Looking for more study tips? Read our 10 Tips for Creating Your Ideal Study Space

Tip 1: Plan Ahead

The first step in developing your time-management skills is to make a plan for what needs to be accomplished and when. Start by creating a list of tasks for the day or week and prioritize the items by level of importance so you’re not overlooking important tasks or upcoming deadlines.

Planning ahead also means knowing when to say “no” in order to stay on task while balancing work, school, and home life. While it may seem limiting at first, mastering the art of saying “no” is an essential step to striking a work-life balance. When new requests or issues come up, ask yourself whether it contributes or detracts from your goal. Then determine if it requires immediate attention or can wait until a later date. If the request requires immediate attention, consider whether it is higher priority that the items on your priority list, and if it is, determine what other items can be pushed to a later date. If you’re juggling a lot of priorities and everything seems to be due at once, break down your list into the most immediate priorities and start with the tasks you can accomplish quickly, then on the heels of your newfound momentum, move to the tasks that require more attention and effort.

Balancing work, life, and school can be tricky, check out our聽Tips for Busy Parents in Nursing School.

Tip 2: Manage Deadlines

Procrastination is often the biggest hurdle many have to jump when trying to manage time and balance work and home life. And when you know you have a deadline looming, it can sometimes worsen the tendency to procrastinate. Good news, self-regulation is something we can learn by breaking聽down tasks into manageable parts.

A simple way to feel less overwhelmed when faced with an impending deadline, is the break down the parts of the task and prioritize what needs to be done when. Once you have the scope of the project in mind, start with your deadline and work backwards to determine when each milestone needs to be completed in order to finish your task by the due date. This is a technique project managers often use when building out complex projects with a lot of moving parts, but it can also apply to your coursework, job duties, and even your home responsibilities.

Let’s put it into practice. If your task is to write a term paper and you’re deadline is in one week, first determine the scope of the task: research the topic, write the outline, gather citations, writing the first draft, and edit the draft. Then, make time each day to accomplish one of these tasks instead of cramming it all in the night before. This will allow you to balance writing your term paper with your other responsibilities, whether it’s completing other coursework, caring for children, or working a job.

If you’re struggling with staying focused, check out our article on 5 Ways to Make Studying Less of a Chore.

Tip 3. Get Organized

To minimize that dreaded sense of urgency, you can leverage organizational skills to build habits that ensure you know when your deadlines are and what is required to reach them.

• Use Organizational Tools
  Having a few tools in your organizational belt can be invaluable to your time-management process. Part of managing your time well is knowing everything you need to do and what your deadlines are. You can keep your tasks and dates organized using a physical day planner or digital calendar app. Set reminders for important dates or deadlines to help you remember when things are due. You can also keep a journal with notes as you’re working through each task so you can pick up where you left off if you have to switch to something else.
• Avoid Distractions
  An important part of completing a task, like studying or homework is to spend quality time focusing on it, but distractions can interfere with your ability to stay on task. If studying at home makes you want to clean the house, go to a coffee shop or tutoring center for quality focus time. Consider other distractions like your phone or tablet, and either leave them at home or shut them off while studying to reduce easy distractions. Another likely distraction can be family. If you’re preparing for an important exam, tell family and friends that you need a few hours of uninterrupted time to focus on your studies. Sometimes a chatty mind can also be a distraction. Find sounds that help your mind relax like soundscapes, binaural beats, classical music, or ambient sounds.
• Ask for Help
  Going to school is hard, especially when you’re balancing your time with other responsibilities. There are so many deadlines and due dates that students can quickly get overwhelmed. At 黑料网最新入口, our Faculty, Student Success Advisors, Tutors, and Staff are committed to helping our students succeed, so if you鈥檙e feeling overwhelmed, start by asking for help.

At 黑料网最新入口, our Faculty, Student Success Advisors, Tutors, and Staff are committed to helping our students succeed with effective time management strategies. Whether you’re beginning your healthcare journey with our ASN program, pursuing a 3 year BSN degree or accelerated BSN program, advancing through our RN to BSN program, or reaching higher with an MSN degree, we’ll provide the support you need to balance your educational goals. Discover which nursing pathway aligns with your career goals by exploring our nursing programs.

1. Understand the NCLEX Exam

The NCLEX is a standardized assessment overseen by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Passing this exam is imperative, as it serves as the gateway for all nurses acquiring their nursing license and enabling them to practice as RNs.

NCLEX Format and Structure

Understanding the anticipated question count on the NCLEX can be a reassuring strategy for managing anxiety. The variable format of the NCLEX features a range of questions, spanning from 75 to 265, instead of one set number that each RN candidate must answer. The point of this format is for great test takers to not have to answer so many questions and for people who struggle with testing to have ample time to demonstrate their knowledge. Test-takers are administered questions until enough information is gathered to determine a pass or fail, all within five hours, including breaks.

Content Categories and Weightage

The NCLEX is structured in four major client needs categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. Understanding question types, the variable question count, and the weightage of the four client needs categories is vital for effective preparation.

2. Prepare a Study Plan

An effective NCLEX study plan will include timelines and goals for tackling different content areas of the test. Having the right resources is instrumental in preparing for and passing the exam for RN candidates.

• Practice test questions
• Work with a Tutor
• Get together in study groups
• Go back to your textbooks
• Keep your nursing program course notes handy
• Use other commercially available NCLEX-RN prep materials

3. Identify NCLEX-Specific Stressors

Navigating the NCLEX comes with its unique set of stressors, which can significantly impact aspiring nurses. Common sources of stress and anxiety often stem from the high stakes of the exam, as passing is crucial for obtaining an RN license. Addressing performance pressure is essential, ensuring that you approach the NCLEX with confidence and a well-prepared mindset. Some ways to manage this pressure are to visit a mental health professional, learn more about the NCLEX-RN requirements, and to remind yourself you can take the NCLEX-RN more than once if need be.

