Pass the NCLEX-RN® on your first try

NCLEX Study Plan Schedule Guide: Strategies & Tips to Pass NCLEX First Try

NCLEX Study Plan Schedule Guide: Tips and Examples

Introduction

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a crucial exam for nursing students in the United States. It determines whether a nursing student has the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The NCLEX is a comprehensive exam that covers a wide range of topics, including nursing process, communication and documentation, health promotion and maintenance, pharmacology, and patient care.

For nursing students, preparing for the NCLEX can be a daunting task. It requires a lot of time, effort, and dedication. To ensure that you are able to effectively prepare for the NCLEX, it is important to create a study schedule that works for you and your individual needs. In this article, we will provide tips and examples for creating an NCLEX study plan schedule, so you can effectively prepare for the exam.

Importance of an NCLEX Study Schedule

An NCLEX study schedule is an important tool for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam. A well-organized study schedule can help you:

1. Stay focused and motivated: A study schedule can help you stay on track and focused on your NCLEX preparation. By setting specific goals and deadlines, you can stay motivated and avoid procrastination.
2. Manage your time effectively: Time management is crucial when preparing for the NCLEX exam. A study schedule allows you to prioritize your study sessions and allocate your time effectively.
3. Improve your memory retention: Studies have shown that spacing out your study sessions over a period of time can improve your memory retention. A study schedule allows you to schedule your study sessions in a way that maximizes your ability to retain information.
4. Stay organized: An NCLEX study schedule helps you keep track of your progress and stay organized. By following a structured schedule, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and keep your study materials organized.

Tips for Creating an NCLEX Study Schedule

1. Determine how much time you have to study: The first step in creating an NCLEX study schedule is to determine how much time you have available to study. Consider factors such as your work schedule, family commitments, and other obligations.
2. Set specific, achievable goals: It is important to set specific, achievable goals for your NCLEX preparation. For example, you might set a goal to complete a certain number of practice questions each day, or to review a specific topic by a certain date.
3. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks: Long study sessions can be overwhelming and can lead to burnout. Consider breaking your study sessions into shorter chunks of time, such as 30-60 minutes. This can help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
4. Include breaks in your study schedule: It is important to take breaks while studying to help you retain information and prevent burnout. Consider scheduling breaks into your study schedule, such as a 10-15 minute break every hour.
5. Use a planner or calendar: A planner or calendar can be a helpful tool for keeping track of your study schedule. You can use it to schedule your study sessions, set goals, and track your progress.
6. Be flexible: It is important to be flexible with your NCLEX study schedule. You may need to adjust your schedule based on your progress or other commitments. It is okay to make changes to your schedule as needed, as long as you are able to stay focused and on track.

Example NCLEX Study Schedules

Here are two examples of NCLEX study schedules for nursing students with different time commitments:

Example 1: NCLEX Study Schedule for Nursing Students with Full-Time Work

Monday:

• 7:00-8:00am: Review nursing process
• 12:00-1:00pm: Lunch break
• 6:00-7:00pm: Review pharmacology

Tuesday:

• 7:00-8:00am: Review communication and documentation
• 12:00-1:00pm: Lunch break
• 6:00-7:00pm: Review patient care

Wednesday:

• 7:00-8:00am: Review health promotion and maintenance
• 12:00-1:00pm: Lunch break
• 6:00-7:00pm: Review nursing process

Thursday:

• 7:00-8:00am: Review pharmacology
• 12:00-1:00pm: Lunch break
• 6:00-7:00pm: Review communication and documentation

Friday:

• 7:00-8:00am: Review patient care
• 12:00-1:00pm: Lunch break
• 6:00-7:00pm: Review health promotion and maintenance

Saturday:

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Practice questions
• 1:00-2:00pm: Lunch break
• 3:00-6:00pm: Review key concepts

Sunday:

• 10:00am-1:00pm: Practice questions
• 2:00-3:00pm: Lunch break
• 4:00-7:00pm: Review key concepts

Example 2: NCLEX Study Schedule for Nursing Students with Part-Time Work and Family Commitments

Monday:

• 6:00-7:00am: Review nursing process
• 8:00-9:00pm: Review health promotion and maintenance

Tuesday:

• 6:00-7:00am: Review communication and documentation
• 8:00-9:00pm: Review pharmacology

Wednesday:

• 6:00-7:00am: Review patient care
• 8:00-9:00pm: Review nursing process

Thursday:

• 6:00-7:00am: Review health promotion and maintenance
• 8:00-9:00pm: Review communication and documentation

Friday:

• 6:00-7:00am: Review pharmacology
• 8:00-9:00pm: Review patient care

Saturday:

• 9:00am-12:00pm: Practice questions
• 1:00-2:00pm: Lunch break
• 3:00-6:00pm: Review key concepts

Sunday:

• 10:00am-1:00pm: Practice questions
• 2:00-3:00pm: Lunch break
• 4:00-7:00pm: Review key concepts

Conclusion

Creating an NCLEX study schedule is an important step in preparing for the NCLEX exam. By setting specific, achievable goals and breaking your study sessions into manageable chunks, you can effectively manage your time and stay focused on your NCLEX preparation. It is also important to be flexible with your study schedule and make adjustments as needed. By following a well-organized study schedule, you can ensure that you are able to effectively prepare for the NCLEX and achieve your goal of becoming a registered or licensed nurse.

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