The first time I took the test I was 4 months out of nursing school and felt compelled to take the exam because all of my classmates had taken it and passed on their first attempt and were employed. Everyone was asking, 'why haven't you taken the test yet?' So I registered... and studied a bunch of notes that were handed down from my classmates. One classmate suggested I get the LaCharity PDA book. She is super smart so I took her advice. My test was at 8am, which meant that I didn't sleep well the night before and had to get up early the next morning. I completed all 265 questions and felt 'ify' about the exam. Well three days later I got a letter in a white envelope saying that I had failed. I was disappointed in myself because I didn't prepare for the exam like I should have.
Six months later, I registered with the state and another $200, I was ready to take the exam again. This time I studied Lippincott's, and purchased a Kaplan NCLEX RN review book, EKG strips, old text books, you name it, I read it. Again, an early morning exam time which meant no good nights sleep prior to the test. This time I got 185 questions, about 20 SATA, 5 math and a bunch of priority questions. I felt awesome walking out of there. About a week later I receive the dreaded white envelope which means...I Failed!!
This time around I ordered the Kaplan 'online anywhere' program, which provides an abundance of NCLEX style questions and tips. I found it to be very informative and a few of my friends swore by it. After a while, the information became overbearing and I couldn't focus anymore. I went back to the PDA book and studied that because I knew priority was one of my weak points. Two days before my test, I was so nervous that I changed my test date for two weeks later. When that date came, I extended that time as well. I couldn't focus, I was agitated and didn't want to be bothered by anyone.
So I decided, Oct 2nd is the date because I'm tired of feeling this way and it was an afternoon test. I prayed before going in to take the test like always. I didn't take any breaks because I knew I needed to stay focused. I got about 10 SATA, 2 math and a lot of infection control and priority questions. I was kinda disappointed because I was under the notion that the more SATA you have, the better your chances at passing (because the questions are getting more difficult) WRONG!! My test ended at 125 and I felt the same as I did on the the first exam...'ify'.
I was afraid to do the PVT, and just waited on the mailman. So everyday I came home I was hoping and praying not to see any white envelopes. A week later (Oct 9th) my sister knocks on my door and says, 'you've got mail!'
I open the door and see this big manilla envelope from the Commonwealth of Va...one of the happiest days of my life. Finally, an RN!!
This is a great feeling of accomplishment. Praying for everyone going through nursing school and preparing for the NCLEX!!
