This is how I prepared for my NCLEX-RN Exam. :)

Nursing Students NCLEX

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First of all, thank you so much for all your support and prayers. I will keep you posted. I tried it again last night and this morning and yet it still on hold. :confused: But I'm keeping the Faith. I'm trying to relax myself now, I think I deserve it. Lol Anyway, here's how I reviewed:

Pre-review phase: Since I'm a batch 2008 graduate and I failed my 1st try, I did some self-examination if I can still remember book-based nursing practices - in which I can honestly tell, I cannot anymore. Lols. So, I did some research first on how I'm gonna review this time, believing I had to do EXTRA EFFORT and HAD TO DO IT DIFFERENTLY this time, to hopefully pass (and yes which AN goes in. I'm a member of this forum since 2009 I think but wasn't very active then). And this is what I got:

-If you're a fresh grad, you can skip on just doing the questions and just look/brush up on those areas you have trouble answering. I did nail my Philippine local boards first time when I took it 2 months after graduation. And basically just went to answering lots and lots of practice exams provided by my review center back then.

-But if you are not, I think you must do the content first. Study like you never knew Nursing. Plus, we all knew NCLEX exams are book-based, based on ideal concepts, and not what we mostly see in our real world practice.

-Doing a self-review need not to be perfect. What do I mean by this, it's a trial and error, see what can actually help you/see what works for you best. You can read and consider other's review styles, but you can be the only one who will know which can work for you. It's YOUR EXAM anyway, so take charge, there's no right or wrong resources. But make sure you make a realistic study sched, you don't overwhelm yourself, it doesn't mean that others used like 10 different books, and you should do it also in order to pass. There are some people who only stick to 1 resource and can actually made it. Remember nursing goals should be SMART (Systematic, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bounded, meaning you have to set your schedule, Plan ahead!). Since we all want to be nurses, let's act like one even if we are still going to be one. ;)

-Study the way you want it! I studied quietly with water, snacks and coffee beside me, mostly in the evening until 3am or so (I'm a late-night person. I also studied that way ever since I was in elementary :). I take some time off when my head can't take it anymore. If I don't get to finish my study goals for the day, I just move it to another day. I think I won't fully absorb anything I try to understand if I'm already tired/hungry/stressed. I will just be wasting my time if I force myself. Also, I take some time to release my stress, I sing and dance or I watch my missed Grey's Anatomy and Pretty Little Liars episodes. See a movie, play temple run, see my friends once in a while, whatever I want to do at that certain moment. After all, I'm a person w/ social and leisure needs too. It doesn't change even if I'm studying for a major exam. ;)

-Have respect for the exam but don't let it conquer you!

-For internationally-educated nurses like me, take time to understand those English words you are not familiar with. Even a single word in the question can change the whole thing, isn't it? Let's admit it that English isn't our 1st or native language, so anything foreign should be fully understood.

Phase 1: December 2011 - February 20, 2012

SAUNDER'S 5th ED COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW BOOK AND CD - I basically reviewed for the first 3 units (Nursing Issues, Nursing Science and the Fundamentals) and of course made a few flashcards (lab values, formulas, common nursing interventions, etc) for the whole month of December. I was busy on some personal errands on that time too coz I'm working on my documents and for my dad and aunt, plus the holidays. But I made sure I answered every chapter review questions and review all the rationales (whether I got it right or wrong). Then last January 6, I did the 75-item pretest and got 64%, and it generated a 1 ½ month Study Plan for me. Of course, I already crossed out those topics I'm done with. The study plan wants me to start Pedia first, then Maternity, then MS, then Pharma, then Psych. I actually relied on this one, coz I know for myself that Peds were my weakness and Psych was my strength. So, I was thinking that somehow Saunders Pretest did notice that. Lol. Plus, I don't have an idea on how to breakdown the units and chapters of that big book! It was really overwhelming! I also listened to the 3 audio reviews found in the CD.

PDA BOOK BY LACHARITY 2nd ED - I had the 1st ed too when I tried for my 1st try, but did only 2-3 chapters and actually regretted it! So I made a pact to myself that I have to finish all 18 chapters. This is how I do it:

Example: Review Cardio and Cardio meds from Saunders, answered the chapter review questions, then answered the Saunders CD questions focusing on Cardio, for 100-item exam mode. Reviewed all the Rationales and once I'm done, will answer and rationalize Cardio part of PDA - Until I finished the whole Saunders and PDA (excluding the case reviews) last Feb 20.

