Any pearls of wisdom or tips from those who have made it to the other side?

[Justme123]

I'm guessing it's a unique experience for everyone going in to take NCLEX. I worry, from what I've heard, that these test q's are going to be way out from left field from what I've been studying. I'm hoping that's not the case. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips before going in. I have to be there at the crack of dawn, so I figured I'd get up early Monday too. Maybe that way I'll be too tired to NOT sleep the night before.LOL! I'm beginning to think I DON'T want the 75 q's and hope I get more of a chance to prove myself, how silly is that? I'd just think I failed miserably knowing me. Any other 7-17 takers in the midst?

It's kind of exciting to know it might be finally over. I wasn't overly excited at graduation knowing I had this to get through. But the thought of having an actual office without books and notes scattered everywhere and to be able to have a life again. Well, that's an exciting prospect. I hope that's the case on Thurs. Maybe I'll luck out on Wed and see my results on State Boards web site. I do know others that had quick results that way.

[NurseNayin07]

I guess I can do my best to give you words of wisdom! Studying the day before the test is entirely up to you. Some people prefer to have a break, some don't. Personally I didn't need a break and kept on studying. I paced myself though, so if you are going to study, take plenty of breaks to clear your mind. Keep telling yourself "85% of people who take this the first time pass!" and always remember, this is only minimum competency! Make sure you review pharm content the night before to keep it fresh in your head. If you took Kaplan, make sure you go through the pharm section in the course book and study side effects! If you didn't take Kaplan, go over old Pharm notes. I was so thankful that I went over pharm before the test because at least 1/3 of it was pharm questions.

Take the time to take a couple of deep breaths before you start. Whatever you gotta do before you tackle the test. And if you go past 75, don't freak out! Remember, you can pass NCLEX at any number.

I wish you the best of luck.. as long as you studied hard and did plenty of practice questions, you should do fine! I hope I helped a little bit!

Renee, RN BSN

[ninanina07]

Look! it's time to face the real world now. You can still keep your books...to fill up space lol. I'm sure you may want to refer to them in the future or loan them out. Anyway, you have to have a positve attitude. You cant go in there, "knowing that you will fail". Say i'm going to pass this test and thats that. Do remember that that results waiting period will be the worst forty-eight hours of your life...thus far.

[dashie2007]

prioritization and meds, Kaplan did me good. passed with 75 questions and i felt like i failed. good luck

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Read the questions carefully, imagine yourself actually performing the scenerios they present to you in full uniform then read the choices and see which one is most realistic to you.

Also, this is what I did for pick all that apply questions; they will give you a magic marker and slate. When I got my 'pick all' questions, I wrote down the first 4 so that seeing more than 4 would not overwhelm me (it made me mentally relax and try to view it as a regular question) and drew a line through the ones that I would not choose. Then, I added the other ones and did the same.

Do not pay too much attention to those sitting around you; focus in yourself. Also, take breaks if you think you need to. Best wishes and knock 'em dead, Tiger!!!

[Justme123]

Thanks for all the imput everyone! I don't know if I'm doing much more in the study dept. Med's I'll just have to hope for the best. I've tried reviewing and I do know the staple drugs, but there is no way I could memorize ALL meds. So, I'll just take it slow, and get through it. Should be interesting to see how many q's I get. I hope I get a decent night sleep the night before!:trout: