FINAL STEPS TO SUCCESS!

SLEEP

Make sure you get plenty of sleep leading up to the exam. 

THE NIGHT BEFORE

Your priority should be to get to bed early and get a good night’s rest.  Alcohol will not enhance your performance in the exam and you have worked too hard to get this far to make the day more difficult than it needs to be. Also watch out for excessive caffeine intake, as this may make it difficult to settle down and concentrate during the exam.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Dress in layers for maximum comfort. The exam centre is air-conditioned and you may feel too warm or too cool at times during the exam.  Also take some high-energy natural sugar food such as apples, bananas, nuts or trail mix and a bottle of water for the 10-minute mandatory break, which you will have to take after 2 hours of testing.

TAKE YOUR TIME

Once in front of the computer, take time to read the introductory screens. A scratch card will be provided, so you can make notes to yourself on key points to remember and you can also do maths calculations as needed. There is also a drop down calculator as part of the exam.

READ CAREFULLY

Once you begin the test questions, be sure to read each question carefully and read all the answer choices before you make a selection.  Don't allow the level of anxiety to cause you to rush to finish. You have 6 hours to answer as many questions as necessary. There is no problem if you are the last one in the test centre; this is not a race.

LAST QUESTION OF 265

If you sit for the total possible questions of 265, you must pay careful attention to the last question.  If you pass the last question you will pass the whole exam, if you fail the last question.  This is because at 264 questions without the computer shutting down you still have not shown your ability enough for your exam to be over and so the outcome is based on the last question!  Tough but true. 

ONE AT A TIME

Expect to feel like you are only getting half the questions correct. Even if you are performing far above the passing level, remember that the NCLEX test is designed to challenge to your test knowledge, so you should expect to only get about half of them right. Just keep going and concentrate on one question at a time.  Focus on what is on the screen and you'll be much more likely to give an accurate answer.

CONFIDENCE IS THE KEY

Be confident in the time and preparation you have invested in preparing for the exam.  You have done well to get to this stage.  Remind yourself of all you can achieve; a positive attitude is crucial to a successful exam outcome!

Also remember

• Read the questions and every option thoroughly and carefully! Ask yourself, what is the question really asking? 
• Pay attention to KEY words (example: Early, late, never, best, immediately, initial). 
• Use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory guide you in prioritizing (example: Physiological needs come first). 
• Use ABCs to prioritize(Airway, Breathing, Circulation) 
• Use the Nursing Process to prioritize (Assessment, Analysis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) 
• Always focus on the client's feelings FIRST! If an answer reflects the client's feelings, select that answer! 
• Know the six rights of Medication Administration (Right client, dosage, route, time, drug, documentation).
•  You are always taking care of a patient. 
•  NCLEX is not the "real world". 
•  Don't pass the buck – this is a nursing exam and therefore it is testing the RN’s knowledge, not the role or responsibilities of other health professionals.
• Take care of the patient first and then the equipment. 
•  Memorize lab values.
•  Communicate therapeutically. 
•  Learn your positions and how to answer positioning questions - are you trying to PREVENT or PROMOTE something
• Don't ever delegate assessment, teaching, or evaluation to anyone else – these are the RN’s responsibility