How to pass NCLEX-RN on first try

U.S.A. Michigan

Published

Specializes in ICCU - cardiac.

This is for those who have not taken boards yet. I had a mandatory review class @ my college. But what really helped me was being prepared. If u did well in school and studied so much, u actually retain the material then I suggest doing 100-150 practice questions 4-5 days/wk. I did this for 2 mo. Read the rationales on every answer so u know why u got it right or wrong. If u are doing poorly in an area, build tests with that in mind until it becomes a strength. I used Saunders Q&A and 4000 but the most helpful was the ncsbn review. (www.elearningext.com) And they write the test questions. I paid $49 for 3 wk 24hr online access where I could build my own tests. The actual nclex is straight forward but it is not like school tests. The answers u r expecting r just not there. Thats where being prepared and having a good knowledge makes all the difference. U have to critically think out the questions. It is not a test of intelligence rather one of safety. Know your infection/ isolation precautions, your med classifications. If u have no idea what the med is and they are asking for adverse effects, look to the answer that would be most harmful or disruptive to their lifestyle. Again, its all about keeping the pt free from harm. On priority questions and this will make up a large portion of the test, read and reread all the options. Hopefully u know what is normal and thus abnormal. Think ABC's, Maslow's. Know if it is asking a nursing assessment or action. But the most important piece of advice I can give you other than being prepared is to be CALM AND FOCUSED!!!!!! Don't go and sit down at your cubicle and start doubting yourself and thinking about all the ramifications. Be confident, be focused and be calm. This is just one last test. U have taken many of them already and passed; there is no doubt u can pass the BIG ONE! The day before, do nothing but relax. Wake up on test day ready to show that dang computer what u know!!!:typing

P.S>. I got 75 questions and when it shut off, I knew I passed! I was prepared, confident, focused and calm!:nurse:

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!:yeah::redpinkhe

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congrats on passing boards!!!! I take mine the middle of next month - kind of nervous about it. I've been doing Saunders questions and have read the Kaplan book. I've notice when I use Kaplans strategies, the question doesn't become as daunting. Thanks for the tips on what to study for. Would you say the test was difficult?

I tried the link you posted but it doesn't work. I'll try to Google it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICCU - cardiac.
Congrats on passing boards!!!! I take mine the middle of next month - kind of nervous about it. I've been doing Saunders questions and have read the Kaplan book. I've notice when I use Kaplans strategies, the question doesn't become as daunting. Thanks for the tips on what to study for. Would you say the test was difficult?

I tried the link you posted but it doesn't work. I'll try to Google it.

Some ppl might scream when I say this but I didn't find it that hard at all. You have to know ur material because it is all about application. But if u r prepared and can calmly read each question and options twice, u can definitely make a choice and move on. Of course there are the ones where 2 answers seem to be the best but u try ur best educated guess. Mine was primarily prioritizing meds and which pts to see first. And lots of infection control - I would really know these. I didnt get any delegation or OB.

I am glad that I didn't internalize all the hype about how its so hard etc., I just did my best and didnt allow the pressure to get to me. And I think if u can go in there and just relax, thats half the battle. U made it thru school, u can pass boards! My best wished to you, I have no doubt u can do it!:redpinkhe

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the insight! I'm sure your glad that you can put all of your study guides, books, etc. away!!! Your right, if I can make it through the excellerated program of nursing school (I started in winter '08) I'm sure the NCLEX can't stop me. Going to keep doing questions and know infection control like the back of my hand. Thanks again for the tips.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Some ppl might scream when I say this but I didn't find it that hard at all. You have to know ur material because it is all about application. But if u r prepared and can calmly read each question and options twice, u can definitely make a choice and move on. Of course there are the ones where 2 answers seem to be the best but u try ur best educated guess. Mine was primarily prioritizing meds and which pts to see first. And lots of infection control - I would really know these. I didnt get any delegation or OB.

I have to agree... After all the hundreds of questions I have studied, I didn't think the NCLEX was very difficult at all. I finished in 90 minutes and felt fine when I left. I did worry, though, because I got 77 questions and the last 2 were very easy. That just seemed weird.

The hardest part is waiting. You start thinking about questions you weren't sure of, and second guessing yourself. Just remember statistics are on your side! If you can get through nursing school, this test shouldn't stop you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Please help! I'm scheduled to take my nclex in two weeks and have been using the Kaplan Review. I have done all question trainers and average between a 58-60. I also have done all the qbank questions and recently getting 80s-90s. What do you think the likelihood of passing the nclex is?? I'm super scared and afraid I've only memorized questions instead of really understanding what the questions are asking....or maybe i need to just relax? : /

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the tips amy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow Thank you sooo much!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Med/Surg, LTC.
Please help! I'm scheduled to take my nclex in two weeks and have been using the Kaplan Review. I have done all question trainers and average between a 58-60. I also have done all the qbank questions and recently getting 80s-90s. What do you think the likelihood of passing the nclex is?? I'm super scared and afraid I've only memorized questions instead of really understanding what the questions are asking....or maybe i need to just relax? : /

Graciefr, I hope you did well in your test........I have my test scheduled to take it in a couple of weeks, for the 3rd time........this time I know I am better prepared.......you must know your core content, and practice your questions and review the rationales........I did my nursing overseas, so the teaching was different, albeit, nursing care is nursing care, so I had to get back to basics....what did help, was the Hurst Review. Good luck........you can do it

Up Vote Up Vote ×

CONGRATS! I take mine next month :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Critical Care and PACU Nursing.
this is for those who have not taken boards yet. i had a mandatory review class @ my college. but what really helped me was being prepared. if u did well in school and studied so much, u actually retain the material then i suggest doing 100-150 practice questions 4-5 days/wk. i did this for 2 mo. read the rationales on every answer so u know why u got it right or wrong. if u are doing poorly in an area, build tests with that in mind until it becomes a strength. i used saunders q&a and 4000 but the most helpful was the ncsbn review. (www.elearningext.com) and they write the test questions. i paid $49 for 3 wk 24hr online access where i could build my own tests. the actual nclex is straight forward but it is not like school tests. the answers u r expecting r just not there. thats where being prepared and having a good knowledge makes all the difference. u have to critically think out the questions. it is not a test of intelligence rather one of safety. know your infection/ isolation precautions, your med classifications. if u have no idea what the med is and they are asking for adverse effects, look to the answer that would be most harmful or disruptive to their lifestyle. again, its all about keeping the pt free from harm. on priority questions and this will make up a large portion of the test, read and reread all the options. hopefully u know what is normal and thus abnormal. think abc's, maslow's. know if it is asking a nursing assessment or action. but the most important piece of advice i can give you other than being prepared is to be calm and focused!!!!!! don't go and sit down at your cubicle and start doubting yourself and thinking about all the ramifications. be confident, be focused and be calm. this is just one last test. u have taken many of them already and passed; there is no doubt u can pass the big one! the day before, do nothing but relax. wake up on test day ready to show that dang computer what u know!!!:typing

p.s>. i got 75 questions and when it shut off, i knew i passed! i was prepared, confident, focused and calm!:nurse:

good luck to all of you!!!!!:yeah::redpinkhe

i can do it! thanks rn! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok, well I know the NCLEX won't be very easy, but I just will have to do some research on websites to help me... any input

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment