Ah, graduation. It’s a time to sit back, relax, and celebrate all your hard work. Ah, the NCLEX-RN®. Gulp. It’s a time to sit up straight, get serious, and put in all your hard work. Life’s like that, isn’t it? You pass one hurdle and there’s another one staring you in the face. Anyway, many of you will be taking the NCLEX this summer and we’re here to provide some help courtesy of Stressed Out About the NCLEX-RN®.

Want an easy way to pass the NCLEX? The answer is simple. Start studying early. The NCLEX is not a test you can cram for the night before. The first order of business is to develop a study plan:

Find your zone. Test-savvy experts recommend that you designate your study place. Dedicate a particular spot that you will devote solely to studying for the NCLEX. Consider your telephone or cell phone off-limits in this area. You may need to inform family/roommates that you are not to be disturbed when you are in “study heaven.”

Stick to a routine. Create a routine and stick to it. If you are best early in the morning, dedicate that time to studying. Set aside one or two hours, three, four, or more days a week, to studying for the NCLEX—allow nothing to interfere. As part of your study plan, rotate topics to prevent boredom and disinterest.

Prioritize. Arrange your work schedule to complement your study time. Do not feel pressured into taking extra shifts that cut into your study schedule. Remember, you are getting ready to change jobs.

Concentrate. Focus! All of us find our mind wanders when we are engaged in a “must do” activity. Pay attention to when your mind is wandering and gently bring yourself back to the here and now. You might even repeat a phrase to yourself when you catch yourself wandering. Something such as “I am an RN” might get your attention back on task.

Change it up. Put some variety into your study plan. Reading is important, but it may become tedious after a while. So, interject some homemade or professional flashcards, NCELX questions, a trip to the Web for images, or a study session with a friend who is on the same wavelength to break up the monotony. Many experts advocate making learning an active process, so create games to help retain your learning. And remember, you can’t possibly answer too many practice questions.

Friends with benefits. If you want to study with friends, many people find study groups very helpful and successful. You determine what works for you. If you have always studied alone and have done well, the NCLEX is probably not the time to make a drastic change in your habits. With that said, sometimes sharing thoughts and ideas with friends who are also studying can be a great asset. Choose wisely and don’t make study groups your only study method.

Treat yourself. Yes, you are entitled to breaks and some rewards. Get up, walk around, stretch, or eat something you love (the NCLEX study period is probably not the best time to start a new diet.) Stay hydrated and avoid overdoing the caffeine. Reward yourself! Get that hot chocolate with whipped cream at your favorite coffee shop. Be your best friend—the two of you are in this together.

Editor’s note: Pick up your copy of Stressed Out About the NCLEX-RN® today!