The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is a pivotal step in a nursing graduate’s career, acting as the gateway to becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN). In a field as demanding and intricate as nursing, preparing for this examination can be overwhelming. Here at NCLEX Academy, we believe in not just hard work, but smart work. Below you will find five revolutionary NCLEX-PN study hacks curated by our experts, designed to enhance your study sessions, optimize your learning, and put you on a guaranteed path to success. These strategies are battle-tested and ready to change the way you prepare for your NCLEX-PN!
1. Active Recall and Spaced Repetition
Our brain is a fantastic machine that works on a “use it or lose it” basis, which is why Active Recall and Spaced Repetition are vital to your study strategy. Active Recall involves testing your knowledge continuously instead of merely reading or reviewing the material. By asking yourself questions and trying to answer them without looking at your notes, you reinforce your memory. Combine this with Spaced Repetition – the technique of reviewing the material at increasingly longer intervals – and your recall ability will soar. This method relies on the psychological spacing effect and will help you to retain information for the long term. To integrate these tactics, use flashcards or quiz yourself, and schedule your reviews systematically, extending the time between each session as you become more familiar with the information.
2. Multisensory Learning Techniques
Diverse studying methods that engage multiple senses can dramatically improve information retention and understanding. Multisensory learning integrates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (physical) strategies to study for the NCLEX-PN. Visual learning could involve creating colorful charts, graphics, or watching procedure videos. Auditory techniques include listening to recorded lectures or discussing content with fellow students. For kinesthetic learners, hands-on practice through simulations or role-playing can cement learning. By stimulating multiple pathways in the brain, you are more likely to remember information. This approach not only keeps your study sessions engaging but also caters to different learning preferences, ensuring that no concept is left misunderstood.
3. Leverage Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Mnemonics are exceptional tools for memorizing complex nursing concepts, pharmaceutical terms, or processes that are difficult to remember. These memory aids convert information into a pattern that is easier to remember, such as an acronym, phrase, or a song. The more creative and ridiculous you make it, the better it will stick in your brain. For example, to remember the symptoms of hyperglycemia, you could use the mnemonic “Hot and Dry, Sugar High”. When you associate the information with something familiar or humorous, you utilize your brain’s natural learning strengths, and recalling that information during the exam becomes second nature.
4. Tailored Study Plans and Goal Setting
A custom study plan that reflects your individual learning pace, style, and the NCLEX-PN’s content outline is crucial. Start by conducting a self-assessment to identify your strong and weak areas, and then allocate more time to study topics where you need the most improvement. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for what you plan to accomplish in each study session. Such goal setting entails outlining what chapters you’ll cover, the number of practice questions you’ll attempt, or a particular skill you’ll review. This tactic not only gives direction to your study time but keeps you motivated, focused, and on-track with your desired outcomes. Remember to be realistic and give yourself buffer time for unexpected interruptions.
5. Harness the Power of Peer Learning and Networking
Studying in isolation can be daunting, so tap into the collective intelligence of a study group or online community. By engaging in discussions, sharing study materials, and teaching each other, you solidify your own understanding and gain new perspectives. Through peer learning, you can partake in role-playing scenarios to practice patient interactions or work through complex concepts together, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Online forums and social media groups also present networking opportunities with those who have successfully passed the NCLEX-PN, and they can offer invaluable advice and resources. Combining individual study with collaborative learning sessions lays a broad foundation for success, keeping you motivated and supported throughout your NCLEX-PN journey.
