retained in nursing classes when you take board examinations. Mostly, it is about the strategies when taking a big exam that will define the course of your career. All it takes is a lot of practice with the many test strategies out there. This article highlights five smart strategies ( referred to as “STAPE”) when taking the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). NCLEX is a board examination for nurses who need to be licensed to practice nursing in the United States and Canada since 1994 and 2015, respectively. Here are 5 strategies you can use to jump-start your career in nursing practice either in Canada or the US

1.S- Start on something now.

“The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one” – Mark Twain

This strategy is most applicable when preparing to take the NCLEX-RN. There will come a time when you begin to feel so overwhelmed that you do not know anymore where to begin and what to focus on. Start by getting familiar with the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Not knowing what you are getting yourself into, adds to your anxiety which can only add up to your feeling of being overwhelmed. It helps a lot to know the format and general content of the NCLEX because this will help you come up with better strategies when taking the test and can help alleviate your anxiety.

Start by understanding the Test Plan Structure. The NCLEX-RN Test Plan is organized into four major Client Needs Categories: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity. The Safe and Effective Care Environment category is divided into 2 subcategories: Management of Care, and Safety and Infection Control. The Physiological Integrity category is divided into 4 subcategories: Basic Care and Comfort, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies, Reduction of Risk Potential, and Physiological Adaptation. More elaboration of this Test Plan Structure is found in this blog article, “Step One: Familiarizing the NCLEX-RN Test Plan.”

2. T – remember Textbook, not real world.

When taking the NCLEX, read and understand the situation and the question as best as you can. When choosing from the options, choose the most ideal option that appropriately answers the question. Eliminate the options that seem realistic but not ideal. Most of the time, all the options are correct but only one will best answer the question. Remember to choose the universal standards; the most patient-centered approach; the nursing care measures over the medical measures; and the most therapeutic communication or approach.

3. A- Avoid “Absolutes”.

When looking for the best answer, examine the options’ statements. When you find absolute words such as always, all, never, everything, everyone, none, only, must, every time, and every, take this as a clue that the option may be a distractor. Distractors are usually incorrect options.

Example:

A nurse is providing discharge instruction to the mother of a 3-year-old child with hemophilia and tells the mother to do which of the following to promote a safe environment for the child at home?

  1. Remove toys with sharp edges from the child’s toy box.
  2. Allow the child to play with toys only if a parent is present.
  3. Place a helmet and elbow pads on the child every day.
  4. Allow the child to play indoors only.

Answer: A

Test-Taking Strategy: Avoid options that has absolute words. Options B and D contain the absolute word, ONLY. Option C contains the absolute word, EVERY. This leaves you with option A. Remember that absolute words usually tend to make an option incorrect. Avoid absolutes

 

4. P – Prioritize the top task.

Prioritize what is asked for in the situation. When the question contains the keywords initial, first, priority, or best, it is usually assessing your prioritizing skills. How good are you at prioritizing nursing actions? How good are you at prioritizing patient’s needs? The options you will be considering are usually all correct but there should only be one nursing action that must be done first or there should be only one top priority. How then do you prioritize?

You can use the ABCs technique, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, or the nursing process.

ABC – means Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Identify what the question is asking for. Next, examine the options. Is there an option that talks about a patient with an airway problem? Is there an option that contains an intervention that is associated with providing airway management? If yes, then this is considered top priority.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs– Does the situation or case scenario describe a patient or patients with multiple problems to be addressed? If this is the case, then the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs where the physiologic needs such as air, water, food, diet, nutrition, sleep, pain management are prioritized more than safety and security needs. Safety and security needs are also prioritized more than psychosocial needs of the patient or patients.

Nursing Process– This refers to assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation as steps in the nursing process that can be used as prioritization technique. Read carefully the question. What is being asked? Is there a need to assess first or was assessment already done and now you need to choose the next action and the best option after assessment? Follow the sequence when prioritizing. Planning should be done after assessment and before performing the intervention. You can also ask yourself if there is a need for you to collect more assessment data on the patient before performing an intervention or even calling the physician.

5. E- Eliminate the “inappropriates.”

Use the “Elimination” technique. Options that are obviously incorrect and do not address the situation or the question should be eliminated. This process most often will narrow down your choices to two out of the four options. When you are left with two options, you need to read the question again and the remaining two options.  Remember, time is running and you do not need to spend too much time deciding which one is the best option.  Follow these simple steps when you try to decide which one between the two remaining options you should choose as the appropriate answer.

  1. Focus on the case event.
  2. Identify the question query.
  3. Look for strategic or key words.
  4. Ask yourself, “What is the question asking?”
  5. Read the two remaining options again.
  6. Use your nursing knowledge, prioritization techniques, avoid absolutes or choose the most “textbook” or ideal and most therapeutic, patient-centered, most compassionate and humanistic answer.
  7. Finally decide & stick to that answer.

This elimination technique requires practice and you will only master this when you answer hundreds of NCLEX questions.

If you want to pass NCLEX-RN, you have got to master the test taking strategies. There are so many strategies out there but these top 5 strategies are easier to recall and apply. Remember STAPE: start on something now, “textbook, not real world,” avoid absolutes, prioritize the top priority, and eliminate inappropriate options.

 

Resources/ References:

NCLEX Test Taking Strategy. (2008). Retrieved from testtakingstrategies-nclex.blogspot.com: http://testtakingstrategies-nclex.blogspot.com/2008/12/eliminate-options-that-contain-absolute.html

NCSBN. (2016). NCLEX-RN Examination: Test Plan for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Retrieved from ncsbn.org: https://www.ncsbn.org/RN_Test_Plan_2016_Final.pdf

Nurse Journal. (2016). How to Master NCLEX-Style Test Questions. Retrieved from nursejournal.org: http://nursejournal.org/community/master-nclex-style-test-questions/

Test-Taking Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved from stkate.edu: https://www.stkate.edu/pdfs/test-taking-strategies.pdf

Test-Taking Tips for NCLEX. (n.d.). Retrieved from jdcc.edu: http://www.jdcc.edu/includes/download.php?action=2854&download_file_id=4176&action=2854&table_num=

The University of Arizona College of Nursing. (n.d.). Test Taking Strategies Workshop. Retrieved from nursing.arizona.edu: https://www.nursing.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/test_taking_strategies.ppt

Ultimate Guide: 60 NCLEX Strategies to Use in Answering Questions. (2015). Retrieved from brilliantnurse.com: https://brilliantnurse.com/nclex-strategies/