My NCLEX Story #Kaplan #Hesi

I'm usually a lurker but I just wanted to share my story with someone who may be having a tough time with the Nclex or the Exit Hesi. I didn't give myself positive self talk while I was studying, and I feel like if I would have believed in myself more, I wouldn't have driven myself so crazy!

I graduated from my school in June after failing the exit Hesi 4 times. My school is a new program so it is not required to remediate if you fail.I did great throughout school (3.8 GPA) but after failing the Hesi so many times I felt so defeated and even questioned if I even wanted to be a nurse. Once I finally passed, I knew I had to tackle the NCLEX, and it scared the heck out of me! Honestly, the Hesi made me feel so low and I was sure I was going to fail the NCLEX too.

I did the Kaplan course and my scores averaged between 49 and 65% on the q banks. I completed the q bank in about 4 weeks in addition to the content review videos. When it got down to the final week to study I was still scoring low (50's). Needless to say I was more discouraged than ever because Kaplan suggests a score of at least a 60% on the q banks. I contemplated rescheduling my exam and felt more discouraged than ever.

My test shut off at about 140 questions and I found out I passed last week. My nursing license came on my birthday 10/25:) and I couldn't be more proud of myself. I was fortunate enough to pass on the first time but now I realize that I didn't give myself the credit I deserved. I worked hard and I studied hard. Don't doubt yourself like I did!

If I could pass you can too! Focus on your accomplishments. If you can make through nursing school you can make it through the NCLEX! Please don't give up!

What I studied

- Kaplan q bank and all content videos (read every rationale, if you don't understand something look it up)

- I you tubed Nursing techniques and went over fundamentals (i.e iv insertion, pt transfers, etc) I was surprised to see a lot of basic fundamentals on the Nclex

- I reviewed infection control, pharmacology, and management of care style questions the most. (I would say this was about 30% of my test)

- The 30 something page study guide that's floating around on here.