PASSED My NCLEX! Some Tips and Advice

Hello Everyone!

This is my first time posting onto the site. After 2 years of Nursing school I was so glad I graduated with my associates degree. Soon after, I started a Nursing externship program that lasted 7 weeks. Needless to say I had no idea how I was going to find any time to study. I scheduled my test for March 9th, 4 weeks after the end of my externship. Many people told me I was crazy and needed more time but I was worried about prolonging this anymore. With a deadline in mind I began immersing myself in Kaplan's online review. I also promised myself that whether I passed or not, I would post on the site which served as my lifeline to all things nursing when I was in school.

Studying was hard. Even though I had a set schedule and was set on doing 100 questions a day and reviewing all the rationales, it was easier said than done. Finding time to study was difficult, it seemed as if I was busier now than when I was in school. But I will tell you that I tried my best. For the most part I only used the Kaplan Q-bank. I would advise anyone to do as many of the questions as possible (I did about 800 of the 1000 or so available questions). I also did all 7 of the Question Trainers. I'll be honest those were the hardest and longest but well worth it. I did the last Trainer in two days as it was 265 questions long. I feel my scores on the Q-bank and Question trainers don't matter but they ranged anywhere from 51-65%. REVIEW YOUR RATIONALES. Whether you got the question wrong or right, still review them. I focued on Kaplan because I did not want to stretch myself too thin, it was hard enough to finish most of the Kaplan. My school also offered us the Kaplan course for free which I took. Was it great no, was it helpful yes. In my opinion it cemented some strategies that I had learned in school such as ABC's for prioritization. I didn't care for their decision tree very much and did not use it on the NCLEX. But the course was free, so if your school is offering it just take it. Remember your experience is unique to you and you never know what may help you pass. What I though was pointless may make the world of a difference to you. At the end of the day your taking the NCLEX my experience may be different than yours.

The day of the test I was so nervous. I had only slept 4 hours and was so worried about having to take a possibly 6 hour long test. My testing site was nice and the staff was kind, which helped me relax a little before it. So at this point I'll answer everyone's favorite question. My computer shut off at 75 questions, I received over 20 Select all the apply (so be prepared). But don't freak out, just be prepared for it when it happens. Remember that your test should be getting harder and not easier. I did feel that the subject matter on Kaplan and their questions styles were similar to the NCLEX. After the test, I did not know whether i had passed or failed and as much as I wish I could tell you that I put it behind me and forgot about it, I can't.

The next two days were very emotional for me. I really wanted to pass this on the first try and move on to looking for a job. In New York State we have access to quick results 48 hours later, which I did. And no I did not do the PVT. I don't think I could have handled getting the "bad pop up" because of a mishap and having to wait 48 hours for a confirmation. I'm glad that I waited.

Sorry for the long post but I am trying to be thorough. I hope that this can help someone, even if it only serves to ease their anxiety. If I can do it so can you! If anyone has any questions I will do my best to answer them. Good Luck, Everyone!