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How to Balance Work and Study While Preparing for the NCLEX-RN

Finding the right balance between work, life, and study while preparing for the NCLEX-RN can be extremely challenging. Not maintaining the right balance would eventually lead to burnout. This may negatively impact the quality of your preparation and your performance on your examination as well. We have therefore prepared a list of strategies and tips for how to study for NGN NCLEX most effectively and to avoid burnout as you embark on your equivalency journey towards becoming a registered nurse in Canada. 

 

Avoid Procrastination and Practice Time Management

  • It is important to avoid procrastination when preparing for your exam. Do not wait until the last minute to start studying. At the same time, do not spend excessive time studying while neglecting your physical and mental health. The key to success is balance and consistency. 
  • Do not let work and studying consume your life. Instead, manage your time so that you have time to study, work, and enjoy doing things that you like. 
  • Start preparing for the NCLEX-RN ahead of time and divide studying into manageable sections. Remember to engage in the things you enjoy doing.
  • Remember to take care of your physical health by eating healthy balanced meals and exercising. 

 

Set Goals

  • To most effectively prepare for your examination while maintaining a healthy balance of life set reasonable and attainable goals. 
  • Think about what you want to achieve and write your short-term and long-term goals.
  • Include a variety of goals such as personal goals and study goals and monitor your progress. 
  • Do not set unrealistic goals. Setting unrealistic goals would only slow down your progress and make achieving your goals more difficult. 

 

Develop an NCLEX Study Schedule

  • After setting goals, develop a study schedule that you can adhere to. For tips on developing a study schedule, make sure to read our blog on “How to Create Study Schedule for the NCLEX-RN”. 
  •  Make sure to schedule your exam preparations during times in the day that you would be more productive.
  • Remember to remain consistent and to keep track of your progress. 
  •  Remember to schedule shorter study sessions. Setting shorter study sessions would allow you to maximize your time and be more productive and efficient. 
  • Avoid including long study periods in your schedule. Make a checklist with all the topics and check them off as you go. 
  • Go on to the next topic and return to the previous one later if you are having trouble learning or remembering a certain topic or concept. 
  • Determine your weak areas and focus your effort on them. 

 

Utilize a Study Guide for NCLEX

  • Consider getting ahold of a study guide.
  • Answer the questions in preparation for your NCLEX-RN exam. A study guide would guide your studying and allow you to test your knowledge on various topics.  
  • It helps you identify areas where you need more focus and practice.
  • Use the study guide in conjunction with other resources such as textbooks, online courses, and flashcards.

 

Simulation Exams

  • Take Nclex simulation exams to test your knowledge and monitor your progress. 
  • Practice under timed conditions to improve your time management skills during the exam.
  • Become familiar with the question formats and types commonly found on the NCLEX-RN exam.
  • Analyze feedback from simulation exams to understand mistakes and learn from them.

 

Study with Friends

  • Form a study group with friends who are working towards becoming registered nurses in Canada. This way, you can support each other and remain motivated. 
  • Benefit from different perspectives and study techniques that friends may have.
  • Take turns teaching each other different topics to reinforce your understanding and help others.
  • Conduct mock exams within the study group to simulate the test environment and receive peer feedback.
  • Share study materials, notes, and resources to enrich your learning experience.

 

Take the Expert Guidance

  • Consider taking an NCLEX-RN Exam Course with Prep Nursing to help you prepare for your examination. Prep Nursing has arranged the content and questions in such a way that you do not have to spend time exploring study sources.