Around 13% of nursing graduates don’t pass the NCLEX on their first shot. And while that sounds intimidating, don’t let it freak you out. You’re not here to join that number—you’re here to beat it, right?
It's absolutely achievable, regardless of whether you're stressed for time, have procrastinated a little—okay, maybe a lot—or have suddenly realized you have only two weeks before exam day. The two-week NCLEX study strategy fills that need.
Consider it your secret weapon to hone your abilities, increase your self-assurance, and ace the test. Let’s break down a daily plan that will help you focus, study smart, and get you across that finish line.
Why a 2-Week NCLEX Study Plan Can Actually Work
First things first: two weeks isn't as short as it sounds. In fact, this is the perfect amount of time to dedicate to some serious, targeted study sessions. For you, there won't be any interruptions. Avoid standing around waiting. Your thought process is all "I can handle this."
Why a Brief, Intense Study Period Is Beneficial
This isn't about trying to study nonstop—that's something nobody wants to do. Shorter study sessions have advantages.
- Maintaining motivation: Two weeks of coursework? That’s way easier to stay pumped about than, say, two months.
- Prioritize what matters: No time to waste means you’ll focus on the must-knows, and ditch the fluff.
- Content retention is solid: Studying consistently over a couple of weeks keeps everything fresh in your mind.
Bottom line? A 2 week NCLEX study plan isn’t about drowning yourself in notes and practice tests; it’s about focusing on high-yield content and getting strategic with your study time. And you’ll be glad you did.
Day 1-3: The Foundation – Content Review & Confidence Boost
Let’s kick things off right. Day 1 is about finding out where you stand, and the next two days are all about getting your study routine going. You’re setting the pace here.
Day 1 – Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Grab a full-length NCLEX practice exam and go through it from start to finish. No half-assing it, no cheating, no Googling answers. This will be your baseline to see what you know and what needs work.
- UWorld, Kaplan, or Hurst Review are good starting points. To assist you in preparing, they provide practice exams.
- As a quick advise, don't stress over your grade. As a checkpoint, it functions. Point out your advantages and disadvantages. Feeling like a rock star is nothing to worry about just now.
Day 2 – Make a Game Plan
Having determined your areas of strength and areas in which you could benefit from some assistance, it's now time to create a study plan. Remain focused and grounded in reality.
- Make time for studying: Try to get in between 6 and 8 hours a day, but don't go overboard. I promise that shorter spurts will provide greater productivity from you.
- Split your study sessions: Spend mornings on content review—like pharmacology and med-surg—and afternoons on practice questions based on those topics.
Day 3 – Content Deep Dive: Priority Topics
Ready to dig deep? Today, focus on the high-priority topics that are likely to show up on the NCLEX, and know them cold.
- Pharmacology: Don’t try to memorize every single drug. Focus on major classes, what they do, and their key side effects.
- Infection Control: Know your precautions: standard, droplet, airborne—you should be able to recite these in your sleep.
- Delegation & Prioritization: These questions can make or break your score. Learn who you should see first, what you can delegate, and what’s most important in a given scenario.
- Pro Tip: Use flashcards. They genuinely save lives. Note important things, carry them with you, and go over them whenever you get a moment. At Starbucks and stuck in line? Finally, flashcard time.
Day 4-7: Building Momentum – Practice Questions & Content Review
Now we’re picking up speed. You’ve set your foundation, now it’s time to push forward. Practice, practice, and yep, more practice—but smart practice.
Day 4 – Mix it Up: Practice & Review
The best way to lock in content is to quiz yourself on it. Half the day is dedicated to practice questions, and the other half to reviewing what you need more work on.
- Morning hustle: Tackle 75-100 practice questions on specific topics. Focus on one subject at a time, like OB/peds or mental health.
- Afternoon review: Go over every single rationale. Understanding why you got something wrong is way more important than just getting it right.
Day 5 – Practice “Test-Taking Strategies”
Knowing the content is one thing; knowing how to take the test is another. The NCLEX isn’t just about what you know, but how you answer.
- Eliminate the obviously wrong answers: Sometimes you can toss out two options right away. Focus on what's left.
- Look for key words: “Priority,” “initial,” “best”—these are clues. They tell you what the test is really asking.
Day 6 – Address Your Weak Spots
You know what you’re good at by now, and you know what makes you groan. Today is about spending time on the stuff that trips you up.
- Hate pharmacology? Make a cheat sheet for the top 20 most commonly tested drugs and their side effects.
- Cardio giving you a headache? Find some visual aids—charts, diagrams, videos—to break it down. Simplify.
Day 7 – Simulate Exam Day
One week down! It’s time for a “test run.” Take another full-length practice exam, no shortcuts. Simulate the real deal as much as you can: same start time, same length, no distractions.
- Pro Tip: Make sure to take this at the time of day your actual NCLEX is scheduled for. Get your brain in the zone for peak focus during that time window.
Day 8-11: Sharpen the Saw – Focused Content & Strategy
You’re halfway there! These days are all about drilling down on strategies and mastering those content areas that might still be hanging you up. Let’s finish strong.
Day 8 – Prioritization, Delegation, and Leadership
NCLEX loves throwing prioritization and delegation questions your way. Who gets seen first? Who’s stable enough to wait? These are the big questions.
- Memory trick: “Do Not Delegate What You Can EAT” – Evaluate, Assess, Teach. If it falls under these categories, it stays with the RN.
- Practice leadership by spending some time with practice situations that require you to set priorities for care. They are revolutionary.
Day 9: Alternative Format Questions
Here are a few unexpected questions: drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and SATA (Select All That Apply) require more preparation.
- Top practice resources: These styles of practice questions are available from Saunders NCLEX Review and Nurse Achieve.
- SATAs can be intimidating: Treat each answer choice like a true/false statement. If one part of it is false, the whole option is wrong.
Day 10 – Focus on Mental Health & Psychosocial Integrity
Mental health content often doesn’t get the attention it deserves in NCLEX prep, but it’s important—and it’s on the test.
- Therapeutic communication is key: Look for phrases like “Tell me more” or “How does that make you feel?” They’re usually correct.
- Know your disorders and meds: Schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder—these are your go-tos. Know the signs, symptoms, and treatment.
Day 11 – Systems Review Day
Today, go through all the major body systems. This is a rapid review day, so keep it light and focus on big concepts, not details.
- Hit the highlights: Cardio, respiratory, neuro, GI/GU. Go over the key points—normal vs. abnormal findings, main diseases, and basic interventions.
- Look for patterns: The NCLEX often tests how well you can connect symptoms to the right condition or intervention.
Day 12-14: The Final Push – Strategy & Self-Care
You’re so close to the finish line. The last three days are about refining your knowledge and making sure your brain is fresh and ready to go.
Day 12 – Mixed Bag Practice
Gather a variety of questions from each NCLEX topic. Now, don't concentrate on just one thing; stay diverse. You'll increase your adaptability and get ready for the test's unpredictable format.
Day 13: Light Review & Mental Break
Inhale deeply! Really, this is a day to allow your brain to process what you've learned rather than to study nonstop.
- Lighter fare: Flashcards, podcasts, or a stroll over your notes. Simply put, avoid cramming.
- Sleep, nutrition, and hydration are important aspects of self-care. Your brain will be appreciative.
Day 14: Concluding Analysis and Exam Routine
Is today the big day or is it tomorrow? Keep it calm. Go over your notes briefly, but avoid delving into any new subjects just yet.
- Put your exam bag together with your ID, some food, and a water bottle. Set it up by the door.
- Wind down: Whatever you do to relax—Netflix, yoga, or just lounging—go for it. Get to bed early. The NCLEX waits for no one.
Conclusion: Be Confident and Prepared!
The NCLEX doesn’t have to be scary. With a solid 2 week NCLEX study plan, you’ll be walking into that exam room ready to conquer. Your biggest allies over these two weeks will be consistency, focus, and practice; if you follow the plan, you'll be ready.
Don't overthink anything; preparedness and confidence are key. The tools are with you. The task is done by you. Go crush that NCLEX now!
