Planning your study time effectively is critical to achieving success on the NCLEX-RN Exam. Preparing for this critical exam can be daunting and overwhelming, but with the right plan, you can approach the test feeling confident and ready to succeed.
In this blog post, we’ll give you tips on how best to prepare for and organize your study time so that you can make the best use of your time and maximize your chances of passing the NCLEX-RN Exam with flying colors. Keep reading to get started planning a successful studying strategy today.
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NCLEX Study Plan
Preparing for the NCLEX can be daunting, but a solid study plan can boost your chances of success. One of the most common questions among new nursing graduates is, “How long should I study for the NCLEX?” The answer to this question varies depending on individual factors such as learning style, level of nursing knowledge, and study habits.
However, the consensus among nursing experts is that most students require between four and 6 weeks of dedicated studying before feeling comfortable enough to take the exam. They also suggest dedicating at least 3 to 4 hours a day to your study schedule to cover all the material required for the exam effectively.
Some students may need more time, while others may need less. The most important thing is establishing and sticking to a solid study plan. This may include setting aside specific hours for studying daily, practicing with NCLEX-style questions, and focusing on areas where you feel less confident.
It would help if you also considered setting aside additional time for challenging topics on which you need to spend more time. Regardless of the time, remember to stay focused, positive, and determined as you prepare for this important milestone in your nursing career.
Utilizing practice exams and review courses can also be incredibly helpful in solidifying your understanding of the topics. By prioritizing your studies and putting in the effort, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your licensure goals. It’s essential to consider how much time you can commit to studying and be honest about what you can achieve.
Consider your lifestyle, work/family commitments, and any other factors that could affect your available time for studying. Once you’ve considered these, you can create a realistic and achievable study plan that works for you.
How Many Questions a Day Should You do for NCLEX?
When preparing for the NCLEX, it’s crucial to have a study plan that includes answering practice questions. But how many questions should you be doing daily? We suggest completing around 2,800 practice questions before your exam, which means doing roughly 100 questions daily if you have a month to study.
It’s essential to schedule time into your study routine to tackle these practice questions actively. It is helpful to break your practice questions into two sessions of 50 questions in the morning and 50 in the evening. Remember to factor in the time to analyze the questions you got wrong. With a clear study plan and the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to NCLEX success in no time.
When should You Schedule NCLEX?
Timing is a critical factor in preparing for the NCLEX. It would help if you aimed to complete your studies at least one month or 30 days before your exam date. This will give you enough time to review the material, practice, and take a few days off before the test to rest and relax.
Additionally, it is recommended that you schedule your exam during the week or on weekends rather than during holidays or other busy times. Scheduling your NCLEX around family or work commitments can be tricky;, with the right nclex study plan, you can find a balance and still make it work.
Establish a Personalized NCLEX-RN Exam Study Plan
When studying for the NCLEX, having a well-rounded approach is essential to ensure you are adequately prepared. Here are some valuable tips on how to best prepare:
• Utilize practice exams and review courses – Practice exams are an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam and topics covered. A review course can provide additional guidance, tips, and tricks for the success of the test day.
• Break up your study times – Regular breaks during sessions are essential. This helps to ensure that you stay focused and energized throughout the day.
• Don’t forget the basics – Review all the fundamentals before diving into more complex topics. This will help you build a solid foundation to apply new information and understand challenging concepts more quickly.
• Prioritize challenging topics – Allocate extra time for any topic that may prove difficult so that you have enough time to master it properly.
• Stay organized and focused – Keep your notes and materials organized for easy reference. It’s also helpful to list topics you must review to stay on track with your studies.
Studying for the NCLEX doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating; following these tips will make you well-prepared and confident in your knowledge come exam day. With hard work and dedication, achieving licensure will be within reach!
When Should a Nursing Student Start Studying for the NCLEX?
Nursing students should begin studying for the NCLEX as early as possible. While it is often recommended that students start learning one to three months before their planned exam date, this can vary depending on individual circumstances and how much time they can commit each day.
When creating your study plan, it is essential to factor in other commitments, such as part-time jobs and family responsibilities. Keep in mind that the more time you dedicate to preparing for the NCLEX, the better equipped you will be on test day. A comprehensive review of all topics plus practice questions ensures a higher chance of success! Plan accordingly, stay focused, and be ready to take on the NCLEX confidently.
It would help if you remembered to use available resources, such as NCLEX study guides and practice questions. These can help you identify your areas of weakness and tailor your studying according to your individual
Finally, remember to take care of yourself during this time. Ensure you sleep well, eat healthy meals and snacks, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Taking good care of yourself will energize you throughout your studies and test day! With these tips, you will indeed have a successful NCLEX experience.
