My journey from nursing school to NCLEX

Hello nurses and students =)

I took the NCLEX July 1, 2013. I noticed that there is a lot of students here looking for tips about the NCLEX. I was successful with 75 questions and am now an RN. I now dedicate my life to the community and healthcare.

My story starts as I apply for the nursing program. CSUF (EL-BSN) was the only program that I applied to. I got in amongst 400 students; my program only took 40 students. I was shocked myself. My prerequisites were all As and Bs, so I guess that it played a part on why they accepted me. Throughout the nursing program, I was able to survive with tons of prayers and encouragements from friends. Most of my grades were C's and B's since the program was so tough. 84 was a B, and 93 was an A. I struggled through the program, and it was WITHOUT COLLEGE PARTIES OR SOCIAL GATHERINGS. The most break I would take is a dinner out with my family or lunch with a friends.

After graduating and surviving with a BSN, I took maybe a day or two to rest, then I was back to grinding for the NCLEX. I took Kaplan for 3 days. It was intense, and I wanted to tear my hair out while learning the process of dissecting each questions. After the sessions, I was on my own. They gave me plenty of information online to keep up with the work. I brushed up on my knowledge and forced myself to learn the hard topics like PHARM! I also ate healthier than usual to keep my brain and circulation working. I covered Kaplan cover to cover twice or thrice and really knowing the information and not staring at it blankly. I locked myself in the house for a whole month and focused solely on NCLEX. I did the question trainer questions and got 51-62. I thought it was okay since the questions were meant to be hard. Nobody can get an 80 on these tests. The day before the big day, I took a break and shopped. I wanted to keep my mind off of it. What I don't know won't enter my brain last minute. I figured it was useless now to cram.

I went in there knowing I've done everything I can to study for the big test. If I fail, I have no regrets. If I pass, then I was successful. I also visited to site two days before, it makes you less anxious since you are somewhat familiar with the place. I recommend this, so that there is no way of getting lost and it helps lower the anxiety level. I arrived there an hour early. I took my peppermint and went in the testing center. PS. make sure you eat the morning of, proteins and little carb. You don't want to be in there with a growling stomach. By question 10, I had consecutives SATA questions. All in all, I had 15 SATA questions. Yes, I tallied it because I was so nervous during it. I had to remind myself to breathe through it all. I was thinking that the test was actually easier than the KAPLAN questions (which was surprising). My computer shut off at 75. I felt good about it since it was full of priority questions and select all that apply. I knew I was well above the pass line. When I went back to my car, my radio literally said "your future is in God's hand". I freaked out ....in a good way! God is gracious.

I thank God everyday that I am able to have the clarity of mind and the courage through NCLEX. I get anxiety attacks when I take tests. So this was definitely a miracle. I told God if I was meant to be in healthcare, I will pass it the first time. AND I DID.

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Micah C. RN