Some of the questions I often ask to my future colleagues. I think, if you have mastered the material and be able to explain on your own, then you are set to take the exam. Explaining a certain disease or topic to someone is the best way to gauge you understanding of the topic. Remember, if you combine the three ways of studying: reading, writing, and speaking, the more information will be retained. Certain study practices are relative to the person. So if you are a kind of person who studies with the aid of pictures, stick to visuals.
I am posting some tips that I learned while studying for the same exam. I wish I had known it sooner or applied it during practice exams. I did not land in the top ten but was proud to earn a grade high enough to be accepted by any tertiary hospitals. I would like to share it to thousands of future RNs.
To successfully pass the NLE, the following are the breakdown of individual allotment:
~60% Study effort
~25% Determination to pass
~10% Motivation
~5% Support (emotional, spiritual, social, psychological)
~100% Passing rate
Miss Lilac's Tips
o Read each question and answer c a r e f u l l y!
o Eliminate atleast 2 wrong choices, go back and read the situation, then select the correct answer
o When given choices with dates, years or numbers, choose the 2 in between among the selection: For example: a) 1997 b) 1990 c) 1996 d) 1999. Probable answer is between the two red choices. Only use this if you have completely no idea of the answer.
o Nursing interventions always starts with an assessment.
o Be familiar with Maslow’s Hierarchy, Erik Erikson, ABC’s, and Protocol in fire emergency, etc. As much as possible, master all the information in a table format in any nursing books.
o Communication Skills:
1) Check the statement if its TRUE
2) Check if the true statement is therapeutic. Eliminate all non-therapeutic statements.
3) If it is true and therapeutic, this is likely the answer
o Complete with general ideas or “umbrella” is usually the correct answer but not necessarily the longest answer. Most of the time, the longest choice is the correct answer.
o On the last week or 2 weeks before exam, practice answering on practice exams. Do not If you get 60% and above in all of the tests, there is a high possibility that you will pass!
o Be sure to have some knowledge listed below. The exam revolves on the eleven (11) core competency areas for nursing practice:
1. Safe and Quality Nursing Care
2. Management of Resources and Environment
3. Health Education
4. Legal Responsibility
5. Ethico-Moral Responsibility
6. Personal and Professional Development
7. Quality Improvement
8. Research
9. Record Management
10. Communication
11. Collaboration and Teamwork
o Take a break in between studying time. Do not force yourself to memorize the material if the brain cannot take it anymore. Have a break, talk to someone, watch TV, eat, or take a long walk. The brain is like a sponge it will absorb and process all the information when it is ready.
o Do not review on the last day before the exam. Take this time to relax and unwind.o Get enough sleep the night before the major day. Prepare all the requirements before going to sleep.
o Last but not the least, write down your full name followed by (comma) RN in any sheet of paper like you really, really, mean it then smile.
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