Lecture on Passing the NCLEX Exam

Introduction

• Speaker: Mark Clement, founder and CEO of Clinic Reviews
• Discussion on recommendations for passing the NCLEX exam

Key Abilities for Passing NCLEX

• Ace Three Abilities:
  1. Acquire knowledge
  2. Build confidence
  3. Be exam proficient

Understanding the NCLEX

• The NCLEX is a generalist test, not a specialty test.
• Focus on general knowledge across all areas of nursing.
• Avoid specializing in areas like maternal care or mental health for the NCLEX.

Mistakes by Review Companies

• Overemphasis on specialty knowledge.
• Review materials often too extensive and focus on specialties.
• It's crucial to minimize knowledge to what every nurse generally knows.

Effective Study Strategies

• Drill Knowledge: Use flashcards for fundamental concepts.
• Fundamental Areas: Acid-base balance, electrolytes, infection control, etc.
• Focus on Fundamentals:
  • Fundamentals cut across all specialties.
  • Safe practice is rooted in understanding fundamentals.

Common Mistakes NCLEX Takers Make

• Over-preparation: Trying to learn everything can lead to confusion.
• Panic when stumped: Students must learn to answer questions even when uncertain.
• Use fundamentals to think through questions.

Good vs. Bad Test Takers

• Good Test Taker Traits:
  • Read accurately and with purpose.
  • Write down key points while reading questions.
  • Focus on knowledge, not ignorance.
  • Generalize when specifics aren't known.
  • Avoid foreclosing and over-analyzing questions.
• Bad Test Taker Traits:
  • High test anxiety.
  • Focus on unknowns.
  • Foreclosure on answers.
  • Over-analyze questions.

How Clinic Reviews Help

• Clinic Reviews caters to students with learning challenges.
• Strategies developed for thinking errors correction.
• Use of diverse teaching staff to provide varied perspectives.
• Focus on strategies that increase confidence through correct answers.

Recommendations for Study Materials

• Lippincott and Davis Books: Preferred for their focus on general knowledge.
• Avoid memorizing answers; focus on understanding principles tested.
• Read questions critically and apply general knowledge.

General Advice

• Preparation reinforces confidence.
• Avoid paralysis due to overwhelming content.
• Keep studying and applying strategies consistently.