Passed Nclex PN 85 questions 8/2014

Hi guys!

I read so many positive experiences prior to taking my test, I too would like to share my experience to help those preparing for the NCLEX PN.

Throughout LPN school, our class was required do at least 100 questions a week from Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX PN on evolve which I thought was very helpful. I also did a few questions with exam cram some weekends on my own. Made it to the end of the program scoring 99% on my predictor exam. I didn't let that get to my head though, I read horror stories of people still failing the test after a 99%. I graduated on 7/29 and received my ATT the following day. (I registered with the FL Board of Nursing about a month before graduation) and I scheduled the NCLEX for the next available date which was only a few days away 8/7 at 12:00. At first I was a little unsure about scheduling it so soon, but mom encouraged me to do it while the information was still fresh and my brain was still on study and test mode. (What can I say, mama always knows best.)

For those few days I did about 3-6 hours of study (30 minute study, 30 minute break intervals) I would alternate between Saunders on evolve and the Nclex.dover.edu/nclexpn3000 site. Any question I didn't know I went back to the textbooks or drug book- I didn't simply memorize the rationales. I set aside a day to do lots of SATA which I felt the Dover site was great (clicked review then alternate items only) Despite all this I still didn't feel like I knew enough.

Day before the test I did about 100 questions with PN Cram and studied the rationales. Once that was done, I didn't look at a single question or book and put priority on spending the rest of the day relaxing. Every time I felt a hint of nervousness or doubt about the exam, I did some deep breathing, distractions, aromatherapy, guided imagery.. sound familiar? Lol

Day of the test I had a nice breakfast with my family and just continued with my relaxation techniques. I packed a snack and told myself to expect 205 questions. I did a few easy practice questions in the car to get warmed up, popped a mint and went for it. I read that having at lot of SATA meant you were doing well so for the first time I was happy to see them pop up (crazy, right?) I didn't keep track but I had a lot of sata's. Just answered the best I could and moved on. To my surprise it stopped at 85. I did the pearsonvue trick in the parking lot and saw the pop up screen. 24 hours later I logged into the board of nursing and saw my license.

Best of luck to those taking the exam. Whatever the outcome, just remember its not the end of the world.. if you do your absolute best, everything will work out the way its supposed to ;-)