Leah’s NCLEX Stress-Free Study Guide
While it has been four years since I wrote my NCLEX, I have since pursued my master's degree and developed much stronger test-taking skills. While I did end up passing the NCLEX, I hope to share some advice with you so that you can avoid the mistakes that I made!
Wishing you all the best in your NCLEX preparation!Leah, RN
Let’s break down some tips for fighting test anxiety:
Remember how far you’ve come: Studying for this test is challenging, but look at what you’ve accomplished since your first day of nursing school! Take a moment to celebrate those achievements, and use all of those achievements as examples of why you should believe in yourself. You can do this.
Take care of yourself: It is so annoying to hear when you’re studying and stressed, but you must prioritize your well-being during this process. Incorporating healthy habits like making sure you have proper nutrition, exercise, rest, and socialization will help you avoid burnout and keep your mind sharp!
Take breaks: We get it; it feels like every minute counts. But look up every piece of literature about learning, and it will tell you your mind works better when you incorporate breaks into studying! Try using 15-30 minute study intervals followed by short breaks to optimize your productivity. Smaller increments tend to yield better results than cramming for long periods of time.
Choose your study buddies wisely: Having a friend to study with or even just lean on throughout the NCLEX is incredible. However, make sure who you’re leaning on for support is making you feel better and building you up! Peers that cause you to feel confusion and self-doubt are not conducive to a calm mindset. Personally, I like to avoid discussing an exam with peers for a day or two leading up to it. Be confident in yourself and how smart you are!
Be realistic and kind to yourself: It is impossible to know everything that will be asked on the exam. If that’s your goal, you are destined to be disappointed. Instead, focus on learning the big topics and understanding them (not just being able to recite the information). Focus on what you know, use common sense, and be willing to guess when necessary!
Have a plan: Learn what works best for you if/ when you start to experience anxiety while studying or during exams. For me? Deep breathing exercises work when the anxiety starts to creep up. Taking ten seconds to do some deep breathing exercises will always be worth it for me and will help me get back on the right track. Try a few and find the ones that work well for you that you could do during the exam - whether it’s breathing exercises, imagery techniques, or something else!
Remember, studying for the NCLEX is tough, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can approach your studies with a focused and calm mindset.
Believe in yourself, stay dedicated, and trust that your hard work is going to pay off!
