You’ve worked hard through nursing school, aiming to become a registered nurse. Now, the NCLEX stands between you and your goal, and about 15% of test-takers fail it on their first try.
Don't panic. With a solid plan, you’ll be prepared. A 60-day NCLEX study plan can turn your anxiety into confidence in just two months.
A good strategy can break down the vast content into manageable parts. So, let's break it down step by step. This guide will help you go from, "Where do I start?" to, "I'm ready for this!"
Why a 60-Day NCLEX Study Plan Works
You might wonder, "Why 60 days?" Simple. It’s long enough to actually learn the material, but short enough to stay motivated. There’s a sweet spot here—you're not cramming, but you’re not dragging it out forever.
You want your NCLEX knowledge fresh when you sit down to test. According to the NCSBN, it's all about consistency. Regular, manageable study sessions work better than those infamous cram sessions that leave you bleary-eyed and exhausted.
A 60-day NCLEX study plan helps you go through all the material, build confidence, and get solid practice. No need for long, exhausting study sessions, just stay consistent.
Creating a Realistic Study Schedule
We’ll divide those 60 days into focused weeks. Each week has a clear goal to keep you on track.
How Many Hours Should You Study?
A little every day keeps the panic away. Around 3-4 hours a day, 5-6 days a week is solid. It’s just enough time to dig deep into the material without burning yourself out.
And please, don’t study 10 hours straight. That approach causes burnout, not progress in your studies. Also, be sure to set regular rest days in your study plan. Your brain needs time to recharge and absorb the information. Treat rest as a key part of your study plan, not just a pause from it.
Week 1: Build Your Foundation
Now it is time to choose your study tools carefully. Keep it simple and focus on three core study resources that work best for you. Always prioritize quality over quantity when selecting your materials.
Here’s what you should include in your study arsenal for maximum:
If you’re tempted to grab more resources—stop. It’s all about focus and using what you have effectively.
Finding the Right Environment
Your study space? Kind of a big deal. Make sure it’s a spot that screams “focus zone” to you. Quiet, bright, comfy... but not too comfy (beds are for sleeping, not studying). And, no distractions, like your phone, sitting right next to you.
Temptation is real, and social media can gobble up study hours like nobody’s business. Find a spot that helps you zero in. Library, coffee shop, or maybe even a nook in your home that just feels right.
Weeks 2-5: Content Review and Understanding Key Topics
Let's cut to the chase: Prioritization and patient safety are the bread and butter of NCLEX questions. You’ll get all kinds of scenarios where you need to figure out who to treat first, what action is most important, or how to keep your patients safe. It’s all about understanding what needs to be done now versus what can wait.
Here’s what you need to know inside and out:
Do yourself a favor: practice these types of questions constantly. Knowing how to prioritize makes a massive difference.
Pharmacology in Action
Pharm can make people sweat. But here's a secret: You don’t need to know every drug ever made. What you need is to understand drug classes, common side effects, and basic safety. The NCLEX is more about safe nursing practice than memorizing every antibiotic out there.
Focus on:
You can make it fun, too! Use flashcards or make quick quizzes for yourself. Keep it light, but consistent.
Weeks 6-8: Practice, Practice, Practice
Let’s talk about endurance. The NCLEX takes time, sometimes 5-6 hours. You need the mental strength to get through it. Now is the time to take full-length practice tests. Build your endurance, just like preparing for a long race.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
The more you practice, the more your confidence grows. You will notice question patterns and understand the test’s logic.
Master the NCLEX Format
“Select All That Apply” (SATA) questions often feel tricky. Many people worry about them. But don't worry. With practice and a good approach, they become easier.
Here is your plan:
Don’t avoid the SATA questions in practice—they’re actually a great opportunity to boost your score. Embrace the challenge, and by test day, they’ll feel like old friends.
The Last Week: What (and What Not) to Do
You’ve made it. You’re in the home stretch now. But what you do (and don’t do) in this last week can make a big difference.
The night before the test, pack what you need, set your alarm, and put away your books early. A good night’s sleep is the best last-minute prep you can do.
Conclusion: Trusting the Process
Remember, this 60-day NCLEX study plan isn’t just about memorizing facts. It’s about building your confidence and getting comfortable with the exam format. You’ve got the tools, the time, and the talent to make this happen.
You’ve already come so far in your nursing journey—NCLEX is just the last step before you can officially put those RN letters next to your name. So don’t overthink it. You’re more prepared than you know.
Trust the process, trust yourself, and go show that NCLEX who’s boss. You’re going to nail this. And when you do, I’ll be here cheering you on! Happy studying, future nurse!