4. Get to Know NCLEX Test-Taking Strategies

Taking the NCLEX requires not only a comprehensive understanding of nursing knowledge but also a mastery of effective test-taking strategies. As this examination encompasses a variety of questions and聽 can present a challenging time constraint, having a well-structured approach is essential.

Time Management Techniques

Effective time management is a critical aspect of success when facing the NCLEX. This includes setting time limits for each question, avoiding getting stuck on challenging items, and ensuring that there’s ample time for review. Time management techniques help test-takers maintain a steady pace, ensuring they have the opportunity to address all questions and reduce the risk of rushing through the later sections of the exam.

Dealing with Uncertainty and Guessing

Dealing with uncertainty and guessing can be inevitable on the NCLEX, where not all questions may be answerable with absolute certainty. It’s crucial to avoid getting bogged down on a single question and to make educated guesses when necessary, using hints or clues within the question to make the best-informed choice.

5. Adjust Your Approach Different Types of Questions

Navigating the NCLEX’s diverse question types demands a multifaceted approach to ensure success. Understanding the unique requirements of each question format is key. By tailoring your approach to each question type, you can maximize your performance on the NCLEX and demonstrate your readiness to excel as an RN.

• Multiple-choice: Carefully read the stem and all answer choices before selecting the best response.
• Select All That Apply (SATA): Identify all correct options by considering each choice independently and assessing whether it appropriately answers what the question is asking.
• Prioritization: This requires a keen understanding of client care and the ability to rank interventions effectively.
• Math Calculation: Necessitate precision in solving mathematical problems, keeping in mind rounding instructions and standard conversion rates when applicable.
• Chart/Exhibit-Based: Require the interpretation of a larger amount of data for a thorough response.
• Audio: Involve attentive listening to provide accurate answers.
• Fill-in-the-blank: Follow specific rounding guidelines if provided while entering the correct answer.

6. Prepare Mentally for the NCLEX Exam

Mental preparation for the NCLEX is a crucial aspect of success. Embracing mindfulness and meditation techniques can help calm nerves and improve focus during the test. Visualizations and positive affirmations are powerful tools to boost confidence and alleviate anxiety, enabling candidates to approach the exam with a positive mindset. Incorporating breathing exercises for relaxation can further aid in maintaining composure throughout the testing process. These mental preparation strategies equip aspiring nurses with the inner strength and resilience needed to tackle the NCLEX with confidence and achieve their professional goals.

7. Create a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment is pivotal in ensuring a successful NCLEX journey. Building a robust support system can provide the motivation and encouragement needed to persevere through the challenging preparation period. Open and honest communication with family and friends helps establish a nurturing atmosphere, as they can better understand the demands and offer essential emotional backing. Handling social media and peer comparisons is equally vital. It’s important to avoid getting entangled in the stress-inducing cycle of comparing one’s progress to others. Fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes emotional well-being can significantly enhance one’s ability to stay focused and composed throughout the NCLEX preparation process.

8. Manage Test-Day Anxiety

Managing anxiety is a critical component of NCLEX success. Preparing the night before can significantly reduce stress by ensuring that all necessary materials, identification, and any essential documents are organized and ready. Proper nutrition and staying hydrated on the day of the exam are fundamental to maintaining optimal mental and physical condition, allowing for clear thinking and sustained energy.

Additionally, practicing positive visualization before the exam can help instill a sense of confidence and composure. These strategies collectively contribute to a calm and collected test-day experience, empowering candidates to approach the NCLEX with the utmost readiness and focus. Try to schedule the examination so that you have appropriate time for self-care both before and after the exam. Self-care can go a long way to alleviating stress.

During the NCLEX Exam

Managing your mindset and approach during the NCLEX is necessary for a successful outcome. To avoid panic during the test, it’s essential to stay composed and not let challenging questions disrupt your overall rhythm. Using breaks effectively is crucial for recharging and regaining focus. Taking short, purposeful breaks can help maintain mental sharpness. One ten minute break every 50 minutes has been shown to recharge ones mental acuity and focus. Staying focused and confident throughout the exam is essential. Believe in your preparation and ability to tackle each question, maintaining a positive and resilient mindset.

Post-Exam Coping Strategies

After completing the NCLEX, it’s crucial to employ effective post-exam coping strategies. Debriefing and reflecting on the exam can help you identify areas of improvement and better prepare for future attempts if necessary. However, it’s equally important to avoid post-exam rumination, as excessive dwelling on the test can lead to unnecessary stress. Instead, reward yourself for your efforts and dedication. Celebrate the journey you’ve undertaken, regardless of the exam’s outcome, and acknowledge your hard work.

Coping with NCLEX Results

To cope with NCLEX , begin by understanding the NCLEX scoring system to grasp your performance and identify areas for improvement. Managing expectations and emotions is essential, as your results may not always align with your expectations. Stay resilient and adaptable in the face of varying outcomes. If a retake is necessary, create a well-structured plan to address weaknesses and enhance your chances of success in subsequent attempts. These coping strategies help candidates navigate the challenging terrain of NCLEX results, ensuring they remain focused on their ultimate goal of becoming a registered nurse.

9. Maintain Overall Well-being during NCLEX Preparation

Ensuring overall well-being while preparing for the NCLEX is a paramount concern. Balancing study and self-care is crucial, as it prevents burnout and maintains mental and emotional stability. Physical exercise plays a significant role in stress management, as it releases endorphins and enhances overall resilience. Moreover, the impact of nutrition on managing anxiety should not be underestimated, as a well-balanced diet can provide the necessary energy and focus for effective study sessions. By addressing these aspects, aspiring nurses can optimize their well-being throughout their NCLEX preparation journey, setting the stage for success.

