If you try to cram for an NCLEX, you are doing the exact opposite of what you should be doing. To pass the NCLEX, you need to know your material, but not worse than you know it.
There are three primary NCLEX test prep strategies: reading materials and web sites, using books, and doing some kind of self-study. Each one has their advantages and disadvantages.
First, there is the “take it and get it right on the first try” approach. In the worst case scenario, this strategy can lead to failure, since you’re not really testing yourself as much as you are just guessing. In reality, most people with minimal experience do not even make it to the first five to ten minutes of their practice test because they do not learn anything new.
The second strategy is called “expect to fail” and involves taking it and getting it wrong more often than not. This strategy works well for those that have learned everything they need to learn. These individuals then continue on to the next level of study by doing “information overload” which can make it difficult to grasp important concepts.
The third approach to studying for the NCLEX is the “do-it-yourself approach.” This strategy involves doing some kind of reading, writing, or audio program to help you remember concepts. This may be good for you if you are a classroom-trained learner.
There are many self-study products available, including a wide variety of books, videos, e-books, and study guides. At times, these can be very helpful. However, they will not be nearly as effective as when you take your NCLEX exams from a practice NCLEX exam book.
Many experts agree that the best way to get the most out of a practice NCLEX exam book is to use it to review before a real exam day. This means that you will spend several weeks or months studying for the exam, but you will only use the book for a few hours before the exam. This is a great idea if you are taking the NCLEX multiple times because you will learn a lot in the time that you will use the book.
In addition to the NCLEX study guide, you also need to look for two other elements: practice tests in a non-NCLEX format. As a self-study strategy, this will work best for you. You will probably end up spending longer on the actual practice tests than on the actual tests themselves, but the practice tests will allow you to understand the material that you did not cover in the books or online.
Another element that you need to pay attention to is how much time you actually spend on the practice test. Some people will be at their limit and will spend the majority of their time on the NCLEX exam study guide. Others will study to the point where they feel exhausted and will use the practice tests for review.
Knowing your weaknesses will help you when taking the NCLEX. Not everybody is an N/2 reader, a science buff, or will understand the material that is taught. However, some people are going to have the same characteristics, and then you need to find something that suits your strengths. So when you’re looking for a practice NCLEX exam book, make sure it includes all three of the above elements. Each practice book will teach you some aspect of the NCLEX, but not all. you will need to find a study guide that covers every aspect of the exam. That’s where the different study guides differ.
