Tips for Taking Your Nursing Boards

There is a lot of apprehension that goes along with taking nursing boards (NCLEX) and it's no wonder...this could be the single most important test you will ever take in your life....the test that makes you a Nurse!

I well remember the day I took nursing boards...that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, the endless self talk going around and around in my head, the prayers. My palms were sweaty and my heart was racing as I sat down at that machine. When it got to number 78 my heart sank as I realized I would have to keep going. Finally, at question 168 or so the computer cut off and I wanted to cry out "WAIT"! Then the endless wait to see if I could now add the initials RN to my name. The computer system was down...it was the single longest two weeks of my life. Finally, after returning home from a vacation which consisted of dialing the board of nursing number over and over I rang one more time and it said it, Robin Stevens, RN. It was a monumental moment in my life.

To get ready for boards you must start with....

Study, Study, Study. You may be among one of the few who can pass this exam without studying. I personally wouldn't risk it. I began studying for my NCLEX when I started nursing school. I was a bit anal about passing boards as I'd heard how hard it was. If you haven't finished school yet, studying throughout the last semester should be enough. If you have finished I would recommend allowing yourself at least a month of some serious studying. I used Saunder's Comprehensive for my boards and it served me well. There are many different options. The good thing about this type studying is the practice of taking the test on the computer. That will help you during boards. Many people take review classes such as a Kaplan Review. The classes can be costly but if you don't pass boards then they will reimburse you or pay for the next try. I chose not to take a review class and did fine without it. I've talked to many nurses who said it didn't help at all while others said it did help. The choice is yours.
The best time to take your test is first thing in the morning. You won't have as much time to get as nervous and it will be best to get it over with early after a good night's sleep (yeah right--like you could sleep!). If you work, schedule your appointment the first day of the week. You don't want to be exhausted from working all week (and going without sleep from worrying about the test). Have everything prepared and ready the night before that you will need. Double check that you have all information required. Know your directions and leave in plenty of time to get there early. I was there waiting on the test giver to unlock the door.

Go Alone. Don't take someone who is also taking Boards. It will only add to your stress if they finish much sooner than you do. When they get up to leave the room, you may begin to panic thinking you are taking too much time. If you feel you need support have a family member ride along with you.

Take Your Time. You are given plenty of time to take this test. Don't rush. Take your time and think things through. At the same time...

Don't Overthink. Sometimes the answer that jumps out at you is the correct answer. If you overthink the problem you begin to second guess your answer which leads to confusion. Go with your gut when you have a gut reaction to a question.

Breathe. This could be the single most important tip you get. Breathing will help calm and center you during this test. Practice deep breathing. Practice slowing your heartrate throughout the test.

Breaks. Take advantage of breaks when you can. If it is time for a break, stand up and stretch at the very least. This will help you better complete the task at hand.

After you finish your test you will feel like both laughing and crying at the same time. You will suddenly begin remembering different questions that you know you missed. You might feel like you didn't know anything at all. Relax. These are normal emotions to go through. The test is over and now the waiting begins!

Resources for New Nurses