Preparing for NCLEX while working as a GN

Nurses New Nurse

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Hi all,

For the GNs who worked after graduation and took the NCLEX before the end of their training/orientation and passed it the first time --- how was your experience like when preparing for this critical exam while working? Any advice on time management, stress management? Thanks!

Specializes in OB.
The only problem with working before NCLEX is that you only have that 90 day window to get your license. (At least here in my state) I didn't even get my ATT until 8 weeks after graduation and I didn't get a test date until after my 90 days was up, so I couldn't work after the 90 days until I passed the test.

depends on where you are at, how speedy your school and state BON is. I got my ATT and temp license exactly 7 days after I graduated. I graduated in May, take my NCLEX at the end of this month. Several of my classmates have already taken and passed the NCLEX this month.

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Specializes in Adult Acute Care Medicine.

I started my GN position on Monday. Central nurse orientation and Medsurge orientation are provided before unit orientation. I have had classes on everyting from blood product administration to wound care to risk management.

I was worried about not having enough study time...but so far it has helped me review so many things.

I also try to get questions each day.

Good luck!

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I started my GN position on Monday. Central nurse orientation and Medsurge orientation are provided before unit orientation. I have had classes on everyting from blood product administration to wound care to risk management.

I was worried about not having enough study time...but so far it has helped me review so many things.

I also try to get questions each day.

Good luck!

This was part of my point above. The orientation to the unit often involves an extensive review of policies, procedures, and protocols. My unit not only has classes on it, but you have to take tests and provide documentation that is graded by the CNS.

I realize some facilities do not do this; but in those that do, this is an excellent review. And in any case, looking up meds, initiating care plans, and in general working in an acute care environment is a good review. Not that sitting down with a book or in a class ISN'T a good review. But working can be a good review, too.

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I took the NCLEX monday... PASSED!!! The only prep that will do any good is to be be comfortable with the types of questings they ask such as "select all that apply" I like to prefer to those as "select all that i know apply"...LOL

Studying content will not help. There is not enough time or energy in the world to cover all that may be asked. I walked out feeling completely overwhelmed. You have to depend on you critical thinking ability and judgment not knowledge of content.

Good LUCK!! You'll do great

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Hi!

I started working full time (3-4 12's a week) three days after graduation. I am panicking now because I take the NCLEX one week from today and I'm afraid that I didn't study near enough. I did review questions just about everyday, but no review class for me! I'm kind of freaking out now? Does anyone have any words of encouragement?? Or has anyone been in this situation and passed boards? :barf01::bugeyes:

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Specializes in M/S/Ortho/Bari/ED.

courtdeann: Private message me! I have a study guide I made last year for the NCLEX and it worked out beautifully, covered everything. PM me if you're interested.

Anjann

Hi!

I started working full time (3-4 12's a week) three days after graduation. I am panicking now because I take the NCLEX one week from today and I'm afraid that I didn't study near enough. I did review questions just about everyday, but no review class for me! I'm kind of freaking out now? Does anyone have any words of encouragement?? Or has anyone been in this situation and passed boards? :barf01::bugeyes:

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Would I be rude if I asked you for the guide? Thanks!

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Specializes in M/S/Ortho/Bari/ED.
Would I be rude if I asked you for the guide? Thanks!

NurseRock: Private message me with you email address please.

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well first off good luck with nclex and the GN position!!! I started doing my GN after much debate one month after i graduated. I studied in that month before and on the weekends while I was working. You sooooo dont feel like stuydin when u get home from work. I was doin 4 days a week and definitely think that it helped me...esp the boring classroom orientation....only problem is like someone said before....real world nursing is nothing like NCLEX....so u cant think what you saw....but what they WANT to hear.

For me I would do it again I think the GN helped.....but everyone is different....i would definitely say take it ASAP after graduation the earlier the better!!! Goood luck and btw....I passed first time 75 ques....dont sweat it!!! easier said than done haha

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Not meaning to be rude but is the study guide still available. I plan to take the NCLEX soon but I am so scared.

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I know it is nerve racking...but dont be scared. Many good NClex review guides are available. However, it will not benefit you to study specific content, rather prepare yourself to be very comfortable with the different types of questions asked on the NCLEX. The thing I do recommend that you review prior to testing are common lab values such as dig levels, potassium, bun, bnp, acetamenophen max daily doses. I tested in June. GOOD LUCK TO YOU

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Would it be possible to also recieve an copy Anjann?

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