Foreign-trained RN - PASSED NCLEX-RN 1st Attempt!!!

I've been an RN since 2006 and a Midwife since 2008 (England) - moved to the USA in November 2013 and registered to take the NCLEX around Christmas 2013. In January 2014, whilst waiting for my ATT, I registered for the NSCBN 8-week course which helped me realize my strengths and weaknesses. After completing it, I took time to review topics I needed to brush up on (using my notes, Epocrates, YouTube videos, etc). I received my ATT in March and immediately signed up for Kaplan's review because I had heard a lot about it helping many people to approach NCLEX questions strategically. Three weeks before my scheduled NCLEX date, I returned to NSCBN to take the 3-week review course because I did not get to do the practice questions previously. I completed all the NCSBN practice questions as well as all the Kaplan Qbank questions and QTs. Reviewed all questions whether I got them wrong or right.

I took the NCLEX-RN on April 29^th 2014 and just found out today, using the quick result service that I passed! Exam shut off at 75 questions and I really was not sure how I did. I found the exam really tough, over half of the questions I got were 'Select All That Apply' format, which I really dislike. I'm very good with drug calculations and did not even get one drug calculation question.

I am grateful to God for the Grace, strength and guidance that I received and for the NCSBN RN review course. It was not easy making time to review with two little children and other family responsibilities; I fasted, prayed, spent between 6-9 hours daily reviewing contents and practice questions. There is a lot of advice out there about what you should and should not do. I decided to go with what feels natural and right to me. I reduced distractions such as the use of social media, TV, phone chats, etc...I worked out 5-6 times a week and ate healthy, studied up until the day before and even a little bit in the car before going into the PV building, not because I was nervous but because that's what has always worked for me. It made me feel confident and assured that I had given it my absolute best. As a morning person, I scheduled for 8am and did not eat prior because again, that's what works for me.

Now, I look forward to taking the AMCB exam to be licensed as a Nurse-Midwife because that is where my passion lies. I was encouraged by some posts that I read on here before I took the NCLEX so I thought I'd share my experience and hopefully encourage someone in the process. To anyone who is yet to take the exam, I pray you are successful. Be diligent with studying and identifying your weak areas, pray for strength and guidance and you will be just fine.