How long did you wait to take NCLEX?

Gompers, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2004

I graduated in early May and took the test in late June. I just wanted to relax a little bit after school ended. Then all I did to prepare was do the CD-ROM tests that came with the review books I bought. I found that reviewing my school stuff and even the mini-review chapters in the books weren't as helpful as actually taking practice tests. The N-CLEX has a kind of pattern to it in what kind of answers they're looking for. Even if you know your stuff, you have to give them the answer they want out of 4 that are all possibly right. Finding what they're looking for helps. PRACTICE TESTS RULE!

Back when I took it (6 years ago) it took 2-3 weeks to get results. I can't believe it takes two days now! I'd say to definitely take the test BEFORE you start work. Once you start, you're going to have so much NICU stuff to learn, you won't have time to study for the N-CLEX.

I started in NICU right out of school too. Congrats on your new job!!!

joyNICU · Jan 22, 2004

Thanks Gompers for your advice! I see you're from Chicago...we love it there!

NICU_RNwantsFL · Feb 1, 2004

I didn't even know you COULD start work before NCCLEX!

I graduated mid-March 2001, and took NCCLEX on May 1 of that year. Being rather anal-retentive, I wanted to make sure I had all my ducks in a row. Went through all the KAPLAN tapes and practice tests inside and out (excruciating as they are!) - but found their BEST tape was their STRATEGY tape - the advice on that one rang true 100% for me. There is a very specific mind-set required for NCCLEX - and these strategies really do help you to sift through all the correct responses you have to pick from! It's not like nursing school exams!!! So fortunately for me it was 75 questions and OUT OF THERE, but couldn't have done that without the strategies.