Try to study with a classical music playing in the background! Find a nice cozy, quiet corner where you feel comfortable and there are no distractions, turn on your classical music and begin to study! It really does help to retain information!

Another tip: Try to get up EARLY in the morning to study when your refreshed from a good night of sleep. It will help you tremendously. After studying for a bit, take break or take a walk!

Being test smart is also a help. By being test smart, I mean being able to pick out the KEY words. What are they asking for? Sometimes they will give you tons of information but in reality it is NOT important to the answer. Make sure you re-read a question if you are not sure! Look for those keys, they are usually there and many questions will have them highlighted! Also, there are some words that are DEADLY to an answer. Words that are definite, like MUST, ALWAYS, EVERY. These words in an answer should be triggers that that response is not right! Inevitably, you get down to two answers that could be correct, re-read the question. I look for part of the question in the answer, usually that is the right one!

Try to answer some NCLEX Practice test, NCLEX Quiz and sample NCLEX questions. It really helps. It is not as comfortable as you think!! So practice on a computer too!

The night BEFORE the test…DON’T STUDY!!!! Yes, you heard me! If you have been taking the time to study up to that point, give yourself a little break! RELAX!! Get a good night’s sleep so you are refreshed in the morning.

• Internet
• Saunders NCLEX study cards
• Saunders NCLEX Comprehensive Study Guide
• Sandra Smith NCLEX Review

This method worked for me. – I’m not guaranteeing it will work for you. But it’s worth a try. I took my exam in Aug. 2008 and the computer shut off at the minimum amount of questions. Good Luck!

1. Saunders Nclex Study Cards – Perfect to start at any time. I bought a sturdy plastic container and just flipped through them anytime I felt like it… stress free. Some days you’ll pick up 1, other days you’ll do 10. No pressure no stress, your just reading a couple of cards in your spare time.
2. Saunders NCLEX comprehensive study guide. – Great preparation for subject test while you’re in school, and great for the NCLEX too. No stress method – do the end of questions like you would and open book test. You’d be surprised at how much you’ll learn when you have to search for the answer. It sticks with you.
3. NCBSN – www.learningext.com – They create the NCLEX. They offer study subscriptions as low as (3-week) $49. Trust me, money well spent. I suggest signing up for this right before you take the NCLEX. If you don’t get a chance to read everything (lengthy), make sure you answer all the questions in the Q/A bank. and the Questions and the end of the lessons.
4. Allnurses.com – Fact throwing session – lot’s of random important facts with easy ways to remember them. Go to www.allnurses.com – click on NCLEX discussion – Click on random fact throwing sticky. Direct Url – http://allnurses.com/forums/f197/anyoone-up-random-fact-throwing-308584.html
5. Sandra Smith NCLEX study guide – Great questions and Rationales. list ways to answer certain types of question. Key words, Key sentences, tricky formats. – I suggest highlighting this section and reviewing it the night before you take the test.

NCLEX Preparation Tips:

• Always keep a set of flashcards (whether bought or self-made) on hand in order to make use of traveling/commuting time.
• Set up a feasible study schedule early and plan to stick to it. There is nothing worse than wasting time feeling guilty for not adhering to an impossible schedule. When doing problems, read all of the answers, not just those you get right. This will reinforce your understanding as well as ensure that your original mode of thinking was correct.
• As you go through problems, mark the ones you miss. That way, you will be able to review those questions you had trouble with at a later date.
• Do not plan to spend every free moment studying. You need to reward yourself for your hard work once in a while. Make plans to see a movie with a friend, cook dinner, or take a trip to the gym.
• Bring energy food to the exam. A full day of testing can take a lot out of anyone. Raisins, chocolate, and nuts are great snacks.
• The night before the exam, pull out all of your paperwork and make sure you know where you have to be and at what time. Confirm any lodging and/or travel arrangements you have made. And try to relax. You have studied hard up to the test – passing is just a matter of calming down and facing the exam in an objective manner.
• Make plans to celebrate after your exam. You will have earned it!

by: luvxoni, ehow member

The majority of test items are written at the application or higher levels of cognition but the exam may include items at all of the cognitive levels.

The exam’s content is based on client needs:

• Safe Effective Care Environment
  • Coordinated Care
  • Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity
  • Basic Care and Comfort
  • Pharmacological Therapies
  • Reduction of Risk Potential
  • Physiological Adaptation
  • Psychiatric

The majority of test items are written at the application or higher levels of cognition but the exam may include items at all of the cognitive levels; mainly, memorization or recalling, knowledge, analysis and application.

The exam’s content is based on client needs:

• Safe Effective Care Environment
  • Management of Care
  • Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity
• Basic Care and Comfort
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
• Reduction of Risk Potential
• Physiological Adaptation