My story of the NCLEX, do NOT give up!

A little back story...I graduated May, 2013! After taking the Hurst review and going into the NCLEX the first time and finding out I was unsuccessful, I was devastated! Getting that letter of failing was so heart breaking. Going into the test I felt great, but I just didn't know HOW to answer those questions! I had tried again later, to only fail again!

I took an extended break from testing, I didn't give up, but I was so discouraged and unmotivated to get in there and take that test that was so intimidating to me!! In February of this year, 2015, I enrolled in the Kaplan review course. I called them, told them my story and they got me started!! I took the class, and did what they recommended. I started taking all those tests slowly, getting use to material that I had been away from for so long! I like Kaplan because it focuses on how to answer the questions! Even if you have no idea what the question is talking about, it can help you by elimination!

How I studied:

After taking each test, I review it in detail!! If I did not know the material I would look up the information and make detailed notes on the topic, especially procedures!! I would write little pointers and tips in my separate notes. (Repetitive writing helps me remember!) With Kaplan, I took all question trainers and completed 92% of the Q-bank with an average scoring of 60%. I also used Exam Cram (great questions!). I studied nearly 3 months, towards the end of studying, I was committed to studying any free time during my day, several hours a day!

Test day:

I went to bed at a decent hour, got up refreshed, looked in the mirror and told myself, "You CAN do this! Today is MY day!" I scheduled my test for 2pm, the other tests I had taken I scheduled for 8am. I'm not the best morning person, so maybe the 2pm testing helped me as well! I skimmed my notes that morning, then took a 20 question test to get my brain in question taking mode! Then I relaxed until it was time to leave! I went straight up to the testing room, avoided the waiting area and talking to others because I didn't want to get even more nervous. Checked in, sat down and did the tutorial. Once my test started, I sat there and took a few deep breaths and calmed my nerves. Told myself I could do this!! I turned OFF the ticking clock on the test and just started answering questions like it was on of my Kaplan tests!! My test shut off at 75 questions, my heart stopped. I went to my car and cried!! I was so sick feeling like I had just bombed...AGAIN!! I went home and just tried to forget about it! I didn't try the trick or anything!!

The next day, I went to my states board of nursing around 3:30pm...just to see. Typed my name in, and there I was!! RN! I couldn't believe it!! I had FINALLY passed after trying so hard!!

So what to take away from this is DO NOT GIVE UP!! Some go in without studying and pass the first time!! Some study their butts off and pass the first time!! Others, like myself, study study and do not pass the first few times. That is OK!! It doesn't matter what path you have to take, as long as you end up where you wish to be!!