How Tough Is the NCLEX-RN Exam? What Are the Greatest Challenges You Will Encounter as a Test-Taker? 

Each test-taker have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Identifying obstacles and coming up with solutions to overcome them is one of the best methods of getting ready for a difficult exam like the NCLEX. In this blog let us examine the most frequent obstacles NCLEX applicants encounter and discuss their solutions. 

The below image shows what is NCLEX-RN exam actually based on. 

Source: https://www.wolterskluwer.com/ 

Table of Contents 

• Doubting Your Capabilities 
• Changing Responses Frequently 
• Reading questions hurriedly 
• Using incorrect study tools 
• Overinterpreting a question 
• Answering the questions too hastily 
• Delaying too long to take the NCLEX 
• Lack of Understanding of NCLEX Question Types 
• Not acknowledging and utilising your learning strategies 
• Selecting Random answers 
• Conclusion

Doubting Your Capabilities 

Concerning the Challenge: It's not unusual for NCLEX test candidates to doubt their readiness for the exam. Doubting your skills can increase exam anxiety, which might make it more challenging on test day. 

How to Overcome: Nursing school is challenging, just like the NCLEX-RN. Even though you still need to study for the exam, it's important to take stock of your progress and give yourself some credit. You are set to begin your job as a nurse after graduating from nursing school. Putting your skills to the test is one of the best methods to get over self-doubt. By taking practice tests and raising your score, you can easily achieve this. Every exam you take is an additional chance for you to show yourself that you are capable of passing the NCLEX-RN. 

Changing Responses Frequently 

Concerning the Challenge: Because the NCLEX is challenging, you want to perform well in it. Changing answers repeatedly is a mistake that test-takers frequently commit. 

How to Overcome: It's acceptable to revise your response to the proper option if you answer a question and then realise that you made a mistake. However, you should only revise your response once you are certain that your initial response was incorrect. Consider your first instinct if you are not quite certain. 

The below image offers tips on how to successfully ace the NCLEX-RN exam. 

Source: https://slideplayer.com/slide/4059550/ 

Reading questions hurriedly 

Concerning the Challenge: The NCLEX-RN test is timed, therefore many candidates become stressed and attempt to answer questions too quickly. You have five hours to complete the NCLEX-RN, which has a maximum of 145 questions. Answering a multiple-choice question typically takes sixty seconds. Average response time per question is two minutes, if you respond to the most questions in the allotted period. 

How to Overcome: Simply slow down to get through the difficulty of reading questions too quickly. Before choosing, take your time to carefully read each question and each possible response. 

Using incorrect study tools 

Concerning the Challenge: You are aware that the NCLEX-RN is difficult, but with the correct resources, you can successfully prepare for it. 

How to Overcome: I recognise that you have already expended time and money on obtaining a nursing degree, but it is also crucial to invest in the proper NCLEX study materials. You can use a variety of resources to aid in your NCLEX preparation, but choosing the correct ones is essential if you want to be successful. Purchase a complete NCLEX study guide. Make use of practice exams—lots of them. 

Overinterpreting a question 

Concerning the Challenge: The NCLEX is challenging, but it is not intended to deceive you. It can be very easy to interpret too much into a question when reading it. 

How to overcome: Take advantage of NCLEX practice exams. Read every question when it's time to take the NCLEX. Deconstruct the question to determine what it is asking for. Next, read each response. Select the best response based on the substance of the question after eliminating all other options. You are obviously reading too much into the topic if you find yourself wondering what else you can accomplish. 

Answering the questions too hastily 

Concerning the Challenge: Rushing through questions and misunderstanding are two common causes of erroneous replies on the NCLEX (or any test). 

How to overcome: Read the question in its entirety and scan for essential words. Rephrase the question's text to construct a statement utilising each of the response choices. You will be able to recognise wrong responses and locate the best response by doing this. Keep in mind that you have five hours to finish this test. Take your time with it. 

Delaying too long to take the NCLEX 

Concerning the Challenge: It can be simple to take a break and put academics on the back burner after graduation. Even though taking a brief break could help you relax, waiting too long might not be the greatest move. 

How to overcome: Graduates who take the NCLEX within two months after graduation usually score higher on it than those who wait longer. Just after graduation, you are still in a “student mindset.” You'll have recently completed finals or exit examinations, so test-taking techniques will be top of mind. It is natural if you feel the urge to take a brief break. To study for the NCLEX and take it as soon as feasible, you should set aside some time. 

Lack of Understanding of NCLEX Question Types 

Concerning the Challenge: Multiple-choice, multiple response, fill-in-the-blank, chart/exhibit, drag-and-drop, graphics and hot spot questions may all be present in NCLEX exam questions. 

How to overcome: You will have access to hundreds of practice questions if you use the correct NCLEX study resources. There will be several formats used to provide sample questions. You should practice responding to all questions until you feel at ease with each one. 

Not acknowledging and utilising your learning strategies 

Concerning the Challenge: Each person has a unique way of learning and using knowledge. Your chances of passing the NCLEX will go up if you know which study methods work best for you and how to use them. 

How to overcome: You have a certain method of learning and using knowledge, regardless of whether you have previously completed nursing school or are still a student getting ready to graduate and take the NCLEX. Discover studying techniques that make it easier for you to remember material as you get ready for the NCLEX, then learn how to use them when taking tests. 

Selecting Random answers 

Concerning the Challenge: It can be simple to select a random response when presented with a test question for which you are unsure about the proper response and want to move on to the next one. Do not select random answers! 

How to overcome: Although you might not be certain of an answer with absolute certainty, you have studied test-taking techniques in nursing school. Consider nursing priorities when selecting the appropriate response to prevent being stuck on a question. Keep the ABC rule in mind. When choosing between two options, start with the one that addresses the highest ABC rule. On the NCLEX-RN, the ABC rule might well be your best friend. 

Conclusion 

Every NCLEX aspirant has a unique learning style and approaches the test in a different way, and the insights offered in this blog will surely help you in preparing and performing well in your NCLEX-RN exam.  So, reserve a test date, and proceed to ace it! You can do this! Get in touch with our experts at MWT Education Consultancy if you need further help in preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam.