STRATEGIES FOR THENCLEX-RNEXAM
1. Always ask yourself, “Is this what the textbooks say should be done in this situation?” The correct answers on the exam can be found in nursing textbooks.
2. Always remember your ABCs–airway, breathing, and circulation.
3. Don’t assign auxiliary nursing personnel based on the equipment required by a patient. Assignments should be determined by the acuity of patient care and level of patient needs.
4. Remember, on this exam, the nurse has no limits on equipment, time, or personnel.
5. Always make sure the patient’s physical needs are met before you address the patient’s psychosocial needs. Apply Maslow’s hierarchy of needs!
6. Read all of the answer choices before you decide on one.
7. Make a decision about each possible answer choice as you read it. Is the statement true/correct? If it is wrong, eliminate it from consideration.
8. Eliminate as many answer choices as you can. Frequently you will be left with two options. Then, go with your best guess.
9. As you read a question, focus on the key words. You may want to jot these down on the scrap paper provided.
10. Always choose the safest possible action.
11. Look at yourself in the mirror a few times before the test and say, “It’s just a test of minimum competency. I am more than minimally competent. I am going to pass this test.”
12. Don’t agonize over any one question. It can upset your pacing and confidence. If you read a question and don’t know the answer, just take a deep breath and start eliminating options.
13. Take charge of your own well being at the test site. Get comfortable in the chair. Adjust the light and brightness on the computer screen.
14. If the video cameras bother you, wave at them and smile, smile, smile!
15. Negative questions will not be identified by the capitalized word “EXCEPT”. Questions may include phrases such as “know further teaching is necessary,” or “require an intervention by the nurse.” These questions require you to look for a wrong behavior or statement on the part of the nurse or client.
16. Always care for the patient before you pay attention to equipment or machines.
17. Picture yourself in the situation as described. What is the first, or most important, action that you should take?
18. Be suspicious of any options to call the physician, clergy, etc. Usually there is something you need to do before you make that call.
19. Be mindful of the nursing process as you answer each question. Make sure your assessment is complete before you diagnose, plan, or intervene.
20. Goals for a patient should be patient-centered, have a limited time frame, and be measurable.
21. Form a mental image of the patient as described in the question. It can help. For instance, sometimes the answer is age-dependent.
22. In all clinical situations, take full responsibility for your actions.