It can be extremely difficult to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam while working a full-time nursing job. Finding time to study may seem nearly impossible due to long shifts, erratic schedules, and personal obligations. You can, however, confidently pass the NCLEX-RN if you have the proper strategy, and a reasonable study schedule.
We at Tijus Academy have created strategies to help you successfully balance work and preparation because we recognise the challenges faced by working nurses. This comprehensive, easy-to-read study plan will fit easily into your hectic schedule.
What is the best study schedule for working nurses
- Comprehend the Exam Schedule
Get acquainted with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN) NCLEX-RN test plan before you begin studying. The test assesses your capacity to use your knowledge in practical nursing situations, emphasising:
- A secure and efficient setting for care
- Promotion and maintenance of health
- Integrity of the mind and spirit
- Physiological soundness
You can better anticipate what to expect, how questions are phrased, and where to concentrate if you understand the structure.
- Establish a Reasonable Schedule
Flexibility is essential for working nurses. For most people, a 12-week (3-month) plan works well. Increase your schedule to 16–20 weeks if you can only commit a few hours each day. Consistency, not cramming, is the key.
This is a proposed timeline:
Weeks 1–2: Establish the Base
- Examine the format and question types of the NCLEX-RN.
- To determine your strengths and shortcomings, take a diagnostic test.
- Make a study schedule that works with your work schedule.
- Assemble your study resources, including review videos, question banks, and NCLEX prep books.
Weeks 3–6: Review of Core Content
- Every week, study two main subjects (for example, pharmacology and med-surg, followed by maternity and paediatrics).
- Spend three to four hours on the weekends and sixty to ninety minutes during the week.
- Pay attention to high-yield subjects like medicine administration, patient safety, and infection control.
- Take quick tests to help you remember what you’ve learnt.
Weeks 7–9: Application and Practice
- Start answering 40–60 practice questions every day.
- Even for the questions you answered correctly, carefully go over the explanations for each one.
- On the weekends, practise timed tests to increase endurance.
- Examine your performance and look for trends in your mistakes.
Weeks 10–12: Mock exams and final review
- Pay attention to your areas of weakness as found on practice exams.
- Take a minimum of two comprehensive practice tests in exam-like settings.
- Update critical care concepts, lab values, and formulas.
- Reduce study hours before the exam to avoid burnout — short, focused revision works best.
- Make Plans Based on Your Work Schedule
- Effective time management is necessary to balance work and study. Here’s how to make it doable:
- Make good use of brief breaks: During lunch or the commute, go over flashcards or quick tests.
- Study on your days off: Set aside your days off for more in-depth, concentrated study sessions.
- Steer clear of consecutive study marathons: quality is more important than quantity.
- Establish daily objectives: Even 30 minutes of focused study can be highly effective.
If you work night shifts, use the morning hours after your shift for lighter topics and dedicate one or two full off-days for deeper study sessions.
- Make Use of the Proper Resources
Flexible resources and guided learning are advantageous for working professionals.
- Working nurses can take online NCLEX review courses, such as those provided by Tijus Academy.
- Mobile applications for practice while on the go.
- Study groups to exchange thoughts and get questions answered.
- For visual learners, video lessons can be useful after long shifts when reading becomes taxing.
- Control Your Stress and Maintain Your Motivation
Preparation involves more than just studying, it also involves striking a balance.
- Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep helps with memory retention.
- Eat well and drink plenty of water to prevent burnout and exhaustion.
- Take mental breaks: You can refocus by doing some light exercise, meditation, or even a quick stroll.
- To stay motivated, try visualising yourself as a registered nurse.
- Keep in mind that steady, small progress is far more effective than sporadic, intense study sessions.
6. The last week prior to the test
- Don’t introduce new subjects. Concentrate on going over your notes and important points.
- Review difficult ideas and modules.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the test. When you get enough sleep, your mind functions at its peak.
Concluding remarks
Balancing work and NCLEX-RN preparation can be challenging, but it’s entirely achievable with discipline and a structured plan. The key is to study smart, not just hard, and follow a schedule that steadily advances both your knowledge and your career.
At Tiju’s Academy, the best NCLEX-RN coaching centre in Kerala, we provide expert guidance, effective strategies, and personalized support to help you prepare efficiently and succeed in your NCLEX-RN journey.
