A career in the health professions can be a great way to make a living. There are many possible paths towards a career in this important sector of the economy. One of the most largest is that of nursing. Nurses are a high demand in many sectors of health care. If you want to enter this profession, there are many steps you’ll need to complete. One of the most important is gaining state licensure. In order to do that, you’ll have to take an exam known as the NCLEX. Nurses who have completed their education and wish to take this exam can improve their chances of passing it with certain study plans.
At Your Leisure
The NCLEX is taken by computer at a testing center. Look for places that are near your home or school. You want to make sure you know exactly how to get there on testing day. Knowing the route can help you relax and pay attention to the exam rather than directions.
Study Plan
It’s essential to know your personal study style. Some people are visual learners while others may retain more information from texts. You should begin to prepare for the test once you’ve graduated from a nursing program. Allow at least a month to fully go over all aspects of the test.
Test Format
The NCLEX has a specific format that you should understand. The test is administered by computer. A program will determine what questions you’re going to be asked. All candidates will be asked to answer at least seventy-five questions. It’s possible you’ll be asked over two hundred questions before the system decides if you’ve passed or failed.
You Can Take It More Than Once
You can take the NCLEX more than once. If you don’t pass it on the first attempt, you’ll be the opportunity to retake the exam. However, you will not have a nursing license until you do and you’ll be charged for each attempt. Passing it on the first try should be your aim.
Form a Study Group
Your fellow nurses are in the same place you are right now. They’re also trying to pass that exam and dive into their career. You should take full advantage of this time and create a study group if you don’t already have one. Chances are that if you don’t know something, someone in your study group just might. Sharing your own knowledge can lead to lifelong bonds and professional connections.
What’s on the Exam
The NCLEX covers certain subjects. Knowing what’s on the test will increase your chances of passing it. The NCLEX is divided into four separate sections. These are: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity and psychological integrity. These are the subjects that should be the focus of your study efforts.
The Test is Timed
You’ll have as long as six hours to complete the test. You may be done sooner because you’ve answered enough questions to pass it. Be prepared the day of the test. Make sure you have a good breakfast and stay hydrated. This way you can give it your full attention and best effort.
Review Materials
The material on the NCLEX is the material that your classes in nursing have already covered. Now is the time to review all the materials you’ve been studying since you’ve entered that nursing program. Bring out all your textbooks and notes. Have a close look at the material and see what you understand in depth and what may need more review. If you’re not clear on certain concepts, you can get outside help to make sure you’re at full mastery.
Use Practice Questions
The kinds of questions you’ll find on the NCLEX are widely available. Get hold of as many practice questions as you can. This will give you a feel for the kinds of questions you can expect on the test. You’ll find that many questions have detailed information about the difference between the correct answer and an incorrect one. Read these explanations in great detail and use this chance to learn from them.
