Test-taking strategies

Success strategies for NCLEX Slide 1 Test-taking strategies 11 strategies can be utilized by students to be able to pass the NCLEX examinations. The strategies include; Understanding the NCLEX format Do not self-evaluate during the test Find ways to manage your test stress Know your NCLEX style of study Make a plan of study Do not draw from past clinical or work experiences Invest in test prep resources Hone your test-taking skills Go beyond the practice questions Prepare yourself for the exam day.Believe in yourself Slide 2 Understanding the NCLEX format NCLEX uses a CAT format or computerized adaptive testing which makes the examinations not to be identical. The examinations are graded when the patient answers questions where the minimum is 75 questions and the maximum is 265 questions. The pass mark is usually 95% and above and anything below that is a failure. To be able to pass the test, one must be able to rise above the pass line which demonstrates that they are competent with marginal doubt.Slide 3 Do not self-evaluate during the test There is no need of trying to self-evaluate while you are still doing the test. You should also not assume that you are below the pass level just because you got a few “easy” questions in a row. It

is also advisable to only focus on the question at hand since every question is important and what might be hard for you might be easy for someone else. The examination is all about endurance and thus you should prepare to be able to sit for the full time and by that, you will not stress if you need to.Slide 4 Find ways to manage your test stress Since the exam is very important, there is a chance of one feeling nervous since the exam is very important and thus one feels a lot of pressure. There are several ways in which examination stress and anxiety can be minimized, they include; Preparing for the examination seriously but also keeping a balance with other parts of your life Exercising, getting enough sleep, and doing things that you do for fun. Keeping a good balance helps your mind to avoid building up test moments to be bigger than it is actually.Avoid studying or cramming information on the day of the examination and use the last few hours to rest the mind. Also, you should focus on things that can help you to stay grounded just before the examination such as listening to music, going for a run, etc.Slide 5 Know your NCLEX style of study Since we all have different styles of reading, you should know what your style is and ensure that you tailor your studying to what works for you. For example; For those who understand well with visuals, they should draw out rough sketches of the chambers of the heart, color code the classes of medication, etc.Auditory learners should look for study materials for example from YouTube lectures, podcasts, etc.Those who better understand through discussions should create study groups that they use to talk through concepts together.Slide 6

Make a plan of study By making a study plan, you can commit to the preparation that the test deserves. You should also start studying when you have a plan in place, for example; You should plan the days and time to study and the days that you will take off You should make a goal before each study session such as to be able to do an x amount of practice questions, or master x specific content topic, but should be intentional.Studying without having a plan in place is a waste of time and will not be of help in passing the examinations. You should ensure that you maximumly utilize the time set aside for studying since it is not about the number of hours but it is about how well you utilize it.Slide 7 Do not draw from past clinical or work experiences Since the NCLEX examination is based on proven, researched, evidence-based practice, it is not advisable to apply previous experiences. even if during your experience you did something in a different way that is just as safe or just as correct, you should not assume that it applies to the NCLEX. When answering NCLEX examination questions, you should ensure that you answer the questions as if you do not have any real-life constraints as a nurse. You should also assume that you have enough time and resources to perform each answer choice.Slide 8 Invest in test prep resources It is important to invest in practice exam books or enroll in a classroom review course. People mostly choose their study materials based on reviews, references by peers, or personal references. All resources of examination companies produce exceptional guides to be able to prepare you for the NCLEX examination. You should therefore spend time browsing reviews to be able to determine which guidebook style fits you best.Slide 9 Hone your test-taking skills

NCLEX exam is as much about knowing how the test is written as it is knowing the right answers. You should utilize test-taking strategies to eliminate wrong answers, avoid “extremes” such as ALL or NONE answers and remember to always put the safety of the patient first. With practice, you will be able to notice some themes in answers; Always assess the patient first, calling the doctor right away is not always the best first step.Use Airway-Breathing-Circulation approach, etc.Use deductive reasoning even if you have no idea about the concepts behind the topic.If all else fails, rely on that budding feeling that is called “nursing intuition”.Slide 10 Go beyond the practice questions Practice exams are the best and most important way to prepare but taking the practice questions is only half of the process. Also, it is very important to; Look up questions that you answered incorrectly. Practice questions banks provide explanations as to why each answer is correct or incorrect and the topic which it falls under.Jot down notes of which concepts you want to revisit so that you can focus on them in the next study session Practice a lot especially using online mock NCLEX exams to be able to gain experience.Go through as many questions as you can before the exam day and you will be ahead by miles.Slide 11 Prepare yourself for the exam day.To be able to be well prepared on the examination day; Ensure you sleep well the week before the examination Brings with you snacks to the canter to keep in your locker in case you decide to take a break during the examination Arrive in the testing center early while prepared with the necessary documents for testing.