10. Seek Professional Support

Seeking professional support during your NCLEX preparation is a wise step to ensure that you’re equipped to navigate the challenges effectively. Recognizing when you need help is an important first step. Accessing various mental health resources can provide valuable guidance and emotional support during the stressful preparation period. Joining supportive study groups and communities can foster a sense of camaraderie and shared learning experiences, reducing feelings of isolation. These avenues for professional support can significantly enhance your overall readiness and well-being, helping you confidently approach the NCLEX with a robust support network in place.

The journey to becoming a registered nurse, culminating in the NCLEX, is undeniably challenging. It’s not just a test of knowledge but also a test of mental and emotional resilience. To succeed, we’ve explored a range of strategies, from understanding the exam’s format and unique question types to maintaining overall well-being and seeking professional support when needed.

Yet, as you stand on the cusp of this significant milestone, it’s essential to remember that managing stress and anxiety is an integral part of the process. Embrace mindfulness, visualization, and positive affirmations, as well as practicing effective breathing exercises. This can reduce anxiety and bolster your confidence on test day.

As you enter the NCLEX exam room, take a deep breath, trust in your abilities, and recall the reasons that led you to this moment. With mindfulness, visualization, and a positive mindset, you can navigate this challenge with confidence.

Whether you’re beginning your healthcare journey with our ASN program, pursuing a traditional BSN degree or accelerated BSN program, advancing through our RN to BSN program, or reaching higher with an MSN degree, discover which nursing program aligns with your career goals by exploring our nursing school.

Nursing is a career where a lot of your first experiences will come from the 鈥渓earn by doing鈥� model, a.k.a clinical. Clinical is a time to learn and practice as much as possible, gain confidence in your abilities, and believe that you can face and overcome the challenges of being a nurse. Despite your jitters, fears, and anxiety, your clinical rotation is where all the hard work you鈥檝e already put into your studies and labs will start to pay off. So jump in with both feet and follow these tips. And before you know it, you鈥檒l start to feel more and more comfortable with each new task you take on.

Ask questions

You know the feeling 鈥� you have a question in class but don鈥檛 want to ask it because you fear it鈥檚 too elementary or you should already know the answer. You ask it anyway. Three people immediately lean over and thank you for asking it because they didn鈥檛 know the answer either. In class, as in your clinical rotation, there is no such thing as a stupid question. If you don鈥檛 know something, ask, then commit the answer to memory! If you don鈥檛, you might miss out on a golden opportunity to learn something.

There will be times where your instructor will be too busy to answer a question. This is the perfect time for you to find the answer on your own. Do some research. Study your books. Look up diagnoses, treatments, terminology, or medications that you have trouble remembering. If you can鈥檛 find the answer you鈥檙e looking for, write down the question and ask your instructor at a time that鈥檚 more appropriate for them.

Related Resource: How to Survive Your Overnight Nursing Clinical Shift

Be humble

Nurses are lifelong learners. You won鈥檛 start clinical knowing everything, and you won鈥檛 retire knowing everything, either. That鈥檚 the beauty of the profession 鈥� there鈥檚 always so much to learn! Books and lectures, as much as they might try, can鈥檛 convey the nuances of communication and patient care that start to form when you鈥檙e actually in the trenches. Being humble and gracious to the nurses who are teaching you, and knowing that your knowledge base hasn鈥檛 even scratched the surface when you enter clinical, will take you far in developing a solid learning experience for yourself.

Be confident, too

Clinical is like learning in hyperdrive, but that doesn鈥檛 mean you haven鈥檛 already learned a lot, or that you aren鈥檛 ready for the challenges you鈥檙e about to face. Your first classes in nursing school should have prepared you for the responsibilities you鈥檙e about to take on. Working with patients for the first time can be daunting, but remember: You were accepted into nursing school for a reason! Others believe in you just as much as you first believed in yourself, so enter your first day of clinical with confidence, too.

Be an active learner

Being a wallflower won鈥檛 help you become a great nurse. Even though that might be your natural instinct when thrusted into a new 鈥� and scary 鈥� situation, take control of your experience. The nurses and other healthcare professionals are there to guide and mentor you, but they鈥檙e not there to do the learning for you. Don鈥檛 wait for someone to tell you everything you鈥檙e there to learn 鈥� seek out what you want to learn during your practicum. If you haven鈥檛 done something before, ask your supervisor to do it. This is the time to practice your skills!

Remember: The little things count

While most of your time will be spent learning about patient care and how a hospital or clinic operates, the little things you do to prepare for clinical will show your instructor and classmates that you take your role, and their time, seriously. Here鈥檚 a helpful list of things to remember:

• Be on time. Treat this clinical rotation like you would any other job.
• Be professional. Even though you鈥檙e a student, this is a work environment, and basic workplace etiquette still applies to you.
• Know the dress code. And stick to it!
• Eat a good meal beforehand. Your brain will thank you when you鈥檙e trying to recall information.
• Stay positive. We all need to vent from time to time, but do it away from the hospital and on your own time.
• Be prepared. Study your patients鈥� charts so you鈥檙e prepared if you鈥檙e called on by your preceptor to answer questions about one of them.
• But don鈥檛 fake it. If you don鈥檛 know an answer to a question, be honest with your preceptor.
• Stay engaged. Stay alert. You never know when an opportunity to learn something new will strike.

Above all else, say thank you. Kindness truly does goes a long way.

At 黑料网最新入口, it鈥檚 important to us to ensure that all of our students get the most out of their education, including their clinical rotations. Whether you’re beginning your healthcare journey with our ASN program, pursuing a 3 year BSN degree or accelerated BSN program, advancing through our RN to BSN program, or reaching higher with an MSN degree, discover which nursing pathway aligns with your career goals by exploring our nursing school.

Being busy isn鈥檛 an excuse to skip the meals, eat poorly, or neglect one of the most important parts of your body: your brain! As a student of healthcare, it鈥檚 critical to keep your mind in shape by eating the right kinds of foods with lots of vitamins and minerals. It鈥檚 definitely not easy, but by knowing what to eat and what to stay away from, you can make the right choices to keep yourself healthy 鈥� and in better condition to learn and manage your responsibilities.

Here are some foods we think will support your busy healthcare student lifestyle so you can be focused and productive all day long.

Fish

Fish is a great source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins D and B2 鈥� all the nutrients you need to keep your brain healthy and focused while memorizing so much medical terminology. It might not be the most convenient food to prepare on a weeknight, but it鈥檚 so good for students to eat to maintain healthy brain function.

The oilier the fish, the better. Wild salmon, tuna, and sardines are fantastic to have on hand since they have high concentrations of DHA, found to help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk heart attack, and aid in memory retention.

Some people are scared to cook fish because its meat is delicate and easily susceptible to overcooking, but you don鈥檛 have to be an expert chef to cook a delicious meal. Remembering a few simple tricks will turn that daunting slab of fish into a quick dinner even the busiest of students can enjoy! If you鈥檙e running out of preparation time, throw some tuna on a salad or eat sardines straight from the can for a portable snack.

Related Resources: 10 Tips to Sleep Better During School

Don鈥檛 forget the snacks!

Speaking of snacks, eating small, nutrient-rich meals when you鈥檙e hungry help keep your energy up, especially on days when you鈥檙e taking care of patients at your clinical rotation or running between classes, work, and driving your kids to soccer practice.

The addition of snacks to your diet is perfect for keeping your blood sugars in check, but it鈥檚 important to remember that not all snacks are created equal. Food has the power to make us feel tired and sluggish or energized and focused. Nutrition counts!

For starters, add hummus and carrots, string cheese, seeds, apples, and nuts to the snack drawer in your refrigerator. Pick foods that are easy to prepare ahead of time, and keep reusable containers handy so they鈥檙e easy to toss into your backpack or purse in the morning.

Routinely bringing snacks with you on the go will help cut down on the desire to buy chips or foods high in salt and calories and low in vitamins.

Related resources: 7 Life Hacks for Healthy Living as a Medical Professional

Leftovers

As a student, sometimes it feels as though you barely have enough time to take a deep breath, let alone time to prepare meals. While this may be true at times, you鈥檇 be surprised by how much time you鈥檒l actually save by doing so. Don鈥檛 forget driving to buy a meal takes a lot of time too! Making a conscious effort to plan meals, go to the grocery store, and cook ahead of time can also help decrease the stress related to the dreaded question, 鈥淲hat鈥檚 for dinner?鈥�

And let鈥檚 not forget the leftovers. Making enough to bring for lunch the next day is a healthy alternative to eating out daily 鈥� and saves money for school essentials.

Opt for the steamed broccoli

Dining out on occasion with classmates is a great way to blow off some steam and get to know your new friends and future colleagues. Ordering burgers and fries every time, however, won鈥檛 give your body the proper nutrition you鈥檒l need to be an active learner. Instead, substitute a salad for tater tots and onion rings. Ask your server before it鈥檚 served to you. Look for words like 鈥渟teamed,鈥� 鈥渂aked,鈥� or 鈥渂roiled鈥� over words like 鈥渇ried,鈥� 鈥渃reamy,鈥� and 鈥渟calloped.鈥�

Most of all, listen to your body and see how it responds to certain foods. Some foods might give you all the energy to run a marathon, while others can make you crash and burn. We want our students to feel their best so they can bring their best selves to the classroom every single day.

1. Give yourself enough time to study

There isn鈥檛 a one-size-fits-all best time to take the NCLEX. Every nurse will have a different NCLEX success story. It鈥檚 a matter of finding the time that鈥檚 best for you. If your nursing program included a strong NCLEX review course, you might schedule your test just as you graduate. If yours didn鈥檛, you might choose to take some extra weeks or months to study and review. Test registration is typically available starting six weeks before your program ends. Once you decide you鈥檙e ready to test, sign up and pay your exam and licensure fees 鈥� typically around $300.

Considering those costs, you should give yourself plenty of time to study to ensure you鈥檙e ready to pass the first time you take it. Rather than cramming all of your studying into an impossible timeframe, take care of your mind and body as you鈥檙e preparing. Find a comfortable study space where you actually enjoy learning and take frequent short and long breaks to keep your brain limber and to allow the information to soak in.

Of course, you still have to think like a nurse. You鈥檒l still need to push yourself and tend to all the other spinning plates in your day-to-day life. Your NCLEX study plan shouldn鈥檛 be unpleasant or rushed, but everything about it should be challenging, including the timeline. Give yourself the study hours you need, but schedule the exam as soon as possible so you can pass and get to work as a nurse right away.

We highly recommend allocating a specific amount of time each day and itemize the topics you need to cover during each session. Every student studies differently, but many nursing forums contain by past exam-takers with schedules that worked for them.

Related Resource: 10 Tips for Creating Your Ideal Study Space

2. Know how the test is structured

If your program prepared you well for the NCLEX, skip over this part. If not, and the whole process seems rather murky, it鈥檚 important you know how the test is structured.

This outline from the contains percentage ranges for each category on which you鈥檒l be tested. As you read through the categories, it鈥檚 a good idea to determine which areas you believe to be your strengths, as well as the areas you鈥檒l need to study especially thoroughly in preparation for the exam.

It鈥檚 also useful to know that the NCLEX is administered with computerized adaptive testing, or CAT. That means that you won鈥檛 be needing to sharpen any number-two pencils and should expect to take the test in front of a screen. Questions will be of four major types: drag-and-drop, multiple choice, hot spots, and chart/exhibit.

