by porkfat

Hi y'all!

I just graduated this March, will be taking the board in November.

Since I have months of studying ahead of me, I'd like to ask for tips on how to top the board. Since I have all this free time, figure I might as well make the most of it. I know having a good board rating isn't a guarantee of success later on, but I want to try. I also plan on taking the NCLEX.

HELP!

Re: I wanna be a board topnotcher. Help me pleeeeease

Hi porkfat,

If you want to be a board topnother you really have to want it. As in WANT it. You should be willing to have more sacrifices than others and exert extra effort, extra time, extra dedication for this dream. Since you will be taking your NLE in November you will have plenty of time to harness your theoretical foundation and enough time to condition yourself for the NLE.

You're thinking, "Would my chances of topping the boards better if I enroll in a Review Center?" My answer, Not necessarily. I landed 5th Place in the recent November 2008 NLE and I didn't enroll in a review center. And I know some topnotchers that did it without having to enroll in one, too.

Here are my tips and advices:

1. Formulate a schedule for yourself, the one you can easily adhere to. Unrealistic schedules will only cause you frustration and in my opinion will only increase your anxiety.
2. Perform a self-evaluation. What are the subjects that seems to be difficult for you? Allot extra time in your schedule for those.
3. If you think your theoretical foundation is sound enough, start with answering questions.
   • My advice, use NCLEX review materials first. It will strengthen what you already know and will aid you to understand some concepts that is vague.
   • Here are the books that I used:
     • Lippincott's Review for NCLEX-RN by Billings
     • David's NCLEX-RN by Lagerquist
     • Mosby Review Questions for the NCLEX-RN by Saxton
     • NCLEX-RN Review by Stein
     • Prioritization, Delegation, Assignment by Lacharity
     • Saunder's Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN by Silvestri
     • Saunder'sComprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN by SIlvestri
     • Complete NCLEX-RN Review by Gauwitz
     • NCLEX-RN Review Guide by Chernecky
     • Mosby Comprehensive Review NCLEX-RN by Saxton
     • NCLEX-RN Pearls
   • I also suggest you make a improvised answer sheet similar to the answer sheet for the NLE. It would help you make you lines more straighter and you could have some "techniques" on how to shade properly
4. Keep a log on your scores and if you still have time. Retake the same exams and compare your scores.
5. Lastly, but not the least, always PRAY. Seek His guidance, you will need it.

Hope this helps.

Re: I wanna be a board topnotcher. Help me pleeeeease

I think with proper review, perseverance, and prayers, you can climb that ladder to be on a top 10 spot on the NLE.

Re: I wanna be a board topnotcher. Help me pleeeeease

Originally Posted by messageinabox

Hi porkfat,

If you want to be a board topnother you really have to want it. As in WANT it.

I WANT it too!!

I also did not enroll in a review center because I know I can study more by studying alone. But, I only have the following materials with me:

SAUNDERS COMPREHENSIVE NCLEX by Silvestri
FUNDA by Kozier
MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING by Udan (2009)
CHN (the old version--green/yellow cover)

I did not buy a lot of books because I dont think I can read everything and I only have a month now to prepare for the local boards. I graduated last week of March, and I'm taking my NLE on JUNE.

Is it okay to just answer as many QandAs as possible from CDs like Mosby, NCLEX3500, of course Saunders, Pilliteri? At the moment, I'm still reading my books but on May, I will be doing mostly QandAs.

What I'm so worried about is LMR, since I dont have any book. I only have notes, lectures...I'm just mastering the concepts. I dont know if that is enough.

By the way, I also have the habit of writing down my scores when I take sample exams. :-)

Re: I wanna be a board topnotcher. Help me pleeeeease

Yes, it is VERY okay for you to read as many Q&As as possible. And it is doable, I graduated October 2008 and took my NLE Nov 2008. After graduation, I didn't read any books aside from the Q&A books I have.

I'm currently a review lecturer for Nursing Leadership and Management, I could send you my lectures if you like.

Another thing, posting (using manila paper) your hard-to-remember concepts on the walls, ceiling, behind the door, and even behind the bathroom door will help you memorize.

Re: I wanna be a board topnotcher. Help me pleeeeease

Thanks messageinabox. That will be a big help! How can I get in touch with you? I cant send any PM because I 've only had 3posts since I registered in allnurses. :-( Pleaseee...I need that that LMR notes! Help!!

Re: I wanna be a board topnotcher. Help me pleeeeease

sent you a PM piquant.

Re: I wanna be a board topnotcher. Help me pleeeeease

Originally Posted by messageinabox

Yes, it is VERY okay for you to read as many Q&As as possible. And it is doable, I graduated October 2008 and took my NLE Nov 2008. After graduation, I didn't read any books aside from the Q&A books I have.

I'm currently a review lecturer for Nursing Leadership and Management, I could send you my lectures if you like.

Another thing, posting (using manila paper) your hard-to-remember concepts on the walls, ceiling, behind the door, and even behind the bathroom door will help you memorize.

Hi Messageinabox, if you don't mind me asking, where are you teaching? I have supplemented by income with teaching English (TOEFL, IELTS) for the last few years and am really interested to get a chance at teaching for nursing subjects as well. I hope it's not too bold for me to ask.

Re: I wanna be a board topnotcher. Help me pleeeeease

Hi mommyrina, I don't know if I can tell you the name here but I will send a PM to you.

Re: I wanna be a board topnotcher. Help me pleeeeease

Originally Posted by messageinabox

Hi mommyrina, I don't know if I can tell you the name here but I will send a PM to you.

Thanks messageinabox, although I don't think I can receive private messages yet, is it because I'm new here?