Advice about scheduling NCLEX

[EDis4me]

Hi! I just received my ATT today after graduating on Saturday. I'm very nervous (as I think everyone is) and I wanted some advice about scheduling. A friend and I are thinking of trying to schedule for the same test day just to have a friendly face, and someone to calm the nerves just before the test. Is this a good idea, or would it be better to go it alone? Also, we had considered scheduling about 50-75 miles away from our area so that we could just be together, but not be near all of the others that we graduated with, hearing about everyone elses nerves and horror stories they had heard about the ceiling caving in or something during the test. Would this be a good thing, or is it better to remain within the familiarity of home? I know this stuff sounds petty, but we are just looking for ways to feel as comfortable as possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[caliotter3]

Schedule the test for however you think will help you. Nobody can make this decision for you. You might want to reconsider going at the same time as your friend. Whoever finishes first might put some strain on the other when they leave the room. Good luck as you begin to prepare.

[al7139, ASN, RN]

Heres my advice:

First: are you a morning person or a night owl? I am not at my best first thing in the morning, so I scheduled my test in the early afternoon.

second: Schedule as close to home as possible, unless you are getting a hotel room the night before (which could also backfire). I only had a 20 minute drive, which was less stressful (no worries about accidents, traffic, breakdowns, too much time to think, etc.). A familiar setting the night before is IMHO essential to calm nerves.

third: do not go together with your friend!!!! By all means call and compare notes later, but you need to be in your "zone" and no distractions that may make you nervous.

fourth: plan your drive route, and plan to arrive early. If you are late, you have to reschedule, but they will take you early if there is space. Also plan alternate routes in case of traffic.

fifth: get to bed early the night before, and don't study that night. Instead get a good dinner, take a bath, watch TV.

sixth: eat breakfast on the day of the test!!! sucks to be nervous and hungry.

Good Luck!

Amy

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

:yeahthat:

Can't overemphasize points 1, 4 & 5. Like al7139, I function very well in the afternoon, so that's when I scheduled my test. Got a good night's sleep, no rush to wake up, plenty of time to have something to eat and have a relaxed ride over to the testing center.

[EDis4me]

Thanks for the tips! I got my day scheduled now, taking the advice. Now all that's left to do is study hard and practice questions....

[Dianacabana]

Thanks for the tips! I got my day scheduled now, taking the advice. Now all that's left to do is study hard and practice questions....

Good luck to you!

I hope to be in your position when I graduate next year!