My NCLEX RN Experience

[starminks, BSN, RN]

Hello Everyone! I wanted to post my experience on studying for the NCLEX and how I managed to pass on my first attempt. I found so much reassurance on the forums and comments from this website, so I hope that my input can provide the same thing for those that are going through the same thing!

STEP 1 Breathe!

You made it this far. All you have to do is go through this home stretch and you can finally practice as an RN. It is possible!

STEP 2 Practice. Practice. Practice!

I bought the Kaplan program and one advise really stuck with me throughout my studies. The instructor said, "You understand PPE by practicing with the equipment and application thereof, NOT by reading a manual about PPE". Well...the same goes for the NCLEX. I did all the practice tests provided by Kaplan (following their recommended study schedule) as well as did 75-question Qbank tests on Tutor Mode whenever I had the energy and time. (To be very honest, the NCLEX is extremely similar to Kaplan's Qbank questions and the best part is, they have that available for people to purchase alone instead of their comprehensive study program.) I read through the rationales because it is imperative to understand the concept of nursing. As a reminder, the NCLEX is not testing you to determine if you are capable of being an encyclopedia - they are testing you to determine if you have a sound judgment and if you can safely care for sick patients. DO NOT subject yourself to reading an NCLEX review book from cover to cover. That tactic may work for some, but it is hard to believe that method will work for a majority of test takers.

STEP 3 Touch Up On Your Weaknesses.

I referred to the Saunders NCLEX Comprehensive Review (6th edition) to brush up on subjects that may have slipped my mind. The reason why I choose this book is because they truly highlight important points you need to know that may come up on your test. I primarily skimmed through the "Foundations" and "Adults" portion of the book. I did NOT read the entire section, but instead read through important topics such as Electrolytes & Fluid Balance, Incentive Spirometry steps, Myasthenia Gravis, Multiple Sclerosis, HF, MI, Developmental Stages, etc. Focus on what is prominent in the general population and the important things you need to know about them! Also, read and remember any helpful mnemonics you can find. I also downloaded the NCLEX Mastery App because they also provide mnemonics on their free app (I didn't pay for additional access!!). I didn't really refer to the NCLEX Review ebook that Kaplan provides because I didn't want to incorporate excessive studying materials. I created a study routine and stuck to it.

STEP 4 Rest Your Brain!

You have probably been told of or heard that you shouldn't study 24 hours before your test. Take this piece of advise to heart! When I was trending my practice test scores, I found that my average was low (50-59%) when I took a practice test after watching Kaplan videos and reading. Contrary to that, my test averages were higher (60-70%) when I took a practice test after resting and fresh with energy. Don't subject yourself to anxiety hours before the test! You are likely to do way better if you rest your brain.

STEP 5 Forget the Pearson Trick!

After the exam, I didn't do the "Pearson trick" because that has such a highly variable outcome!! I can't imagine the devastation I would've felt if I didn't get the "good pop-up" and had to spend 48 hours in some sort of depression and wait for closure. Instead, I simply checked my state's board of nursing website continuously to check my Graduate Nurse permit. A few colleagues of mine told me that if you failed the NCLEX, they will take your GN permit down the next time they update their website (which is daily). However, if you passed, your name will still show up. The day that my quick results were ready, my name disappeared from the GN permit search and instead popped up under the RN license search. I was in shock and thrilled because I overcame the NCLEX on my first try!

Conclusion. Believe In Yourself!

I hope my input will be of some help to those that are currently studying for the NCLEX. Continue to study with optimism and BELIEVE in yourself! If you are no longer grasping the concept because of exhaustion, that is your queue to take a break. Studying for hours on end per day is not going to guarantee your success, your acknowledgment and understanding about nursing concepts and judgment will. My best wishes to those that will take it - you CAN and WILL do it!