Creating a Study Plan for Your Nursing Certification Exams

Do Not Stress the Test

For some nursing students, the thought of impending exams can be completely overwhelming. While it is common to dread an impending test, that mentality can be detrimental to your results. Psyching yourself out prior to a big tests can lead to poor results on material you know like the back of your hand. Preparation can be the key to your success and with a great study plan, you will have the confidence it takes to ace your exam.

Tips for Exam Preparation

Identifying what you know and what you do not know is the first step when it comes to creating a study plan. Go through all the information you were given over the span of the course to find out what you have retained and what did not stick. This will save precious time by not wasting it going over concepts you are well-versed in.
Determine what kind of studying works best for you, solo or group. Some individuals find that they are able to learn best through interaction. With a group you will find there are people to quiz you and can offer their own pointers. Just be sure that the study session stays on task as it can easily fall into social event than one about review. If you are a person that can become easily distracted, solo studying may work best for you. Pick a spot that is free of distraction such as a library that is quiet with the addition of librarians who are excellent resources. As you can see, both study options have their benefits and comes down to what aids you the best.
Set a realistic time frame in which to study every day. While you will see yourself as a student first and foremost, you may also be juggling a job or hands-on training. Which does not leave all the much time for review. It is paramount to passing your exams that you get at least an hour worth of review every day. You can fit this in during breaks or lunch time and possibly before bed.
As with choosing between solo or group review, you must also choose the method that best suits your personality. If you are a visual learner, study with flashcards and images. The auditory types can listen to recordings of the lecture as part of their review as well. More traditional individuals can go over their notes and even old exams. Seek out example questions for a realistic feel of the exam you will be taking. This will take the surprise element out that can cause anxiety in some test takers.
The universal piece of advice given to all test takers is to be well-rested. As a future nurse you know better than anybody that getting the right amount of sleep and maintaining a balanced diet will keep your mind sharp. Trade your textbook and study materials for a comfy bed and pillows.

Nursing Certification

Becoming a nurse is worthwhile endeavor but one filled with many hours of studying. To make the process easier, at Elite Reviews have become one of the best online resources to aid individuals in their goals of becoming contributing members of the healthcare community. We provide courses, exams, and have a question bank to prepare you for your next exam. With the ability to access our resources anywhere, you have the ability to review anytime and anywhere with courses that range from PCCN to NCLEX-RN. For more information about our online resources, contact us at (901)286-3884. Happy Studying!