Study for Your Nursing Exam Between Shifts
Nursing students and aspiring nurses are busy. Between clinicals, classes, work, and life—finding study time is hard. The free Open Exam Prep Nursing & Healthcare Podcast lets you study during commutes, while meal prepping, or during any downtime.
Why Audio Learning Works for Nursing Exams
You're Already Exhausted
After a 12-hour clinical shift or a full day of classes, the last thing you want to do is sit down with a textbook. Audio learning lets you:
- Study during your commute home
- Review concepts while making dinner
- Reinforce learning during your morning routine
- Learn passively when you're too tired to read
Nursing Exams Test Understanding, Not Memorization
The NCLEX isn't about memorizing facts—it's about applying nursing judgment. The podcast helps you:
- Understand WHY things work the way they do
- Connect concepts across body systems
- Think through clinical scenarios
- Develop the reasoning skills NCLEX tests
What the Podcast Covers
NCLEX-RN & NCLEX-PN Topics
| Category | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Safe & Effective Care | Management, safety, infection control |
| Health Promotion | Growth/development, prevention, wellness |
| Psychosocial | Coping, mental health, therapeutic communication |
| Physiological | Body systems, pharmacology, nutrition |
TEAS Exam Topics
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Reading | Comprehension, inference, text structure |
| Math | Arithmetic, algebra, measurement, data |
| Science | A&P, biology, chemistry, scientific reasoning |
| English | Grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure |
CNA Exam Topics
| Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Basic Care | ADLs, hygiene, mobility, nutrition |
| Safety | Infection control, fall prevention, emergency response |
| Communication | Patient rights, documentation, reporting |
| Clinical Skills | Vital signs, positioning, transfers |
Study Strategies by Exam
For NCLEX-RN/PN
The NCLEX uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)—questions get harder as you answer correctly. Here's how to prepare:
Week 1-2: Content Review
Listen to podcast episodes covering your weak areas. If you struggled with pharmacology in school, focus there first.
Week 3-4: Application Practice
Take NCLEX-style practice questions after each podcast episode:
Week 5-6: Test Strategies
Listen to episodes on prioritization, delegation, and NCLEX-specific strategies. These test-taking skills are critical.
For TEAS
| Study Phase | Podcast Focus | Practice Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Science (A&P) | TEAS Science Practice → |
| Week 2 | Math concepts | TEAS Math Practice → |
| Week 3 | Reading & English | TEAS Practice → |
| Week 4 | Full review | Full TEAS Practice → |
For CNA
CNA exams have written and skills components. The podcast helps with written exam concepts. Use our practice questions for skills scenarios:
Free Practice Questions
Pair the podcast with free practice questions on your target exam:
| Exam | Pass Rate | Free Practice |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN | 87% (first-time, US) | Start NCLEX-RN Practice → |
| NCLEX-PN | 84% (first-time, US) | Start NCLEX-PN Practice → |
| CNA | Varies by state | Start CNA Practice → |
| TEAS | ~60% achieve "Proficient" | Start TEAS Practice → |
Pharmacology: The #1 Weak Area
Pharmacology is consistently the most challenging area for nursing students. The podcast covers:
Drug Categories You Must Know
- Cardiac drugs: Beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, antiarrhythmics
- Antibiotics: Penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones
- Pain management: Opioids, NSAIDs, adjuvants
- Psych meds: SSRIs, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers
- Endocrine: Insulin types, thyroid medications
Memory Tips from the Podcast
- Drug names ending in "-olol" = beta blockers
- Drug names ending in "-pril" = ACE inhibitors
- Drug names ending in "-statin" = cholesterol medications
- Drug names ending in "-pam" or "-lam" = benzodiazepines
For a deep dive, check out our pharmacology guide: NCLEX Pharmacology Guide →
Where to Listen
The Nursing & Healthcare Exam Prep Podcast is available on all platforms:
- Spotify - Listen on Spotify
- Apple Podcasts - Listen on Apple Podcasts
- YouTube - Watch on YouTube
Download episodes for offline listening during clinicals or in hospital dead zones with no cell service.
When to Study: A Realistic Schedule
Nursing students don't have 8-hour study days. Here's a realistic approach:
| Time Slot | Activity | Study Method |
|---|---|---|
| Morning commute | 20-30 min | Podcast (new content) |
| Lunch break | 15 min | Practice 10 questions |
| Evening commute | 20-30 min | Podcast (review) |
| Before bed | 15 min | Review missed questions |
| Daily total | 70-90 min | Distributed learning |
This adds up to 8-10+ hours per week without blocking off "study time."
Need Help? Ask the AI Tutor
Confused about a concept from the podcast? Our free AI tutor can explain any nursing topic:
Try asking:
- "Explain the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes"
- "What are the signs of digoxin toxicity?"
- "How do I prioritize using the ABCs?"
- "Explain the nursing process steps"
Free for 10 questions per day.
Start Your Nursing Exam Prep Today
- Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify
- Practice with free questions for your exam:
- Ask the AI when you need concepts explained
All free. You've already invested so much in nursing school—exam prep shouldn't break the bank.