NCLEX- Preparation in 15 days

Hi all! I just took the NCLEX a few days ago and found out that I passed (in 75 questions). I had been lurking this site obsessively throughout the last 2-3 weeks. I found a lot of helpful tips and suggestions. However, I was very apprehensive about whether or not I was ready to take the NCLEX because I had only prepared for a little over 2 weeks, as many of the posts that I read were from folks who had prepared for months and studied intensively. I almost postponed my test for another two weeks out because I didn't feel ready enough. But I couldn't imagine studying anymore to be honest, so I went for it.

I did Kaplan and the PDA book by La Charity (Chapters 1-18 and 3 case studies on DKA, pulmonary, and respiratory) ONLY. I did all of the Q-bank questions, question trainers, and practice exams #1-4. I also looked over the NCLEX study guide (the one that is about 15 pages and hilarious). I did not go over any content, except for medications. I watched the first video of Kaplan's medication and took notes on it. I also watched 4 videos of one section (about 20 questions) the day before the exam to get me in the right mindset. After taking the exam, I do NOT think that more studying would have helped me. The questions that were asked were not hard/complex as Kaplan, but they were very similar. I did not do good at all on Kaplan's SATA; on practice exam #4 (SATA only), I had 26%. On the NCLEX, I probably had about 15-17 SATA and they were more simple in comparison to Kaplan's. I also had 3 of the questions that required you to put things in order. I had 1 super easy calculation, and the rest were fairly straightforward multiple choice. The things I saw a lot of were infection prevention and skills related to that and respiratory related questions. The medication questions were very straightforward for me and did not require any in-depth assessment. Basically, if you have a good understanding of what medications are for and common things to watch out for, you are fine. When I would get stumped during the exam between two answers, I re-read the question and asked: What is the question and which of these two answers is more applicable? Also, think nursing process during the questions that ask you to put things in order. Also- take breaks if you need them! I raised my hand at question 34 and walked outside just to breathe and calm myself.

Below are my Kaplan scores:

Diagnostic: 58%

Trainer 1: 59%

2: 64%

3: 59%

4: 62%

5: 64%

6: 58%

7: 60%

I did 100% of Q-bank and my overall was 62%.

My scores are definitely not as high as some of the other posters. Don't be afraid that you won't do well on NCLEX if your scores are not high 60's -70's! You CAN DO IT. Kaplan was tricky for me, but made me comfortable thinking through NCLEX style questions. If you got through nursing school, you can do this!!

Please PM me if I can be helpful in any way. NCLEX is not easy, but you got this!!! :)