Another unique factor in the NCLEX is that the length of it depends on the test taker. Registered nurse candidates must answer at least 75 questions correctly, which is the shortest possible test length. However, incorrect answers lead to a longer test, with 265 being the highest possible number of questions contained within the exam. The NCLEX can take up to six hours, but the majority of test takers require less than the maximum time allocation.

If your test ends up being over 75 questions, remember to stay positive. A longer test doesn鈥檛 mean you failed, and anyway, it鈥檚 rare for anyone to reach that maximum number of questions. As long as you鈥檙e still in the running for a passing score, the computer will continue administering new questions until enough information is gathered to settle on a pass or fail. This system is helpful in that it helps test-takers focus on the questions in front of them one at a time 鈥� if the test is still going, it鈥檚 still possible to pass!

Related Resource:聽8 Tips for Passing the NCLEX-RN Exam

3. Implement your NCLEX study plan

One of the best ways to ensure that you ace the NCLEX is to take a few practice tests in preparation. The Internet has plenty of reputable resources when it comes to study guides and example NCLEX test questions. Once you have a nice collection of resources both online and in print, consider crafting a routine for your study days with a good balance of practice tests, reading materials, and enough downtime between to give you the brainpower you need to absorb the most possible information. Some test candidates like to study in intense, short bursts while others prefer to make studying an interwoven part of their everyday routines.

Studying for the NCLEX with a group of friends can help ensure your exam successWhatever your NCLEX study plan may be, it can be wise to buddy up with a friend from your cohort who鈥檚 also preparing to take the exam. Although preparation is hard work, it can be rewarding 鈥� and even fun 鈥� to study with someone else. Even though you can鈥檛 take the test together, you鈥檒l memorize more with two heads instead of one, and your individual strengths can help each other鈥檚 weaknesses.

Think of fun ways to study with a friend or group, like taking breaks to grab ice cream or planning to watch a favorite movie together after your study session. Building these sorts of rewards into your exam planning reinforces positive associations with the test material and keeps stress levels lower 鈥� which in turn means that information retention will go up.

Related Resource:聽Best Guides for Passing the NCLEX-RN

4. Consider an NCLEX prep course

Some graduates might need a little extra oomph when they begin studying apart from their nursing instructors. The structured delivery of an NCLEX prep course can be helpful to those who struggle setting aside time to study between other activities. If you鈥檙e someone who learns better in a structured environment, there are and in classrooms. NCLEX prep courses do cost a significant amount of money, yet for many students, the price is worth it for the assurance that a structured learning environment can bring.

Prep courses also serve as a fantastic option for the students who didn鈥檛 take or schedule the test immediately after graduation. If you are newly graduated from your nursing program, much of the material covered in the NCLEX may still be fresh in your brain. However, a prep course will help you bring the knowledge to the forefront of your mind if it鈥檚 been awhile since graduation. With a structured prep course, you can save yourself the time you would have spent sorting out study materials and old notes. Prep courses aren鈥檛 for everyone, but they can benefit a lot of nursing students.

Related Resource:聽Normal Lab Values in Nursing

5. Give yourself a break the day before the test

As the big day approaches, give yourself a day away from NCLEX materials. At this point, you鈥檝e put in the hard work and dedication needed to prepare yourself for this pivotal moment in your nursing career 鈥� so enjoy a relaxing break before you put your knowledge to the test.

A day of rest can relax you, preparing you to take the test calmly and thoughtfully, employing the knowledge you鈥檝e already gained and recently reviewed. Cramming the night before will more likely result in a frantic and muddled mind. The material is in there, so a break is well deserved. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet leading up to the test time.

6. Only bring essentials with you to the test

On the day of the exam, you鈥檒l only need to be confident and do your best. Your goal should be to minimize distractions of any sort so you can focus on the exam itself. Plan to show up to the testing site in loose, comfortable layers, so you aren鈥檛 distracted by too-tight sleeves or itchy fabrics. Layering also means you won鈥檛 be bothered by fluctuations in temperature 鈥� you can simply make adjustments mid-test.

To help stay calm and relaxed in the moments leading up to the test, try to arrive about a half-hour early to the testing location. Don鈥檛 arrive too hungry or too full, and make sure to stay well-hydrated so your brain can perform at its peak. Last but not least: Remember to breathe and feel proud of all of your accomplishments thus far. You鈥檝e worked hard to be here, and taking the NCLEX is your time to shine and show how much you know!

Related Resource:聽5 NCLEX Test Taking Strategies

7. Know where to get the results.

Once you鈥檝e taken your exam, any amount of time to find out the results can feel like a long time. Luckily there is more than one option for receiving your NCLEX results.

Normally, results are mailed to you approximately six weeks after the exam day. If that seems like too long to wait, some approved services are available for a fee that will reveal your results to you within 48 hours. If for any reason the exam is unsuccessful, you can take it again in 45 days. But if you鈥檝e prepared well and followed through with a concerted study regimen, chances are you did better than you imagine. When you get your results, whatever they may be, make sure to congratulate yourself on the effort and commitment you made to arrive at such a major milestone.

Explore Your Nursing Education Options at 黑料网最新入口

Whether you’re beginning your healthcare journey with our ASN program, pursuing a traditional BSN degree or accelerated BSN program, advancing through our RN to BSN program, or reaching higher with an MSN degree, discover which nursing program aligns with your career goals by exploring our nursing school.

That鈥檚 what we鈥檙e addressing in this week鈥檚 NCLEX study tips: How to strategize for multiple choice questions.

If you鈥檝e heard anything about , you probably know that the majority of the questions on it will be in a multiple choice format. Others will be those that are considered Alternate Format type questions, which we鈥檒l deal with next week.

1. Expect These Multiple Choice 鈥淭hemes鈥�

You鈥檙e going to see two different kinds of multiple choice questions. This question format will include priority (what should the nurse do first), as well as positive (true) and negative (false) questions. Remember, as we discussed in last week鈥檚 NCLEX study tips, priority questions often have more than one 鈥渞ight鈥� answer, but there鈥檚 always a correct action to choose first.

2. Narrow Down the Positive Statements

Positive questions will present four statements, and only one of them will be the correct answer; all of the others answers are incorrect. These might be called 鈥渃lassic鈥� multiple choice questions, but at the very least they鈥檙e the type of questions that most of us are more comfortable with. For these questions, you need to cross out any answers that are obviously wrong to narrow down your options. By ignoring what鈥檚 obviously incorrect, you鈥檒l be able to concentrate more on choosing the one correct answer.

3. Think Differently for Negative Questions

Negative questions are just the opposite: They present three answers which are correct statements, and one is incorrect. Here you are looking for that incorrect statement. These are much harder for many people, because in test-mode our minds want to automatically choose a correct statement as soon as you see it. This means you need to look vigilantly for signs that a question is negative instead of positive. When you see it, you have to adopt the paradoxical mindset that the 鈥渃orrect鈥� answer is wrong.

4. Don鈥檛 Expect 鈥淓xcept鈥�

The old NCLEX used the word 鈥淓xcept鈥� when asking a question (such as 鈥渁ll of the following are true except which option鈥�). That one little word made things clear, and its absence has made things trickier. Instead, you should expect to see questions phrased closer to 鈥渨hich option indicates the client needs further instruction?鈥�

This means the same thing as using the word 鈥渆xcept鈥� (i.e. that one of the options isn鈥檛 sufficient, and in simpler terms: that all of the options are correct statements except one). In this case and others like it, you should look for the option that is an incorrect statement, which makes it the correct answer. Confusing? It can be, which is why it鈥檚 so important to take your time and really read the question. We鈥檝e said it before: Paying close attention and comprehending what鈥檚 asked of you will keep you from jumping to an answer. If you do that, you鈥檙e going to look for something that鈥檚 a correct statement鈥攚hich would, in this case and in all negative questions, be the wrong answer.

P.S. We love feedback. Post to our page or give us a shout on with comments or requests for specific information you鈥檇 like to see in the series.

Happy studying, and see you with more NCLEX study tips next week!

鈥� Cheryl Armstrong, MS, RN
鈥� Britt Baer, RN, MSN-HCSM, SANE

Bear in mind that the NCLEX is always different because of the exam鈥檚 technology. We can give you a range of how broad certain areas of the test might be, but depending on the algorithm or your performance, certain sections or subsections could be larger or smaller.

Related resource: How the NCLEX Works

Safe and Effective Care Environment

Good care happens in a well-run care environment. This section of the test focuses on maintaining a proper care delivery setting and is divided into two subsections.

Management of Care

17鈥�23 percent. This is the largest single subsection of the NCLEX. It鈥檚 where you鈥檒l find questions about how to provide healthcare in the right way. You鈥檒l be asked about:

• Ethics.
• Legal rights and responsibilities.
• Case management.
• Organ donation and client consent.
• How to effectively assign, supervise, and delegate care.
• Client rights.

Being a nurse is not just knowing about how to provide healthcare; it鈥檚 also about conducting yourself in the right way.

Safety and Infection Control

9鈥�15 percent. Preventing hospital-acquired infections or other complications is a daily challenge for healthcare workers. Here you鈥檒l be asked about precautions relating to:

• How to handle hazardous or infectious material.
• How to take precaution against transmission.
• How to prevent accidents and injuries.
• How to respond to emergencies when they do happen.
• How to use equipment safely.

Related resource: 5 NCLEX Test Taking Strategies

Health Promotion and Maintenance

6鈥�12 percent. Knowing about health, prevention, and human life cycles are all integral parts of nursing. This section of the NCLEX will quiz you on birth, newborn care, and aging. It covers screening, disease prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and potential risk behaviors.

Psychosocial Integrity

6鈥�12 percent. Nursing has a large mental and social component to it. This is where you鈥檒l find questions about chemical and substance dependencies and disorders, mental health, and abuse. Other important subjects include cultural awareness, family dynamics, and stress management.

Related resource: Nursing Lab Values to Know

Physiological Integrity

This is the largest section of the NCLEX, sometimes taking up well over half of the test. And for good reason: Physiological integrity is all about your ability to deliver proper nursing care. It鈥檚 broken into four subsections:

Basic Care and Comfort

6鈥�12 percent. Nurses oversee patients鈥� basic needs in a hospital or clinic. This section focuses on daily issues like personal hygiene, sleep, nutrition, hydration, and mobility.

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

12鈥�18 percent. This is where you鈥檒l be tested on drugs, therapies, and their effects and side effects. You might find questions about chemotherapy, blood products, and pain management. You鈥檒l also be asked about drugs, what they do, and how to administer them, be it orally or through a venous access device.

Related resource: Ask an Expert: Guide to the NCLEX

Reduction of Risk Potential

9鈥�15 percent. It鈥檚 in everyone鈥檚 best interest to reduce the likelihood of complications, hospital-acquired infections, or more health problems. This subsection will ask you about:

• Monitoring a patient鈥檚 vital signs.
• Reading laboratory values.
• What to watch out for after surgery.
• How to assess specific bodily systems.
• What to look for after major changes in patient health.

Physiological Adaptation

11鈥�17 percent. Nurses deal with heavy, life-threatening events. This subsection will quiz you on how to respond to an emergency, manage illnesses, and how to address a patient鈥檚 unexpected response to a therapy.

At 黑料网最新入口, we鈥檙e devoted to equipping students with the knowledge and confidence they need to pass the NCLEX and become working RNs.

