How to Study for NCLEX?
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The NCLEX exam assesses the knowledge, abilities, and skills of candidates that are essential for the entry-level nurse to use. It serves as a guide for examination development as well as candidate preparation to meet the needs of clients' maintenance or restoration of health. This article serves as a guide for the preparation for the NCLEX exam and provides key information in this regard.
1. Key Sections of the NCLEX Exam
The organization of NCLEX is founded on a framework of "Meeting Client Needs." To start preparing for the exam, it is pertinent to have a basic understanding of the structure of NCLEX. It is divided into the following categories and subcategories:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Management of Care: 13-19 percent of questions
- Safety and Infection Control: 8-14 percent of questions
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
6-12 percent of questions - Psychosocial Integrity
6-12 percent of questions - Psychological Integrity
- Basic care and comfort: 6-12 percent of questions
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: 13-19 percent of questions
- Reduction of Risk Potential: 13-19 percent of questions
- Physiological Adaptation: 11-17 percent of questions
2. How to Study for NCLEX?
1 Introduction
Studying for NCLEX seems to be a hard task. However, if you identify and consider the following points, you can ace this exam with flying colors. You better have a study agenda according to your strengths and weaknesses. It will enable you to complete study goals in the specified time.
2 Understand NCLEX Format
The first step in preparing for NCLEX is understanding its format. It uses Computerized Adaptive Testing or CAT format, which means that no single exam is identical. The computer algorithm produces each new question based on your performance in the previous questions. The test bank of NCLEX is comprehensive. It includes different question styles, topics, categories, and subcategories from many sections. Understanding the format of NCLEX will help you prepare for the exam mentally and psychologically.
3 Prepare Early
Preparing for the exam early will save you from anxiety and stress. It gives ample time to go through different sections of the test so that you do not have to worry about your lack of preparation. Moreover, it helps you to calm your mind and keep you grounded. If you start preparing early, you will be able to keep a balance in the weeks and months leading up to the exam. It will enable you to allot time in your days for exercise, proper sleep, and whatever you do for fun. In this way, your mind would not build up the test moment to anything bigger and more worrisome than it is.
4 Make a study Plan
To prepare efficiently, you need to have a study plan. This plan will keep you committed to your studies. Set a schedule mentioning the days when you will study and the days when you will practice for the exam. Make a goal before each study session to stay focused and relevant. Studying without having a plan wastes your time and resources. Preparing for NCLEX is all about how you utilize your time efficiently. Moreover, a study plan enables you to achieve your aims and goals in a fixed period. It also gives you a sense of satisfaction and commitment.
5 Memorize NCLEX's Structure
Its structure has a percentage range for different sections. You need to analyze the areas you believe to be your strengths. You can score maximum in these areas. It is also beneficial to know that the NCLEX is administered with Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). Therefore, you need to prepare accordingly. Another unique feature of the NCLEX is that the length of this exam depends on the person taking it. The shortest possible test length is at least 75 correct questions. Incorrect answers lead to a longer test. This exam can take up to six hours, however, the majority of the candidates require less than the maximum time allocation. Understanding the basic structure of NCLEX enables you to put your efforts in the right direction.
6 Review NCLEX Exam Practice Exams
Reviewing practice exams helps you to analyze NCLEX test patterns and evaluate your preparation. The candidates need to review and practice test samples before taking the actual exam for the mental training. Make it a part of your study plan, and review the practice exams on regular basis. It enables you to perform well in the exam and make the most out of the available time. Practicing for the exam improves your knowledge retention capacity and recalling power. If you have practiced enough, you would not find the NCLEX exam overwhelming.
7 Improve Test-Taking Skills
The NCLEX is about knowing the right answers as well as knowing how to write a test. You should utilize test-taking strategies to eliminate wrong answers. With proper practice, you will notice these themes in the answers:
- First, assess the patient. Calling the doctor right away is not the well-appreciated or perfect first step.
- Use the Airway-Breathing-Circulating approach.
- Use deductive reasoning. Use it even if you have no idea about the concepts behind the topic.
- Rely on 'nurse intuition' if all else fails.
Use the systematic approach to eliminate incorrect answers based on knowledge and wording of answers.
3. Mind Maps Help You Study for NCLEX
Mind map is an important tool to help you prepare for the NCLEX exam.
1 Develop Your Study Plan
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Developing a study plan is key to allocating enough time to each subject. It helps you to stay organized and committed. You can make a study plan mind map using EdrawMind. This mind map will enable you to work efficiently without wasting any time on unnecessary activities. Developing a study plan and making a mind map for it will stimulate your brain and motivate you to work hard.
2 Organize Your NCLEX Knowledge
Organizing your knowledge is crucial to revising it and making the best out of it. Over a year, you would have built knowledge worth many library shelves. Nevertheless, for revision, you need to create simple mind maps for each exam you are new to taking. Organizing your notes in a logical order will enable you to prepare perfectly for the exam. You can use EdrawMind to organize your NCLEX knowledge into simple, creative mind maps.
- The Nursing Process
![The Nursing Process]()
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(For Linux)The Nursing Process You can make a mind map of the nursing process. In this way, you can remember the exact steps involved in it.
- Hemophilia Mind Map
![Hemophilia Mind Map]()
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(For Linux)Hemophilia Mind Map Making a mind map for hemophilia will help you understand and recall its components whenever needed.
4. Key Takeaways
NCLEX is not only a test of your knowledge but also of your mental strength and management skills. If you work smartly by developing a study plan, taking practice exams, and making mind maps, you can expect to ace it. EdrawMind is a tool that can be beneficial for helping you to prepare for NCLEX. It has many templates to assist you with making impressive and easy-to-remember mind maps. You can enhance your probability of success by using EdrawMind in your preparation.
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