Re: Exam in 4 weeks. I AM LOST! I need support...
Worrier--I had to giggle when I read the one line in your post that you ddnt tell your friends. I too did not tell my friends at 1st. Only one person knew because I had called her in a panic because I got my ATT and my mind was so jumpy I couldnt even log on to the site to pick my test date. I got my ATT on Jan 1st and took my test on Jan 23rd. Here is what I did to prepare.
1st my school had us signed up for ATI. So I logged on to ATI and took all of the core system assessment tests. THere are maybe 10 of them and they are only 30 questions each, they do not give you the correct answer or rational-just an end score. Some of them I scored as low as 63%-renal. and others Muscoloskelatal 87%. So I started targeting my studeis in the low scoring catagories 1st. They got the bulk of my time. I did the Saunders Renal study section where it gives you the test then immediatly give you the correct answer and rational. I would do that until I felt confident in that subject and then take a "test" if I scored above 70% I moved on, less than 70% I would do it again.
I would do practice Nclex test as much as I could through out the day. Some times I would spend as much as 5 or 6 hours total doing questions. As time went on I found myself telling more and more people my test date. My confidence was rising.
I also utilized the Mosbsy/Davis and Saunders books. I readthe chapters on how to prepare for the exam and they really did give good advice. I would also keep a book in my car at all times in case I found myself somewhere where I could do some quesitons. I would do quesitons at the kids wrestling practices, or dentist appointments.
I had a box of Mosbys 4000 note card questions. I kept those next to my chair in the living room, at night while watching TV with the family, I would be thumbing through note card questions. I didnt keep score, I just did them.
When I would get tired of doing my Davis/Saunders/Mosby disk, I would surf the internet for Nclex style questions. Kaplans has a handfull of free quesitons adn rationals you can take.
I am also a big beliver in positive thought. I would tell my self over and over the test will shut off at 75. I would envision the screen going blank at 75. I think I have some form of ADD/OCD and I knew I could not sit still long enough to take 265. I had to finish in the 75.
About 5 days before the test I felt like I could not retain any more so I backed off, way off, maybe only taking 20 questions a day. by Jan 20th I was reading readers digest and ladies home journal and not nclex. I rented movies, I made nice suppers for the family.I took the dog on long long walks.
I think taking the thousands and thousands of practice questions is what helped me. I was so confident when I walked in that test site. You already know the basics. By doing the practice questions it helps you to take the test even if you dont know the disease you can almost narrow it down to two choices.
Example: A patient with dumping syndrom needs more instruction when he says:
1) I will eat 5-6 small meals a day.
2) I will take a brisk walk after lunch.
3) I will consume my liquids after my meals.
4) I will sit up right for half an hour after meals.
OK so say you dont know what dumping syndrom is. You have two options that tell you what to do after meals. Either take a brisk walk, or sit upright. So I would think the right answer has something to do wtih after meals. Then you narrow it down to taking a brisk walk, or sitting up right. Well who exactly would you advise to take a "brisk" walk? Take a walk, maybe..but a brisk walk???
Anyways---long story short. I passsed my boards. 75 questions and was out of there in 45 minutes. I knew the second I hit submit that I passed and that is a wonderful feeling!!!! I did not have to stress out, it was just a matter of wating for my lic number to pop up.
The more practice quesitons you can get in the better. You made it through school, you know the content. Dont read too much into the questions, they are what they are. Go wtih your gut instinct.
Best of luck. I am excited for you!!!
Exam in 4 weeks. I AM LOST! I need support...
Search Tags
..I too get anxious though I have about 6-7 weeks remaining..but I have decided this test is not going to rule me!!.... all the best to you.. will keep you in my prayers..
YOU CAN DO IT!!! You WILL pass!!! bc you've studied so much and you know so much more than you think. 
Nursing News