It鈥檚 not easy completely changing class structure and schedule, moving from a traditional classroom setting to a virtual learning environment. For students at schools like Joyce, which specializes in nursing education and other healthcare-related degrees, many instructional methods such as clinical simulations or other hands-on practice take a tremendous amount of adjustment to replicate virtually.

Nevertheless, this is the reality we face in the coming weeks. In light of this, here are five helpful tips for making the most of your virtual experience while maintaining social distancing and following the guidelines and regulations provided by your local leadership.

1. Learn the Technology

Whether your school is using Zoom, Skype, Facetime, Slack, Blue Jeans, or some other telecommunication software, it鈥檚 important that you understand how to use it properly. A few suggestions may include:

• Keep your camera on. Seeing your peers鈥� and teachers鈥� faces will give your call more human interaction.
• Keep your microphone on. This makes it so you can easily ask questions or contribute to discussion with your class.
• Use headphones. Headphones can help drown out potential distractions around you and keep you focused.
• Upload a profile picture. If you鈥檙e using communication tools like Slack, be sure to add a photo of yourself. Seeing the faces of your friends and allowing them to see you too can make a huge difference.

2. Maintain Social Interaction

The term 鈥渟ocial distancing鈥� is now nearly ubiquitous across the globe. However, this phrase may be somewhat misleading. Social distancing does not mean we must avoid all interaction with others. Rather, as outlined by聽, we are encouraged to聽physically聽distance ourselves 6 or more feet from others and avoid large crowds or gatherings of people such as airports, movies, or concerts.

If you are with children, roommates, or other family members, make an effort to spend quality time with them. This interaction is important to break up your day and provides needed social interaction.

Find ways to continue communicating with others. You can practice social distancing while still being social. This will help you retain a sense of normalcy and social involvement that is beneficial to your overall health.

3. Create a Routine

Many of the students I have spoken with have mentioned that they have concerns about staying motivated while at home. Admittedly, taking away the physical classroom setting and moving to classes from home can have a detrimental effect on the psyche. As a student, your schoolwork may be secondary to a number of things like job or children. It is important to create a routine and to set aside specific blocks of time to work on school assignments. This can help make schoolwork from home more manageable and productive. Likewise, having a specific location for these activities helps provide barriers for family members, reducing interruptions, and increasing focus. This routine will foster a sense of normalcy for your family as they stay at home.

Joyce is maintaining synchronous virtual instruction to help keep student rhythm as consistent as possible. Without the social accountability that comes with doing work in a classroom, many students may adopt an attitude of 鈥淚鈥檒l do my homework when I get to it,鈥� but that leads to procrastination, disengagement, and can lead to suffering grades.

4. Take Time Each Day to Disconnect from the Media and News

While it鈥檚 certainly important to stay up to date on the latest developments regarding COVID-19, spending hours each day constantly reading the news and watching the number of cases rise may cause unnecessary panic or discouragement. Take time each day to unplug, disconnecting from the never-ending cycle of media and news updates. Remember, it鈥檚 only temporary. This too shall pass.

Playing with your children or with roommates are good ways to disconnect. Try board games, card games, or a puzzle, or another activity that gets your mind off of things.

5. Find Time to Do Something You Love

Nobody can stay engaged in school from sunup to sundown. It鈥檚 critical to take a break every once in a while and do something you enjoy. Go for a walk, paint, read a book, or simply cook your favorite meal. Brown, McDaniel, and Roediger鈥檚 popular book聽Make It Stick聽talks about the importance of 鈥�,鈥� meaning you study a topic and then take time before coming back to it. Studies show that this will help you understand and remember the material on a much deeper level than 鈥渕indless repetition鈥� will.

Finding Your New (Temporary) Normal

Many students tell me they cannot wait for things to go back to normal. While I agree, as an administrator in healthcare education, I鈥檓 quick to realize that simply hanging on until that day comes is not good for one鈥檚 emotional, mental, or physical health. The best way to thrive is to always move forward.

Following these simple suggestions should help any student find their new normal as they adjust to school online. Because despite the circumstances, we must recognize how fortunate we are to have technology amidst a pandemic such as this. Let鈥檚 keep moving forward together.

For more information on how Joyce is adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic, check out our COVID Update and COVID FAQ pages. And be sure to follow us on to stay in the loop!

While social media can be a helpful tool, medical assistants, nurses, and other individuals who work directly with patients have to take extra precautions when using social media to avoid breaking privacy laws. These policies are serious, and so recruiters and managers take social media very seriously when hiring new nurses and other professionals. For medical assisting and nursing students preparing for their first job in healthcare, this means you have to be extra vigilant 鈥� not only in what you post online, but considering what you鈥檝e published in the past.

We want to help all of our students succeed at their first job, so we鈥檒l assembled a few best practices for healthcare students using social media.

1. Keep private things private

While there are networking tools that are more public-facing, and should be, consider keeping your more personal profiles on lockdown, especially before you start applying for jobs. Your Facebook and Twitter profiles, for example, are places where posting inside jokes and personal experiences are more the norm. This information is meant to be shared with friends and family, not everyone, and certainly not potential employers. Adjust privacy settings to keep these channels under lock and key.

Old tweets and Facebook posts could hurt your chances of finding a job or externship, according to a 2014 survey from CareerBuilder. The survey found that 51% of employers did not hire a candidate based on what they found on that candidate鈥檚 social media profiles. Even innocuous posts don鈥檛 need to be seen by potential employers (or patients). When you鈥檙e a public servant, it鈥檚 a wise practice to keep your personal social media life private and out of the public鈥檚 eye.

