Australian nurses taking NCLEX exam

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i'm in melbourne and studying to take the nclex before we move to the usa next may.

as the only testing centre is in sydney, i also have to spend the night there before sitting for the exam.

i have been reading the kaplan book, testing with the nclex 4000 and i am so discouraged already.

it appears a lot of nursing in the usa is different including what is sometimes classed as a priority.

i have 2 pharmacology books which i am hoping to know off by heart :bugeyes:

i have also ordered 4 other books.

i am wondering how people in other countries are expected to pass when we do not know general policies and who is supposed to be contacted first in different circumstances?

plus, i'm an icu nurse, how am i supposed to know what happens in childbirth? lol

i plan on contacting the testing centre tomorrow to find out how we get results here.

happy studying everyone! :specs: :sleep: :nurse:

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Specializes in Cardiology, NCLEX instructor.

Aww don't fret, I knew a nursing student in Australia and I was laughing because the way you guys do things is completely different from the states. She had to take NCLEX 2 times before passing. There are lots of resources online but it would probably be best to do a NCLEX review of some kind so that you can change your way of thinking. Good luck!

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I agree that an online review course would be really helpful.

Also, keep in mind that NCLEX tests for entry-level knowledge. When answering NCLEX-style questions, you can't think like an experienced nurse. I teach in an online NCLEX review and NCLEX-style questions want you to simplify and prioritize nursing interventions. Even though you are answering higher-level types of questions, where you need to analyze the information in the question and then apply your nursing knowledge, answering questions usually requires a systematic and linear approach.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in Paediatrics.

Good luck huh :)

I'm also Australian so am somewhat puzzled by the NCLEX test when it's talked about on the boards.

There seem to be so many differences between Australian and American nursing.

(Drug names, policies, even hierachial structure)

So wishing you all the best in the exam and congrats on the move!

I figure if you can do the nursing here you'll surely be able to pass the test even if it is a little culturally different.

Just read lots and lots ^.^;; best advice I can give as only bookwork cramming helps me in exams.

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How would you all recommend for me to start remembering the different named drugs between Australia and the USA?

It might sound silly but I am not sure how to go about it?

* Should I start from scratch and memorize all USA drugs?

I confess I do not know the generic name off all drugs in Australia so perhaps that's the best way to go so does anyone have any ideas?

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[color=#b22222] apr 4 by [color=#b22222]susanrn82[color=#b22222] i agree that an online review course would be really helpful.

also, keep in mind that nclex tests for entry-level knowledge. when answering nclex-style questions, you can't think like an experienced nurse. i teach in an online nclex review and nclex-style questions want you to simplify and prioritize nursing interventions. even though you are answering higher-level types of questions, where you need to analyze the information in the question and then apply your nursing knowledge, answering questions usually requires a systematic and linear approach.

susan, you are so right and nailed it on the head! i took a practice test in the kaplan book and numerous times i found that the answer i gave was correct and what most nurses would ultimately do but the test said i was wrong and gave another answer which was, what i would describe as being "politically correct" but every nurse would end up doing what i had given as the answer.

is that what you mean?

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hello, good luck to you !

my instinct told me you can it, hope that you can share your result.

and did you plan your job, i guess you are really promising.

Good Luck!

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Specializes in Paediatrics.

For the drugs I think 'for me' that would help the best in memorizing is to work in groups.

Focusing first on analgesia. Our generic names and their equivelants. Eg. Paracetamol and the brand names (common) for us it's Panadol for America I believe it's tylenol. Differences in strengths, different generic name ect. So basics then go on to the next one. Like Ibruprofen, Morphine, oxycodone, fentyl, codeine ect.

I'd do them all that way. Analgesia first, then antibiotics, then cardiac drugs etc etc.

So you can feel confident with your knowledge and know eventually the frequently used drugs.

You can do self tests and if you stuff up in a particular drug group you can focus on it more.

(It's also less overwhelming to work on a small group then an overwhelming everything and you'll feel you're improving when you can confidently know everything for one group of drugs)

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I have the same problem. I am a UK nurse trying to pass. USA policies, priorities and even drugs are completly different! I too am using Kaplan and I am finding the decision tree a big help but I still struggle with some priority based questions! GOOD luck!

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I have the same problem. I am a UK nurse trying to pass. USA policies, priorities and even drugs are completly different! I too am using Kaplan and I am finding the decision tree a big help but I still struggle with some priority based questions! GOOD luck!

Thanks Gold & Stephanie :loveya:

Hi RnfromUK, :cheers:

I am also using you tube would you believe! This is the site address for the reading I am up to, but someone has gone through a heap of trouble to put the drugs in it with the uses, names, and side effects. I am up to Review Part 8 now and I am not listeneng to ger babble, I am just copying the information into my book and then doing it that way. I am sure there is more than this info on you tube tho. The address for this review is

I also have the small Kaplan book, but I also bought a good one called "Pharmacology made easy for NCLEX-RN, review and study guide" by Waide and Roland.

Thank god I've started 12 months before we leave for the USA as my brain is fried already! :bugeyes:

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I know where you are coming from. I'm an ICU nurse from Germany, taking the NCLEX for the first time in May. You cannot think as an experienced nurse, that will 100% fail you. There is a big difference on what is NCLEX right and what you are doing in real nursing life. Especially if you're experienced. Try to forget everything you did as a nurse and try to think back when you were a student or just finished nursing school.

I'd recommend Hurst review to study, you need to know your core contents. You tube is indeed very helpful too! And I'd also recommend the Saunders NCLEX review! The CD that comes with it gives you hundreds of questions so that you're getting used to the priority of a brand new nurse!

I also have the same problems with drugs. They were called totally different in Germany, but when I finally figure out what they are it all clicks. I guess that is one thing we just have to study, study, study..

Good luck to you!

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I have come accross something that might be an issue.

There is no mention at all of antiplatelets in the Kaplan medication book but I it is talked about in the you tube NCLEX medication review's.

Does anyone think I should bother reviewing it repeatedly or not? :uhoh21:

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