Saunders Online NCLEX-RN Course Notes from

Saunders Online NCLEX-RN Course Notes from the Test Preparation video What are non-academic factors related to test preparation? Why are they important for us to talk about? These are the obstacles that prevent students from being successful on NCLEX. There are two types of non-academic factors. Internal blocks are one of the factors that include such things as emotional distress, fatigue, multiple role strain, low level of achievement, motivation, and general self-confidence level. An external block is the other obstacle that you must control in order to be successful on NCLEX. External blocks include such things as family demands and responsibilities, financial difficulties, work responsibilities and non-family distractions, poor health habits, as well as difficulties with academic- related skills. These blocks are burdens for students. These burdens make it difficult for students to concentrate on their studies and to adequately prepare for NCLEX. As adults, we all have busy lives. It is vital for you to be aware of your issues that can indeed become burdens. You may not be able to overcome all of them, and the ones that you can handle may not be completely controlled. The more control you have over these issues, the better chance you have at being successful on the NCLEX and getting to that goal of becoming a licensed registered nurse. Your first task is to develop your NCLEX review plan. The plan must include a schedule that is realistic for your life. It should include your daily, weekly, as well as future goals. A daily schedule allows you to plan your content area for careful study. It is so important to stick to your review plan. Having a study buddy or study group can help with keeping you on track with your commitment to your schedule. Adhere to your plan, because the routine of the schedule will get you and the people who are supportive of you in a routine and make this effort easier. With a plan you are in control. This plan must be available for you to view at any time of the day or night. It must also be available to your support people. Using internet tools can also be very helpful. Social networking sites are great vehicles to post your study schedule and your goal. You can post your progress and address the changes you may make to your schedule. It is a great place to ask for help and obtain support. The length of the study session will depend on your ability to focus as well as concentrate. The sessions will also be affected by your other obligations. Set aside at least 2 hours per day or more if possible. You do not have to complete the entire time in one sitting. You can break it up! Let’s make it clear what a study session is. A study session requires you to isolate yourself or your study group so that you can be without distractions. Select a location that has worked for you in the past. If you've always studied at the library, then plan your study sessions at the library. Don’t be afraid of having more than one special place to study. Changing locations may actually help you to recall information. Be sure the places you choose are indeed conducive to study. If you plan to study at home, make the time spent studying uninterrupted and quiet. If noise from others at home or the dirty dishes in the sink distract you, this is not the best place to study. Try to eliminate anything that may be distracting to you during your study time. Along with your study sessions you should take advantage of "waiting time." You know, that time that you spend waiting in the doctor's office or in line at the grocery store. This is a great time to practice your test taking skills by answering test questions. There are many commercially available review cards with NCLEX-style questions. They come in many forms including hard copy note cards or electronically-available questions that can be accessed on your favorite mobile device. Use these forms of study to prepare for the NCLEX during your "waiting time." Be sure to ask your family and friends to help you to be successful on the NCLEX. Let them know how important this plan of preparation is for you. Clearly tell them that this is your priority in your life right now. A difficult part of the plan may be how to deal with those family members and friends who choose not to participate in your plan for success. My best advice is for you to stay away from those people who are not supportive of your plan for success. You know who they are. They are the same people who did not support you through nursing school. If you must be around them, and if they try to get you to deviate from your plans, you are then faced with a decision. Your decision may not be an easy one, but it must be one that will help ensure that your goal of becoming a registered nurse is achieved. Remember, it is easier to avoid these people than to have to deal with them trying to derail your plans. Along with your study schedule, you need to

incorporate a plan to take care of yourself emotionally as well as physically. This is what we call positive pampering. This is a holistic approach to your well being. Proper exercise, diet, as well as positive mental stimulation are critical to achieving your goal. Just as you have developed a schedule for study, you should have a schedule that includes some fun and also some forms of physical activity. Choose a physical activity that you like to do. Do it with someone that you like being around. It is your choice: choose bike riding, running, walking, weight lifting, or whatever makes you feel good about yourself. You will feel alive and more energetic when you add exercise to your daily schedule. During this time try to eat as healthy as you can and establish healthy eating habits. This is not the time to start a new diet. Just try to stay away from fatty foods because they will slow you down. Eat lighter meals and eat more frequently. Include complex carbohydrates in your diet for energy, and be careful to not include too much caffeine. Focusing on healthy eating will help you to feel good about yourself because you are in control. There are many ways we can pamper ourselves. Treat yourself to activities that make you feel even better about who you are. Spend time in a place that you find particularly relaxing, and reflect on the goals you have achieved and continue to work towards. Whatever it is, wherever it takes you, allow yourself the time to do something positive. Organize your days so that they support your educational and personal needs. Support your goals with a visual technique. Write your name and write the letters R.N.after it. Post one or more of these notes in the areas that you frequent. This form of visual motivational technique works for many students preparing for this examination. Remember that as you move forward and the days go by, your best laid plans may need to be adjusted. Allow yourself the opportunity to continue to carry out your plan in a manner that is most conducive to who you are with your current issues.