In Nurse Logic #3 I learned about Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs and its importance in prioritizing patients’ needs in nursing. I learned that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a useful study tool for the NCLEX. In order to integrate this component into my nursing practice I would utilize this hierarchy to select the most appropriate answer for test questions. First, I would review the answers and determine if it is physiological or psychosocial. Next, I would eliminate psychosocial answers, as physiological issues are always first priority for a patient. Then I review the remaining answers and decide if they correlate to the question being asked. While reviewing the remaining answers, I would also apply the ABCs, Airway, Breathing and Circulation to establish priority. Lastly, after I have worked through these steps I will ask myself what is the highest priority for my patient. By utilizing this method, it will help me in narrowing down potential answers therefore increasing my chance of answering each question correctly.

In Nurse Logic 4 I learned about helpful testing preparation techniques for the NCLEX. In order to incorporate these into my nursing practice I will set a daily goal to practice NCLEX style questions. By achieving this daily goal i will be able to identify my strengths and weakness so I am aware of the areas I need to improve on prior to taking the NCLEX. This will allow me to break the content into smaller groups so I am able to devise an efficient studying plan in order to be successful. I also learned that it is always best to go with what you know, to trust your gut because going back and changing your answer increases the risk of self-doubt. In addition, to getting in to the habit of double checking that the calculations of a question add up correctly. Lastly, I learned that it is important to minimize the amount of stress prior to taking the NCLEX exam. Some of the tips that I found helpful were to not study or work the day before the NCLEX, to spend quality time with family and friends prior to taking the exam, and lastly to engage in actions that reduce stress the night before the exam.