Am I crazy to be taking the NCLEX?

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Background: I'm in an overwhelming stressful situation right now. Mom of 3 young kids. Moving to another state in a week. Starting a full time hospital job in 2 weeks. I graduated with my BSN from a top rated university with a 3.97 GPA, summa cum laude.

So here's my question: Got my ATT beginning of last week, surprisingly earlier than I thought. I had done the Kaplan's course about 2 weeks before that and did some minimal studying the week after. I figured that with 2 weeks until moving date, and with things only getting more hectic once I move, I may as well cram this week to study for NCLEX, take it this coming Monday, and be over with it.

But I'm starting to have my doubts. I haven't reviewed all of the content that I wanted to as of yet, but I'm consistently getting mostly high 60's and even a 70 on the test trainers and Qbanks in Kaplan. I'm reading the rationales and looking up info that I don't know. I don't feel confident, but I'm scoring whatever they say you're supposed to be. I've never gotten below a 62 on any of the practice tests. I study about 10 hours each day and doing almost nothing else. So far I took almost all of the test trainers, taking number 7 tomorrow, and about half the Qbanks.

I feel a little irresponsible taking the test with this minimal amount of studying, but due to my circumstances, I don't think I'll have much time to study once I move. I'll be working full time and exhausted from settling into a new environment, plus parenting my kids. I have a good memory and believe I have good critical thinking skills, but I'm just not feeling that confident.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Are you taking NCLEX in your current state or your future state? If you take and pass the NCLEX in your future state, the license will be for that state. You will then need to endorse to the other state. Have you researched requirements to do that if that's the case? Either way, it sounds like you've got a lot going on, but only you can make that decision.

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Thanks Rose-Queen. I'm getting my license in the state that I'll be working in. They also told me that I can get a 90-day permit, from the date of my graduation, to work by them without having to pass my boards yet. They would make all of the arrangements, I just need to send in my transcripts.

I guess I'm just looking for someone in a similar situation, or what others feel like before they take the NCLEX.

I know G-d gave me the brains, lol, I just want to make sure I'm not doing something irresponsible.

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

I think you need to make this decision for yourself. It is hard for any of us to know what you know and make decisions based on the experiences you have had. It does sound like you have a lot going on, but was it anymore busy or stressful than nursing school?

That being said, I think your numbers are pretty good. I got a little higher (mid to upper 70's) than you on the trainers and felt really prepared for the NCLEX. I sat down, took my time,made good decisions, and passed with 75 questions. Your numbers are equally good and above what Kaplan lists as most probable for passing. If it was me, I think I would go ahead and test. find some way to bring up your confidence and knock this out of the park!

Good luck no matter what you choose to do.

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Thanks rob4546! I guess I just need some encouragement. Sometimes I have good days but today I'm just not feeling it.

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I did not have the stresses that you have with moving and starting a new job, but I felt in my gut I should just take the test sooner rather than later. My scores were "ok" - yours are much better. I passed. People thought I was crazy, but I just KNEW I should take it and I was willing to take a chance. Fortunately, it worked out in my favor.

But, only you can make this decision. :)

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Wow onehappywon - good for you. It must have felt great getting it off your plate. That's kind of what I want. Did you have a lot of questions on yours?

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Vivacious, it shut off in 75 Qs. :)

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Wow onehappywon! That's so encouraging to hear!!!!

I got the go ahead today from 2 of my professors who are also Kaplan instructors, so I'm feeling better just a bit. I have but 2 days left for review and feel that there is so much to study, but I am doing it.

Will let you know the results :)

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Yes! Let us know! The last couple of days I just did a bunch of questions (not trainers) because I wanted to see the rationale after each question I answered. The night before and the morning of, I didn't even crack a notebook or do anything. I just relaxed as much as I could and listened to calm music. lol

Oh, and I chugged OJ right before entering the testing room. lol

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