2. Think of your social media profiles as resumes

As a budding healthcare professional, the bottom line is that your social media profiles should be well-managed and deliberate. Recruiters and hiring managers expect new hires to have a social presence, especially on networking sites like LinkedIn. In fact, they might find it odd if they can鈥檛 find you anywhere in the digitalsphere! It鈥檚 about balance; keep the information meant for public consumption 鈥� such as profile pictures, your name, your bios, and your job experiences 鈥� clean, free of grammatical and spelling errors, accurate, and up-to-date. And keep the information meant for your friends and family, as mentioned above, private. Remember: Professionalism is key.

Related resources: Using Your Smartphone Smartly During School

3. Know the rules inside and out

HIPAA regulations protect your patient鈥檚 privacy and health information and how, when, where, and with whom it can be used or shared (this includes online, in person, over the phone, in writing, and so on). Personal health information, or PHI, is protected under HIPAA, related to the following:

• All mental or physical medical conditions (past, present, and future);
• Any care provided to the individual;
• Any payments made for the healthcare received (past, present, and future); and
• Any identifiable information, such as, but not limited to, name, demographics, birth date, photograph, or social security number.
• Sharing a photo of a patient without his or her permission or disclosing his or her treatment in a comment thread might seem innocent, but it isn鈥檛 at all. This would constitute a violation of a patient鈥檚 privacy. Some healthcare professionals might not think what they are sharing is a breach of privacy, especially if the information shared is well-intentioned or a name鈥檚 not disclosed. But these types of violations can be very serious and can land you and your institution in hot water. Knowing the rules inside and out will help you avoid problems before they happen.

In addition, ask to review your school or employer鈥檚 electronic usage policy. These policies address personal use of institutional equipment, a code of ethics, and which websites you can and can鈥檛 visit, but more and more they鈥檙e including guides on personal social media use as well. Carefully read the policy and make sure to ask your boss, instructor, or HR if you have any questions. Familiarize yourself with the rules and know what you can and can鈥檛 post, share via email to your coworkers or classmates, or discuss in blogs or forums. If you鈥檙e still not sure, it鈥檚 always better to err on the side of caution and not post anything online. The old saying is true: It鈥檚 better to be safe than sorry!

4. Act as an ambassador

Your online conduct should closely mirror that of how you conduct yourself in your day-to-day activities, while you鈥檙e in school and beyond. You respect the healthcare profession, and this respect should extend to your online personality as well. Be mindful of your words, and don鈥檛 make disparaging remarks about your experiences with your patients, instructors, school, coworkers, or employer. Your personal accounts should be private, but you never know who knows whom, and you risk others seeing your online activity. We all have bad days, and social media helps when you want to blow off a little steam. But when you feel the need to use online sites to vent about your day, turn the computer off and walk away, and remember the old adage: treat others as you would want to be treated.

Study harder. It鈥檚 no mystery why this is one of the most common New Year鈥檚 resolutions for college students. Better study habits lead to better outcomes. We鈥檝e posted a few blogs that will help you with your study mechanics (try this one and this one), but consistently putting these mechanics into practice requires the formation of habits. To make habits stick, you must commit to them for at least three to four weeks (studies often cite thirty days). Start simple and make it daily. If you only study sporadically, it鈥檒l be much more difficult to form the habit.

Perfect attendance. For many college students, perfect attendance is like a unicorn. You鈥檝e heard of its existence, it sounds amazing, but you鈥檙e pretty convinced it鈥檚 a myth. The truth is, the practical benefit of attending every class is worth the effort it takes to make it happen. You can鈥檛 control unexpected events in your life, but you can better prepare for them. Take care of yourself to avoid sickness. Plan on showing up to campus a little earlier just in case you have car troubles. It鈥檚 not the most glamorous of New Year鈥檚 resolutions, but it鈥檚 one worth pursuing.

Get more sleep. We don鈥檛 need to debate the merit of being well-rested. As a college student, your commitments often keep you from achieving that perfect eight hours of sleep. One way to combat this is by structuring your sleep the same way you structure important events in your life 鈥� budget and plan for it! Try studying earlier. Stay away from computer, tablet, and phone screens prior to hitting the hay.

Finish assignments at least one day in advance. Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing something. It鈥檚 the decision to do something impulsive (often instant gratification) instead of sticking to a plan. To finish assignments early is the most noble of all New Year鈥檚 resolutions for college students. Here鈥檚 how you make it happen:

• Start by writing down when your assignments are due. Make your due date one day earlier.
• Tell at least three people you are completing your assignment a day early. This way, whenever you see them, they鈥檒l be likely to inquire about your progress.
• Break completing the assignment into small, manageable steps. Sometimes we procrastinate because the work seems overwhelming. Small chunks of work are more manageable.
• Eliminate procrastination enablers. This includes and is not limited to Facebook, Pinterest, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, television, jump ropes (if you鈥檙e in to that), etc.

Make healthy choices. These types of resolutions rarely pan out because they aren鈥檛 specific enough. Being specific with your formula will help your resolution stick. For instance, if you want to get in better shape, your formula may look like this:

鈥淚 want to lose [blank] pounds by [date]. I will achieve this by getting [blank] minutes of exercise [blank] times per week. I will also get [blank] number of servings of fruit, vegetables, and whole foods per day.鈥�

Being specific makes all the difference in the world.

Have a 5-year plan. You鈥檙e likely going to college to achieve a specific outcome (like becoming a Registered Nurse). What you do post-college should be about achieving specific outcomes as well. In essence, having a 5-year plan is similar to having an extended New Year鈥檚 resolution. Like all resolutions, be specific about what you want. Write it down. Tell other people about it. Five years is far enough in the future where you can start laying groundwork towards achieving your long-term goals. The best way to stick with it is to revisit your goals often. These should be regularly-scheduled times to determine if the steps you鈥檙e taking to achieve your goals are working or need to be adjusted.

Are we missing your New Year鈥檚 resolution? Post on our with your resolution and we鈥檒l help brainstorm ways to make it stick. We wish you a happy and prosperous New Year! #ATCpride