First, the most important factor in NCLEX success is the attitude of the individual who is studying for the test. The best study materials and study plans are all for naught if the individual has a brilliant strategy or study plan but doesn’t implement it.
NCLEX Test Anxiety
The plaintive wails of “did I pass the NCLEX?” are echoed on numerous forums devoted to the exam. Such angst and anxiety are an anathema to test takers. Nursing instructors Susan Stone and Pat Woodbury recommend relaxing and not staying up late cramming for the exam in the pamphlet Guide to NCLEX-RN Success.
Simple measures such as taking deep breaths during the exam to relax, and getting adequate rest before the test can be effective in improving one's test performance. Maintaining a positive attitude and recalling that each new question that posts during the exam indicates a chance at passing the NCLEX is also important to testing.
Attitude and the NCLEX
For those who doubt the importance of attitude and mindset, consider that visualization coaches and sports psychologists are paid thousands of dollars to aid professional athletes in improving mental performance and attitude. Some of the same principles and techniques employed by athletes to achieve peak performance may aid individuals who want to improve their performance on the NCLEX.
Test-Taking Lessons from the Sports World
Randall Strossen, author of Iron Mind: Stronger Mind Stronger Bodies, has some tips for meeting challenges that can be applied to either a physical or mental test. Strossen advises his readers to avoid the naysayers and individuals who predict failure because they can influence ones mood and attitude (page 27).
Strossen also counsels self-confidence stating “We all like to think of ourselves as active, capable agents who control our destinies, and many of our worst fears involve thoughts that we are being controlled by others, and are doomed to failure. What you expect – self-control or manipulation, success or failure – is largely what you will get” (page 27).
The Lesson – the individual taking the NCLEX should walk into the testing site expecting to pass. Although one may be discouraged at different points during the testing, at the very beginning of the test the individual shouldn’t be distressed; after all at that point he or she has zero errors on the NCLEX. The tester has every reason to expect success as he or she is seated at the computer; the questions haven’t even begun! And Strossen’s advice to maintain a positive focus can be applied to another aspect of testing.
Focus on the Present Question, not the Past
Once the tester answers a question and indicates a final answer, he/she cannot go back and change the answers; there is no “back-tracking” on the NCLEX. One important test-taking strategy for maintaining a positive attitude and remaining calm during the test is to focus fully on the current question.
Don’t dwell on whether or not the last question was answered correctly. Maintain the “glass is half-full” attitude of an optimist and remember that if another question is being posted the test isn’t over and the opportunity to pass still exists. However, the optimistic attitude of the tester has to be based on a foundation of focused study and learning.
Methods of Learning
In reference to study and learning, Susan Bastable, author of Nurse as Educator indicates that “learners retain 10 % of what they read,” but they “retain 50% of what they see and hear.” The learner can benefit from this knowledge by using visual and audio aids to assist him/her in studying for the NCLEX.
NCLEX on Youtube
One source of audio/video education in nursing principles is the internet phenomenon known as Youtube. A search on the website using the search term “NCLEX review” yields a plethora of results. And although some amateur videos are included among the selections, educational videos from some creditable and reputable sources are also posted on the site.
Used Video Reviews of Nursing Fundamentals
Also students who want a video/audio resource for reviewing nursing fundamentals, can conduct a search for used instructional videos. Purchasing a brand new set of the instructional DVD’s can cost hundreds of dollars – the same amount as an actual review course – but used instructional DVD’s can be purchased from former nursing students for a fraction of the cost. Assessment Technologies Institute features a DVD series.
Look for Customer Reviews
Of course, the company that is advertising an NCLEX study aid will tout it as the best study system available. For a more objective assessment of study aids and review materials refer to customer reviews about the product from independent sites that are not affiliated with the company. Amazon.com features customer reviews of many products.
The customers make note of discrepancies and factual errors in NCLEX review materials and generally provide candid reviews of the books and CD’s that are reviewed. Also conversations with other students and nurses familiar with the material may be helpful in determining which NCLEX review is best suited to one's learning style.
Passing the NCLEX
The ultimate goal of the tester who is taking the exam is to pass the NCLEX and receive a license. Engaging in hours of study, taking advantage of the most effective learning methods, and maintaining a positive attitude during NCLEX testing can lead to success on the NCLEX.
Suggested Reading:
Top 10 Tips for Taking the NCLEX
References:
Bastable, S. Nurse as Educator, Principles of Teaching and Learning for Nursing Practice. Sudbury Mass: Jones and Bartlett, 2003.
Strossen, R. Iron Mind: Stronger Minds, Stronger Bodies. Nevada City, Ca: Iron Mind Enterprises, 1994.
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