NCLEX Season is Upon Us!
As seasoned nurses, we all know how exciting it was to cross the stage at our nursing graduation or pinning ceremony… we also knew that we still had one minor challenge on the horizon before we could officially enter the workforce. As educators, we want to prepare our students for success in every way. While content knowledge is obviously a large component of the NCLEX, we all know that immense pressure, anxiety, and fear can greatly impact test-taking performance. I hope you’ll share these tips with your students as they prepare for the biggest exam of their lives.
When you’re completing practice questions, place yourself in an environment that mimics the exam setting. Place yourself in a quiet room, without food, drink, music or television. Just you, in front of your computer, with a sheet of paper and pencil, where you won’t be interrupted. (If you’re doing this at home, ask your family to only interrupt in an emergency.) This will help train your brain to perform well in the very same environment you’ll take the exam.
In the weeks leading up to the NCLEX, commute to your testing center. I was fearful that I wouldn’t be able to find the correct building or that I would get lost and be late for my exam! This can help you gauge the commute length and erase the fear of getting lost as you’ve already visited the site.
In the days leading up to your exam, plan what you’re going to wear. Wear something that makes you feel powerful! For some, this might mean a sports jersey, bright lipstick, heels, favorite pair of jeans… whatever it is, you want to be feeling your absolute best. When you feel confident, you’ll perform at your best.
Before you walk into that testing center, do a quick body scan meditation to center yourself. Take a couple of deep breaths. Stand up straight. Shoulders back. Chin up. You’ve got this!
During the exam, simply concentrate on one question at a time. You can’t go back to previous questions. Those are in the past. There’s no benefit to dwell on questions you think you answered incorrectly. You will get questions wrong. And that’s ok. Select your best answer and MOVE ON. Let it go. Now focus on your next question!
When your computer shuts off, you are done! Congratulations on completing the NCLEX! Take a deep breath. You did it! Go home, relax, and celebrate. Simply taking this exam is a feat in and of itself.
If you have any students whom you think their nerves and worries will be a detriment to their NCLEX performance, encourage them to join us for the Stress Less for the NCLEX course. We have a live virtual program taking place on Wednesday, May 5th from 7pm-8:30pm central time. Students can register for the course here – Stress Less for the NCLEX.