Anyone pass the NCLEX without study/preparation?

Stcroix, ASN, PhD, RN · Nov 7, 2012

Thanks everyone! I am encouraged. I guess I will schedule my test ASAP after graduation and study my butt off in the three or so weeks it takes to get the ATT and scheduling and stuff. I feel fairly well prepared.

number1mika · Nov 12, 2012

I really didn't study, and I don't recommend it. But to be fair I didn't really study while in school either. I did the assigned reading and on test day reviewed in chapter questions--I've never been one who could study in the traditional sense of the word. The only thing i did was review a NClex review book's test bank of questions CD once a day the week leading up to my test because I felt the need to do SOMETHING. And I went into full panic mode the day of my test worrying if I was prepared or not, questioning whether I should have attempted to study while I waited for the ok to test--I nearly had a breakdown waiting for my yest results. I did pass though on the first time.

brillohead, ADN, RN · Nov 12, 2012

I think that doing extra studying and/or prep classes are appropriate if you are a "borderline" student, but if your school has NCLEX-style questions on the exams and you were never in any danger of failing a class, there's no reason to delay taking your licensing exam.

It's going to take time to get your ATT anyway, so you can do any reviewing you need to brush up on during that month.

AlaBro2010 · Nov 12, 2012

I think it's a great idea to brush up on some content until you get your ATT. You can always evaluate yourself on how well you're doing and if you think you need more time, do it. My program did NCLEX style questions but I lacked major content which I quickly learned studying. I studied for about 6-7 weeks every day 2-5 hours and passed with 75 questions.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Nov 12, 2012

There's a difference between not studying and not using a formal NCLEX review.

I studied on my own for my NCLEX and passed. I didn't use Kaplan, Saunders, Hurst, etc. I tried to take the NCLEX as soon as possible after graduating, but I was taking it out of state and the NJ BON is really slow. Some of my classmates in Maine took the test just a week or two after graduation and they all passed.

reagansm · Nov 12, 2012

I graduate in less than a month and probably will not get to take NCLEX before the end of January. I will study but not like in nursing school. I will not be opening up my MedSurge or Peds book. We have a mandatory NCLEX review the week after thanksgiving, and I am signed up for Kaplan. There are practice test included in the Kaplan class, and I think that I have access to some stuff with the other review course after we have taken it.

I think that the test I have taken in nursing school have prepared me well, but I am not going to leave it at that, and wait a month with no studying. So I will study my weak points from ATI and HESI and Kaplan and NEC.

SENSUALBLISSINFL, BSN, RN · Nov 12, 2012

Some people understand the material and don't need to 'study'.
I studied for 2 mths because I had to. I couldn't test immediately and my first test date was cancelled.
Review is always good. Sometimes you forget things.
...but just take the exam when you feel comfortable.
I preferred to do it ASAP. I was prepared to pass or fail. Just wanted to get it over with.
After a year of schooling? Either you know it or you don't.

I agree... I did Kaplan and really really studied - I probably over did it, but after taking the NCLEX, I came to understand what some say... that there is not way to study for this. As Mechica states, you either know or not. Lots of things on the NCLEX were not covered in my Kaplan, but one thing is that the Kaplan teaches you to think criticially to answer the questions and I cannot stress enough the book by LaCharitie on Delegation and Prioritization.

As many said, if you have a good solid foundation, did great in your exit exam, take perhaps one month to review all and then take it.

Wishing you much success.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Nov 12, 2012

I graduated on June 12th and took my NCLEX-PN about 10 days later. I really didn't do any studying per se. Since I had been studying for my final exams and exit exam (our exit exam was pretty much like the NCLEX) by doing NCLEX questions, I didn't think I'd learn or retain anymore than I already had. I passed my NCLEX first shot with the minimum questions. We, too, were strongly advised to take our NCLEX ASAP. I think I was the 2nd in our class to take it.

I did have fellow students who took their NCLEX much, much later due to various reasons (pre-planned vacations, weddings, unable to secure a date any sooner etc) and they did go over NCLEX questions during the time frame from graduation until they took the NCLEX.

If my test date was farther out, I would probably would have continued to do the NCLEX questions. If my NCLEX-RN test is a bit away from my graduation, I'll be doing NCLEX questions just to reinforce the info and keep myself in the study mode.

They have said those who take their NCLEX sooner rather than later have a higher chance of passing 1st time than those who do not.

morte, LPN, LVN · Nov 12, 2012

your school DOES NOT want you to fllunk! If they think you are ready, you probably are. get it done.

I will be finishing up finals this week. Our school tells us that we should take our exam ASAP as extra study is really not needed, as they believe the program has us well prepared. I would like to know if there are people out there that have passed with minimal preparation. Mind you, I will be studying my butt off as soon as finals are over, but I will register to take the exam as fast as possible. It's just that I read of so many people on AN that describe what I see as strenuous study regimens and I am a bit intimidated.

AloeBlox · Nov 12, 2012

congrats i would study though i'll be finishing december my RN program, i had a buddy of mine who took it like 3 weeks after graduation no kaplan no hurst he just studied his notes and passed..... i cant say much because i myself havent taken this exam yet but good luck !

bflylv16 · Nov 13, 2012

Well, its interesting reading all of the different stratagies and what programs you have chosen to prepare with. I will however not condone no preparation unless your a pro at standarized tests. Prepare and practice. Do I believe the NCLEX is proof that you will be a competent good nurse. Absolutely not!! It will however prove that you are a good test taker, that is if you do not study/prepare and pass on the first try! I know of a valavictorian of a prominent 4 yr school who failed the first time around. Please, study, prepare and you will go into the exam confident as well as competent. Afterall, we are taught to prepare as part of the basic nursing process. And by the way, if at first you don't succeed, keep going until you do, that is if you are passionate about being a nurse!! Oh and by the way, when I began as an RN in 1978 my base salary was $8.55/hr. So, yes I was in it because I was passionate and not because of the good salary. And yes, I studied, prepared, and even took a week long class so that I would pass the first time around, and yes I did :)

bflylv16

brillohead, ADN, RN · Nov 13, 2012

Oh and by the way, when I began as an RN in 1978 my base salary was $8.55/hr. So, yes I was in it because I was passionate and not because of the good salary.

That was also about triple the minimum wage at the time.... similar to a starting wage for a graduate RN in many areas of the country right now.