The ability to pursue your career in nursing depends on passing the NCLEX-RN examination, and every student nurse has some fear of failing the exam. However, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) reports that the pass rate for the exam is up to 80% of all applicants. If this is the first time you will take the NCLEX, your chance of passing is even higher. Some people do not pass the first time and can try again. Preparation is key in either situation.
A Few Things to Know
Before we share the pointers to help you succeed in the exam, here are a few things that are good to know:
- Unlike other exams, the NCLEX-RN isn’t a test that you can cram for. So avoid cramming.
- The question format is what makes NCLEX unique. So familiarize yourself with the question formats.
- This exam is not about recognizing and recalling the facts. So understand the needs of the patient.
- The NCLEX exam provides you with multiple choices for each question. In some cases, reading these choices might bias you and confuse you. So read and understand the question before you look at the choices. This might even help you arrive at the answer before you see the choices.
As you start your preparations, you might feel overwhelmed. Trust us, it is quite natural. The test is supposed to be challenging because your profession involves life-saving decisions. Ultimately the test is about safety. Will it be safe for you to handle patients? As a practicing nurse do you have the capability to make the right decisions in critical moments?
Stay focused and remember that every step you take in your studies is a step toward becoming a safe and effective nurse.
Why Do Nurses Fail The NCLEX-RN?
Hundreds and thousands of nurses fail the NCLEX-RN every year and they end up retaking it. It can be truly disheartening to fail but many nurses retake the exam, pass, and eventually pursue successful careers in nursing. We know you do not want to fail this test. But knowing why nurses fail the NCLEX-RN can help you avoid the same mistakes. This will definitely increase your chances of passing the test.
1.Not Making a Study Plan
There is a lot of material to cover. Without a well-structured study plan, you can get lost in it. Consequently, you might end up overlooking key areas that need attention.
2.Not Having the Right Study Materials
It’s not about having a lot of study materials. It is about the quality of the material and how you use it. Too many resources can leave you confused.
3.Not Addressing Knowledge Gaps
Gaps in knowledge can hinder your chances of passing the NCLEX-RN. Students who don’t use practice questions to find these knowledge gaps remain unprepared.
4.Not Managing Test Anxiety
Test anxiety can be detrimental to the brightest of students. The stress and lack of confidence can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to focus.
5.Not Staying Motivated
If you are not motivated enough, you can end up procrastinating. This will prevent you from giving your best.
6.Not Giving Yourself Enough Time
As we have already mentioned, cramming is ineffective for an exam like NCLEX-RN. There is plenty of material to be covered and it will take a lot of time to absorb it. Without time management you lower your chances of success.
How to Increase Your Chances of Passing The NCLEX-RN
It is important to take a strategic approach to your preparation. This will increase your chances of passing the NCLEX-RN. Here are a few tips to help you in this regard:
1.Make a Structured Study Plan
Most students start by making a study plan. But what you have to understand is that your study plan should be structured well. It should accommodate your strengths and weaknesses. Also, make it a point to assign the same time every day for your study sessions. This repetition will help you build up momentum and create a consistent routine that will ultimately improve retention.
Additionally, make sure to arrange your study sessions around your work and other responsibilities.
2.Know What Kind of Learner You Are
Understand your learning style. Do you learn best by listening to videos and lectures, or do you prefer reading books? Are you a good note-taker, or do you benefit from interactive question banks? Determine whether a self-paced program suits you, or if you need the structure and guidance of an instructor-led course.
Armed with this knowledge, you can now pick your study materials.
3.Choose the Right Study Materials
As we just mentioned, choose study materials that align with your learning style. Also, make sure to focus on high-quality materials. This could include NCLEX online coaching classes, study guides, and question banks. Online classes can be particularly beneficial because they offer a wealth of resources such as video lectures, interactive sessions, and practice exams. It also offers flexibility as you can study at your own pace, revisit challenging topics, and fit your preparation around your schedule.
4.Identify Knowledge Gaps
Use NCLEX-RN practice questions and mock exams to pinpoint areas where your understanding is weak. Don’t ignore these gaps—target them with focused study sessions. Filling in these gaps will ensure you’re well-prepared for any question that comes your way on the NCLEX.
5.Manage Test Anxiety
Develop techniques to manage stress, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and regular exercise. A positive mindset will help you stay calm and focused during the exam, allowing you to think clearly and make sound decisions.
6.Avoid Procrastination
The goal of becoming a licensed nurse must always be at the forefront of your mind. This will help you stay motivated and avoid procrastination. You can also set milestones and then reward yourself for achieving them. This technique is simple and can help you remain consistent in your studies.
7.Learn How to Solve NCLEX-Style Questions
Many people fail the NCLEX not because they aren’t smart enough, but because they don’t know how to approach NCLEX-style questions. When approaching a question, try to identify the key aspect of the question—are they asking for prioritization, intervention, or assessment? This will help you pick the right answer.
In some cases, you can arrive at the answer before looking at the choices. Moreover, the options might bias you. So before jumping to the choices, take the time to fully understand the question. Another approach is to eliminate obviously wrong choices and increase your chances of selecting the correct one.
8.Manage Your Time Well
By managing your time well, we mean both before the exam and during the exam. Always start your preparation early to give yourself plenty of time to absorb and understand the material. For instance, if you buy an NCLEX-RN live course, you’ll need to balance attending live sessions with personal study time.
Similarly, on the day of the exam, pace yourself and avoid rushing through the questions. The NCLEX exam is comparable to a marathon. It can last up to 5 hours and it is important to take your breaks wisely. The breaks can help prevent burnout and refresh your mind. Mock tests can help you determine when to take the allotted breaks.
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