I got this mnemonic from somewhere here in AN and just add things I've encountered throughout my practice questions from PDA and other sources. https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/assignment-delagation-mnemonics-607605.html

Phase 2: Feb 20 - March 8, 2012

KAPLAN STRATEGIES 2011-2012: I already read the 1st part last December 2011, but I reread it again before I took the CD questions, got 68% for 180 items. I wasn't able to do the 265-item book questions though. The questions are much harder than Saunders but I think it will really build up your Critical Thinking Skills. Kaplan would like you to think and act like a licensed nurse on the day of your nclex exam - ready for any type of questions/situations, may it be easy or hard. One important thing about it: You will get lots of strategies but you should not memorize them, apply them when you answer your practice questions and it will be really helpful.

DAVIS PHARM SECTION & MOSBY'S PHARM MEMORY NOTES: To push pharm concepts more onto my head lols. The Davis Pharm Section is summarized and the Mosby's is those with visuals.

NCLEX-3500/4000: I somehow used them once in a while, especially the 3500 which gave a very good review for the Alternate-Format Type of Questions. I also did the Saunders SATA, audio, video and ordered response question a week before my exam date.

KAPLAN QTRAINERS: I only did the 1st 3 qtrainers but I highly recommend these, they're straightforward just like the actual exam.

EXAM-CRAM: Did few questions once in a while and carry the book whenever I had to go somewhere, trying to answer it while in the bus, train, etc.

ATI RN MENTOR IPHONE APP: I also did some questions in here whenever I can while I'm falling in line in the bank, waiting for someone, before I went to sleep, etc. The rationales are really straightforward.

FEUER AUDIO REVIEWS: Listened few MS and peds topics whenever I'm doing the laundry or eating.

NCSBN 3-WEEK QBANK: I just started w/ it last Feb 21, got a score of 58% on the diagnostic test for 150 items. I just skim through most of the content review, trying to find additional info which I got a lot. But I did all the 20-item posttest questions plus the Qbank 1-6. My scores ranges from 55-100. But I don't rely much on the scores, but it can be very depressing when I get 2 consecutive 50's. But I take that as a challenge to do more. I go back to the content which I think I need more review. But I just hate it when it does have some technical difficulties. So to not frustrate myself, I did answer some of my resources while waiting for the site to be back again.

AN STUDY GUIDE & MY FLASHCARDS: I studied them for 2 days before my exam. I also devised my own mnemonics for myself - which I think is more helpful coz I can remember them best. I also got some mnemonics in here but I verify the info first before I use them.

INFECTION CONTROL MNEMONICS: https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/infection-control-mnemonics-299890.html

RANDOM MNEMONIC THREAD FROM AN: https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/mnemonics-memory-aids-146408.html

HOW TO PASS NCLEX TIPS: http://www.wikihow.com/Pass-the-NCLEX-RN-Exam Got it few days before the exam. I hope I had it before. Lols

A few inspiring success NCLEX stories from AN users as well. Giving me the will not to give up and be more courageous in passing it:

https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/its-official-im-542909.html

https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/my-nclex-journey-676658.html

https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/how-i-passed-554943.html

https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/all-nclex-takers-629777.html

LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST:

Prayer, Faith in Him and to yourself as well. I kept on thinking that I did my best and let Him do the rest. "Seek and you shall find, ask and you shall receive." Before I went to bed the night before, I prayed the rosary, and talked to Him asking for guidance that He may never leave by my side as I take it. I also asked for the help of my mom who's with Him since 1992. I am sure she also would like me to pass this exam as well. I also prayed after I went through the tutorial and everytime I get a SATA, until I had #75. Here's a prayer that was given to me by my aunt:

Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino for students

"O humble Saint Joseph of Cupertino, singularly favored by God in the difficulties of study and the worries of examinations, implore the Holy Spirit to enlighten my mind and aid my memory in the search of His truth and wisdom. Help me especially in the decisive moments of examination, protecting me from that forgetfulness and disturbing anxiety which often accompany them, so that I may grow in knowledge, love, and service of God from whom flows that wisdom which leads to eternal life. Amen."

I also had this line from my former MS professor which I really liked: "I'm getting better and better everyday, in every way."

Plus all the support I get from my family, lover, friends and from all of you here in AN. Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. :bow:

thank you!!! it really means a lot! are you also taking the test soon?

No, I took NCLEX-RN on 2.7.12 and I passed with 76 Questions!!!!!!

Specializes in OB.
No, I took NCLEX-RN on 2.7.12 and I passed with 76 Questions!!!!!!

wow your lucky... congratulations!!! did you get your license already? anyway, what's your next step after passing the test?

it's gonna be my 5th time taking the NCLEX - RN hopefully this time i will get it...

if you don't mind can you share any advice??? you know last minute preparations...it will be much appreciated!

Hello:

Thank you! I graduated in Dec 2011 and I took NCLEX 2.7.12, I used Kaplan ($500) because I knew I wanted to pass the first time and I made sure I saved the money for it, plus its a great investment. Kaplan teaches great test taking skills using the decision tree. They don't teach much content because you are expected to know it. I used Saunders in nursing school its wonderful for content and I used that to strengthen my weak areas (Endocrine, GI, OB). I also studied with the NCLEX 4000, tried to do as many questions as I can. NCLEX was not that bad, Kaplan was a lot harder. I thought NCLEX questions were straight forward and it was so easy to eliminate 2 incorrect answers AND from there use the test taking skills taught by Kaplan and knowledge to eliminate the incorrect answer and choose the best answer.

