Advice for taking the NCLEX in August 2016

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jun 7, 2016

Moved to the NCLEX forum

optimism08 · Jun 7, 2016

Give Uworld another shot. I'm in the same boat as you having been out of school for over 2 years now. Failed my last attempt (Ran out of time) but was very close thanks in large part to Uworld. I'm now gonna give it another shot and i'm confident i'll pass this time around. Have confidence, you can do it! Don't let this test put you down.

Guest957596 · Jun 7, 2016

Honestly, I don't know what to tell you. It appears you ran the gamut of study aids. I took NCLEX and passed first try- I say this not to sound arrogant/egotistical, but to tell you I passed mainly because of ATI although I did use NCLEX RN Mastery. On test day, I found my NCLEX exam to be eerily similar to ATI.

Although I don't know you, I would ask if you over-analyze your questions/answers, or whether you get "brain freeze" on exams? The saying "go with your gut instinct" is usually correct.

Since your last attempt was awhile ago, have you remediated with your local requirements? What have you been studying since then?

knclex · Jun 8, 2016

Yeah, I do have this tendency to over analyze sometimes. I plan on retaking the test again in September but I just don't know how to go about on studying. I started re watching hurst videos and reading the book that comes with it. I also have the mastery app that I sometimes do questions. I plan on doing all of the UWorld questions once I'm confident and refreshed with content

knclex · Jun 8, 2016

Thank you ! Do you mind if I ask what you use for content ?

Jesus.nava · Jun 8, 2016

Hello I graduated from nursing school 2012 and passed nclex 3 weeks ago. I did virtual ati alone and was enough to pass with about 90 questions. I heard that Uworld has some of the best questions but if you dont have a good content base it will do you no good. Me personally did virtual ati.. however I studied all powerpoints and learning activities for every module followed practice tests for each module, then the main test for the module, followed by a focused review for each test. Until I finished all modules. Honestly it took me about 6 months to complete everything, but I felt really competent with my content base. I suggest giving ati a chance (reviewing all powerpoints and such) and when you finish all tests for ati(there arent many) then do Uworld questions. Good luck!

Guest957596 · Jun 8, 2016

Hello I graduated from nursing school 2012 and passed nclex 3 weeks ago. I did virtual ati alone and was enough to pass with about 90 questions. I heard that Uworld has some of the best questions but if you dont have a good content base it will do you no good. Me personally did virtual ati.. however I studied all powerpoints and learning activities for every module followed practice tests for each module, then the main test for the module, followed by a focused review for each test. Until I finished all modules. Honestly it took me about 6 months to complete everything, but I felt really competent with my content base. I suggest giving ati a chance (reviewing all powerpoints and such) and when you finish all tests for ati(there arent many) then do Uworld questions. Good luck!

I agree. I finished all of the VATI modules but didn't go for the Greenlight. I downloaded all of the Learning Activities to study and did a lot of NCLEX Mastery. I feel that ATI/VATI was what worked for me.

knclex · Jun 9, 2016

Thank you for the advice ! Perhaps I should give VATI another shot. I actually did it before when I graduated in 2013 because my school offered it for free for first time test takers. However, as I said, I didn't quite like it at that time. Maybe I'll give it another try this time. How did you do on the green light/final test btw ?

knclex · Jun 9, 2016

Also, any study tips on how many hours to study each day ? Because I will also be working for at least 3 times a week for 6 hours each day. However, I'd like to study on the other days and possibly before work as well

Jesus.nava · Jun 9, 2016

Yes, on first predictor I scored 68% (you need 71% to pass) then my coach had me do tests on all areas that I scored low on (safety &infection control, care & comfort, physiological adaptation, etc) and then focused review for each of those, and then took another predictor in which I got a 72%. I suggest you do full 8 hr days on your days off to review powerpoints, activities, practice tests and such, and take the main tests on the days you work before work or after. ATI updated all their powerpoints and activities for 2016 so I think you ll do great. also don't forget to do the test taking strategies modules. they help a lot with test taking skills and how to tackle questions you don't know. While actually taking the test, remember that this test is all about safety and prioritization in any given situation. what would you do first? etc. give a lot of attention to safety & infection control, and management of care (prioritization) while doing every module and taking the test. Again remember that this test is suppose to test you on how safe are you with clients (do no harm). When you know the answers go for it, but when you are not sure, always pick an answer that will keep the client safe. There is a myth out there that I am not sure that is true or not but followed it anyways that says that there are always two safe answers and two unrelated answers and if you at least chose a safe answer then you get partial credit. Also try not to rush through nclex, make sure you analyze the question and answers to pick the best answer possible to your knowledge. Take as many breaks as you need, as soon as you feel that your getting drowsy, tired, daydreaming. stop take a break and keep going! Good luck you got this!!

knclex · Jun 9, 2016

Sounds good ! Thank you so much again for the tips. I'll make sure I keep them in mind during the review and the test ! :)