Author's Note: This is an unsolicited advise from a friend to the thousands of nursing graduates aspiring to become registered nurses. He self-reviewed and passed (take one and with way above the passing exam rating) the local board exam last December 2005. He was relatively an underachiever and a carefree student in college. He would like to give inspiration to average students like himself who want to pass the nursing licensure exam. "You don't have to be a Cum Laude to pass the exam. Being academically exceptional in college is not a guarantee."

DURING THE REVIEW

Know When to Relax
Do not punish yourself i.e. reading or reviewing all day and all night. You are human, not a machine… or even if you could be a machine, just imagine a machine which is overused. It will overheat and eventually bog down.

Avoid reviewing when you are not in the mood- its useless! Do not force yourself. Willingness is the key (and determination). It would also be very helpful to know the time of the day when you function well or when you are at the highest performance. That would be the best time to study.

Unwind and exercise. Engage in games that stimulate the mind and improve critical thinking- like doing crosswords, bookworm, text twist (the author’s favorite pastimes). Exercise your body. Try swimming, basketball or any sport you like. It keeps the body alert and the mind sharp.

Don’t Just Read, Read and Read
Try to understand what you are reading. Train yourself to analyze and not to memorize. Make your own example, code and pneumonic- this will help you recall lessons easily.

Example: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs- P.S. Lea

Physiologic Needs
Safety/ Security
Love/ Belonging
Self-Esteem
Self-Actualization

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