Essential Tips for Passing NCLEX Successfully [ Step By Step]
1. Choose a date for the NCLEX exam and schedule it in advance: It’s essential to plan when taking the NCLEX. Schedule your exam during the week or on weekends rather than holidays or other busy times. Scheduling your NCLEX around family or work commitments can be tricky; with the right nclex study plan, you can find a balance and still make it work.
2. Create an effective study plan: When studying for the NCLEX, you must create a well-rounded approach to ensure you are adequately prepared. Utilize practice exams and review courses, break up your study times, remember the basics, prioritize challenging topics, and stay organized.
3. Understand the NCLEX format: Knowing the structure of the exam is critical to success on test day. Familiarize yourself with the multiple-choice questions, alternate item formats (AIFs) such as fill-in-the-blanks or drag & drop, and how the different subjects are tested.
4. Practice taking practice exams: The best way to prepare for an extensive standardized test such as the NCLEX is by doing plenty of practice tests. This will help you better understand the types of questions asked and familiarize you with the testing environment to feel more comfortable on test day.
5. Utilize online resources and NCLEX study guides: The internet has many valuable resources to supplement your studying. Look for NCLEX study guides, textbooks, instructional videos, practice exams, and other materials to help you succeed.
6. Take care of yourself: Remember to care for yourself while studying for the test. Sleep well, eat healthy meals and snacks throughout the day, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated! Taking care of yourself during this time is as important as preparing for the test!
7. Get support from family and friends: During this time, having support from those close to you can be very helpful. Talk to family and friends about your studies and share your learning. You can even create a study group with other test takers to help each other stay motivated and accountable.
8. Nursing Flashcards: Nursing flashcards are a great way to memorize key facts and concepts that you need to know for the NCLEX. They’re also easy to carry around and review on the go.
9. Remain calm and focused on test day: Remember to take a few deep breaths and stay. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the pressure of a test, so try to stay calm and focused as possible throughout the exam.
10. Celebrate your success: You’ve put in a lot of hard work and dedication to get to this point – remember to congratulate yourself and celebrate your success!
Following these tips, you can pass the NCLEX on your first try! With determination and dedication, you’ll be able to conquer this challenge and achieve success.
BEST NCLEX PREP COURSES AND CLASSES OF 2023
Since 1994, aspiring registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the United States have been required to pass the NCLEX exam. To increase your chances of passing the NCLEX on your first try, we’ve handpicked the top NCLEX prep courses and classes of 2023.
- Kaplan — Top Pick
- NurseAchieve — Most Advanced Practice Exam Technology
- Hurst Review — Best First-Attempt Pass Rate
- NCLEX Mastery — Most Affordable
- Mometrix University — Best Free Resources
- ATI — Best Product Offerings
- Achieve Test Prep — Best In-Person Experience
- CrushNCLEX — Best Online Course
- Nursing.com — Best for Students with Learning Disabilities
- Nurse Plus Academy — Biggest Practice Exam Library
- UWorld — Best for Busy Schedules
Sample Weekly Schedule For NCLEX Exam Preparation
Monday:
• Review the content from your nursing program for one hour
• Take practice tests for 90 minutes
• Read up on any weak points for 30 minutes
Tuesday:
• Review the content from your nursing program for one hour
• Take practice tests for 90 minutes
• Watch tutorial videos for 30 minutes
Wednesday:
• Attend a review class or webinar for one hour
• Take practice tests for 90 minutes
• Review question explanations for 30 minutes
Thursday:
• Attend a review class or webinar for one hour
• Take practice tests for 90 minutes
• Ask questions in an online forum for 30 minutes
Friday:
• Create flashcards to study content from your nursing program for one hour
• Take practice tests for 90 minutes
• Utilize resources from review courses for 30 minutes
Saturday:
• Attend a review class or webinar for one hour
• Take practice tests and analyze results for two hours
Sunday:
• Spend the day relaxing, reflecting on what you have learned and preparing mentally for the NCLEX exam!
Note: This schedule is just an example and should be adjusted to best fit your individual needs. Make sure to factor in breaks, rest periods, and other commitments into your plan. Best of luck with your studies!
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the NCLEX can be a challenging and time-consuming process. However, it is possible with dedication and perseverance to pass the exam on your first attempt.
With guidance from this article, you can put together a personalized study plan that works best for you, find the resources you need, and get the support you deserve throughout this journey.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.