Good Luck to you! Keep practicing questions and know your content. Knowledge is the key!your foundation is the content, I am sure you will pass this time. Be postive.

I am currently working as an RN, still in orientation but I love it!

@me2006 Hi. Thanks for your comment. Did you do Kaplan in person or online? trying to decide which one to take. Im gonna be retaking NCLEX rn.

Specializes in OB.
Hello:

Thank you! I graduated in Dec 2011 and I took NCLEX 2.7.12, I used Kaplan ($500) because I knew I wanted to pass the first time and I made sure I saved the money for it, plus its a great investment. Kaplan teaches great test taking skills using the decision tree. They don't teach much content because you are expected to know it. I used Saunders in nursing school its wonderful for content and I used that to strengthen my weak areas (Endocrine, GI, OB). I also studied with the NCLEX 4000, tried to do as many questions as I can. NCLEX was not that bad, Kaplan was a lot harder. I thought NCLEX questions were straight forward and it was so easy to eliminate 2 incorrect answers AND from there use the test taking skills taught by Kaplan and knowledge to eliminate the incorrect answer and choose the best answer.

Good Luck to you! Keep practicing questions and know your content. Knowledge is the key!your foundation is the content, I am sure you will pass this time. Be postive.

I am currently working as an RN, still in orientation but I love it!

thank you!!!

i will for sure remember the famous decision tree on my test day...

Specializes in OB.

thank you!!!

i will always remember to use the decision tree...

Specializes in OB.
@me2006 Hi. Thanks for your comment. Did you do Kaplan in person or online? trying to decide which one to take. Im gonna be retaking NCLEX rn.

hi there aishaj10!

if your purpose is to have interraction with fellow students do the classroom but if you prefer doing it on your own you can do the online... honestly if you attend the class your still gonna be doing it on your own because its only 3 and a half days! the one they do in the class there's also a recorded video on that on your course syllabus...

by the way i took the classroom twice!!! good luck to you,when is your test??

@phinkgirl_27 My goal IS TO PASS NCLEX RN. In order to do the class room class in person, im gonna have to drive almost 2 hrs away. I plan to test the end of April by God's grace. Im glad you responded. You took the class twice. What do you think helped you.

Please share any tips or suggestions. Im desperate & devastated. I cant wait to get thru this. Im not even sure where to start from.

THX

Specializes in Derm, Plas, OB-GYNE & Internal Medicine.
Yes, I'm taking it very soon. :) I hope this time my study plan works because I really didn't have any the first time. Didn't read my book, only answered less than 500 questions= FAIL. I really hope that I am doing something right this time.I am excited for you. I really think you passed but you have to check them as to why your results are on hold. It couldn't be your papers because you've taken it before. The trick works 30 minutes after you take your exam. Let's hope for the best. I know that prayers+ HARDWORK will really take you far. And I think you have both. God bless you kababayan. :)
Like you, I wasn't able to focus in my review because I just started a job which as you all know it's hard to land a nursing job here in the phils. I succeeded in my work, but failed my 1st nclex exam. Plus, I thought I can pass it even w/o seriously reviewing for it. Well I'm way past that now. :)Anyway, I applied to VT. I just checked the PVT now but still on hold. I also checked VT BON, still nothing. :(
@me2006 Hi. Thanks for your comment. Did you do Kaplan in person or online? trying to decide which one to take. Im gonna be retaking NCLEX rn.
Hi I took NCLEX-RN on demand. Everything is completely online. I found it very helpful they have a lot of resources, many great videos to watch and its well worth the money i guarantee! Plus they have the money back guarantee option if u r unsuccessful!Good luck
Specializes in OB.
@phinkgirl_27 My goal IS TO PASS NCLEX RN. In order to do the class room class in person, im gonna have to drive almost 2 hrs away. I plan to test the end of April by God's grace. Im glad you responded. You took the class twice. What do you think helped you.

Please share any tips or suggestions. Im desperate & devastated. I cant wait to get thru this. Im not even sure where to start from.

THX

it really helped me a lot, when it comes to test taking strategies they are really good with that...i started studying again last year, i started with exam cram book and now i'm just sticking with kaplan alone... with my previous test i've used saunder's book and cd, hurst cd and feuer classroom recordings...

Just keep going, i know how you feel where on the same boat right now but always remember that HE brings us here HE will lead us through this...just have faith!!!

if you have any questions i will be glad to answer them...

@phinkgirl_27 Thanks. When are you retaking? Whats ur study schedule like?

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