The aim of this paper is to analyze the utilization of my study plan coupled with the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) test taking practices as a medium to achieve success Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX RN).
The practice of nursing is being regulated by National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) who has established set requirements for licensure, this requirements measure the competency level needed to perform effective and safe practice. Among which are the area of client needs which is divide into four categories:
 Safety and Effective Care Environment
 Health Promotion and Maintenance
 Psychosocial Integrity
 Physiological Integrity
All these categories have been integrated into the nursing courses in subjects like Fundamental of Nursing, Pharmacology and Medical-Surgical. These courses focus on Nursing process, caring, communication and documentation and patient teaching/learning. As a student nurse, I am expected to be able to demonstrate a minimal level of competence in these areas. At this time I can say I am averaging at 79.36% in both Kaplan Integrated testing and Sanders Assessment test on these categories. There is a desperate need and room for improvement for me as long as I can develop effective study strategy.
Using Testing Strategies
It is imperative for me to use the Sander Testing strategies while studying for examination in order for me to be successful. These Strategies are but not limited to:
Pyramid to success by focusing on the information in questions and decide on what the question is asking me; this can be done by identifying strategic words in the question, using process of elimination to remove options that are not related to the question and many others.
Reading into the questions: I will avoid reading into the question and focus on the information in the question bearing in mind that the question is not a “real world” situation hence not to answer according to the real world. (Kaplan video “Testing Strategy).
Questions that require prioritizing: Looking for strategic word in the question in order to determine the correct order of prioritizing. I have also learnt that one of the strategies of prioritizing to the use of ABCs (Airway, Breathing and Circulation) which is also steps of nursing process.
Study Plan for this Semester
Very few successes in life happen by chance. Mostly success happens by design. Being the child of a teacher, planning was a huge and ever present part of my upbringing regardless of the endeavor. Given the above, I have carried (and continue to carry) my parents’ inner voice inquiring on my course of action…even now in pursuit of my chosen career as a medical professional.
My short term academic objectives are to ace all of my classes and graduate in flying colors from Carrington College. In order to achieve the objectives while fulfilling my personal goals and responsibilities such as studying, taking care of the family, clinical assignments, attending classes and preparing for classes and examinations, I intend to enlist the assistance of family and friends to make this become a reality. I have chosen to make a consistent space for studying away from all distractions in the library on days that I don’t have to go to school which is two days in the week;
Also along with my family, we developed schedule time for studying, develop weekly calendar, made a to-do-list and set priorities. While implementing the above, I intend to stick to plans. Track all projects, deadlines, exams and other activities relating to work and/or school in a personal planner or a pocketbook calendar.
NCLEX Test Process
The application process according to the NCSBN for taking the NCLEX is in two steps:
1. Submitting an application for licensure to the board of nursing where I intend to be licensed. (Arizona). This is in order to be made eligible to take the NCLEX.
2. Register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE. This can be done through the internet by visiting the Pearson VUE website, by telephone or by mail-in registration.
Testing rules: Candidates are expected to thoroughly review the NCLEX Examination Candidate Rules before siting for examination. On the exam day at check-in, candidates will be asked to read the Candidate Statement and provide an electronic signature, agreeing to the terms and conditions of the NCLEX. The rules include
Personal Items: All personal items are to be stored in a locker
Confidentiality: You are not to disclose or discuss with anybody on information about the items or answers seen in the examination. You cannot ask for help from any other person in answering the examination (even during breaks).
Test Administration: All items are provided at the center and exams cannot be taking on behalf of another individual, this will result in fraud/malpractice
Break Procedures: Breaks will be given at a ‘scheduled’ time after approximately two hours into the exam and after approximately three and a half hours of examination testing time. Instructions will appear on computer screen at the appropriate times. If one has to go before this scheduled time a request is made by raising a hand your hand for the Test Administrator (TA) to escorted one of the testing room after observing all due protocols.
Forms of Identification: The only acceptable forms of identification in test centers in the U.S. are:
• U.S. driver's license (Department of Motor Vehicle-issued)(if expired, a renewal slip including a photograph and a signature must be presented in order to be admitted)
• U.S. state identification (Department of Motor Vehicle-issued)
• Passport
The only identification acceptable in test centers outside the U.S. is the Passport.
The Carrington College exit process and reimbursement policy is that whenever a nursing student, upon completion of the course of study and requirement passes the NCLEX State Board examination in the first attempt, the examination fee will be reimbursed. The exit process involves completion of the Registrar’s Program Completion Form with all signatures except the nursing program directors and the registrars. (Financial aid, Career Services, Dean of Education and Campus Director).

In conclusion, I will prepare for exams/quizzes by finding out what the exam/quizzes will cover, review points emphasized in class, review questions in study guides, practice homework quizzes CDs. According to Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”