by judahgirl

Updated Sep 15, 2009 at 12:10 PM by judahgirl

I graduated last month and got a 97% on my first Critical thinking test, then just above average on the following 2 prior to graduation. I Have been studying and using Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-PN and Mosby's comprehensive review everyday and am doing well scoring in the upper 70's. I have my ATT and am scheduled to take my test in 23 days.


I am REALLY nervous about taking the test and passing the first time. My instructors say that while my practice tests scores are great, I still need to study. I have friends that are nurses that are telling me to just go and take it and I will pass the first time. I am scared to death and even talking about the exam makes me sick to my stomach. I am a pretty good test taker and was in the top 3 in my graduating class; but the thought of taking this test just breeds fear in me. Any tips, hints or things to cover in these last days prior to taking the test would be so appreciated.
~Thanks
Judahgirl

Re: Any tips for taking the NCLEX PN ??

NCLEX ABCDZ STRATEGY

A. Spend 1/3 of your time reviewing content you don't understand
B. Spend 2/3 of your time answering test question
C. Used most comfortable NCLEX review book for content.
D. Begin with the area that is most difficult for you or area that are least familiar
E. Use a good nursing reference manual or internet to find information
F. Define the disease in terms of pathophysiological process and understand the disease process.
G. Identify the early and late symptoms of disease
H. Identify most important or life-threatening complication associated with the disease.
I. Define the medical treatment.
J. Identify nursing intervention associate with early and late symptom of disease process
K. Identify what to teach patient and family to prevent in other to adapt to disease process.
L. list the area you need to review.
M. Answering question in a test mode will improve your test taking skills
N. Each time you answer question, check the number of question you answered correctly that will motivate you to read and study more next time.
O. Keep track of your score to see how you're improving in all area of your content.
P. If you answer less than 65% correctly, these is a WARNING SIGNAL!! Spend lots of time reviewing content and stop doing question on the weakest area
Q. If you answer 65-75% correctly your performance is improving and success is certain. Continue working with the content until your score is above 75%
R. Every wrong answer, identify why you answered it wrongly.
S. Practice 75- 85 question to known how you'll be prepared for NCLEX Exam and see how many you answered correctly
T. Do understand the question first, formulate your answer of hand and compare with the option given to see how close your answer!!
U. Anticipate Test question will increase in difficulty when you get the first question right!!
V. Do not panic if someone finishes before you!!
W. Do not CRAM CRAM!!
X. Remember that you have learned a great amount of nursing knowledge and the exam is only designed to determine whether you're able to practice safely @ entry level
Y. Keep a positive attitude and Pray!!
Z. Wish you best of LUCK!

Re: Any tips for taking the NCLEX PN ??

Thank you for this, I've never heard this before.

Re: Any tips for taking the NCLEX PN ??

Don't want to cause you anymore fear but I can tell you that I graduated top of my class, made 90's or above all year and did well on my practice tests & quizzes....BUT, I just got home from taking the NCLEX and it was awful I feel like I knew nothing at all on that test. I wasn't even able to narrow most of the choices down to 2 & pick the best one. I would continue to study!!!