Passed NCLEX-RN 2015 1st Try! (Kaplan)

I told myself if I passed, I'd come back and post because the posts on here helped calm my anxiety. I graduated mid-May, took NCLEX-RN June 23rd and passed with 115 questions. To be absolutely honest, I did nothing but the Kaplan course, and skimmed the infamous 35-page Study Guide” floating around here.

Kaplan: I completed ALL Question Trainers, 100% of QBank and remediated every single question. I didn't use the content guide that came with. I started the online content videos, but they bored me to death (most was review for me, but if you need it, make the time!). As far as scores go, I ranged from 50-80%. As I got closer to the end of QBank, I was getting mainly 70s. The important thing when doing Kaplan questions (or any NCLEX-style question) is understanding the rationales, even if you get it wrong. Regardless of if you're taking Kaplan or not, practice questions every day! I did 150/day.

35-page Study Guide: Awesome guide that organized pertinent info. Good mnemonics also. Skimmed it a few times before I sat for my exam. I would focus on the Transmission-Based precautions section if you don't have time to read the entire thing.

I didn't spend much time on Pharm or Dosage calc., but if those aren't strong areas for you, definitely refresh on them. Studying for Pharm is tricky. Focus on drug classifications over memorizing individual drugs; there will be meds you've never heard of.

Things I wanted to share:

- Don't get discouraged if the computer doesn't shut off at your dream number (75). As long as you're still getting questions, you're still in the game.

- Focus on accuracy vs. speed (the more right answers you string together, the better).

- I know 4 people who passed at 265 questions, so even if you're sitting there the whole time, clear your head and DO YOUR BEST. (FYI: as long as your last question is above the passing line, you pass whether it is right or wrong).

- You will NEVER be able to know 100% of NCLEX content. Ever. My instructor taught us to focus on strategy vs content.

- Evaluate every single answer and use the process of elimination. Don't just choose an answer you think is correct (if you didn't learn that in nursing school, you just did).

Remember, this test is difficult for a reason. People's lives are in our hands. When you get to write RN” after your name, no feeling in the world will compare. Good luck!