Canadian Nurse wanting to write the NCLEX .. need advice

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Ok, so after 3 years of graduating, and passing the Canadian boards, I have finally decided it would be a good idea to write the NCLEX, because I'm getting bored and need a change of scenery. I went from not ever wanting to work in the states (when I graduated), because at the time I did not feel interested, to wanting to very much so write the NCLEX (decided this 2 months ago). I think one of the major reasons is the travel nursing oppertunities, as well as the fact that I'm really interested in getting really good experience in child/adolesecent mental health, and I think that the teaching hospitals would be more willing to train me, and help me rather than the Canadian ones. I went to a job fair yesterday and this is what I got from there, when I talked with the Canadian vs. US hospitals.

I think it would be an amazing life experience also, to do this before I have a family and have to settle down for good. I don't want to feel as if I've missed out on anything, and I've always wanted to travel, and experience the culture of different places. I think it would be awsome to work/live near NYC, Chicago, LA, Sanfransico and just see what life is like out there. I've always lived in either Vancouver or Toronto, two great cities in Canada, but what else is there.

Now the issues I'm having:

1. I haven't worked on a med/surg floor since I graduated

2. I have OR experience for about a year, but I don't think that will help me as much as med/surg would have.

3. I have been reviewing and feel as if there is SO MUCH .. TOO MUCH that I need to relearn/refresh.

4. I am getting impatient I want to write this test asap, but am willing to spend 4 to 6 months studying for this part time. I also have to work.

5. I realize that those who take the test second time around are not nearly as successful in passing as those who passed first time around.

Please, anyone who can help me. I know there is KAPLAN and Hurst out there. I know that KAPLAN won't review the actual content, just how to study for it. I was wondering if there was a review I coudl attend, or disks/videos I could buy that would review the different systems and diseases, as well as interventions. I can't just read and remember, I am a huge audio/visual learner. If I've heard it/seen it then when I read I remember CONSIDERABLY more than if I just read and re-read.

Can someone help me please? What is this HURST Review, I see they have DVDs, but I will only invest if they will go through the body systems (diseases).

PS. Yes I know the stuff, but I do need to review, and re-understand certain things, I just want to see it or hear it because it will stick that much eaiser.

I thought about just taping my own voice and going through the review book, but I thoguht that might take a lot more time, inefficient maybe?

Thanks for your help.

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many textbooks have CDs with them and

the CDs include NCLEX style questions

I've been using textbooks from the library of my educational facility, and they usually have CDs with them

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many textbooks have CDs with them and

the CDs include NCLEX style questions

I've been using textbooks from the library of my educational facility, and they usually have CDs with them

Thank you for your response GingerSue. I have been studying primarily from the "ILLUSTRATED STUDY GUIDE FOR THE NCLEX-RB EXAM" 6th ED by JoAnn Zerwekh and Jo Carol Claborn. I am finding it it an excellent reviewer, as there are illustrations, and its to the point. I also have the Mosby Review as well as an older Saunders book. I have a CD with the First book, and yes it is very helpful. Its good to be able to do the questions, and get a result right away so I can kinda see how I'm doing. So far I'm not doing too great.

I did quite well in school, especially in pathophysiology and pharmacology. I understand how the exam works, and that prioritizing is very important, or knowing how to. In order to prioritize you have to know all the diseases, and I'm finding that I'm having a hard time recalling everythign in a timely fashion as its been three years since I've been on a med-surg floor.

I get distracted easily too when i'm reading, its more helpful if I can watch or listen to something, so its more of a review in a audio-visual format that I'm looking for, not just study tips.

I guess I'll just have to tape myself and listen. I did that this morning and it seemed to work much better, its coming back a lot quicker for me. If anyone does know of any videos or audio material specificically revewing diseases, pathophysiology, please let me know.

Thank you

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Thread moved to the International Forum where it is more appropriate.

Just to clear up a few things for you: You cannot apply to take the NCLEX exam. You must apply to a state for licensure as an RN, and get permission to actually be able to sit for the exam. You will need to follow the requirements of the state that you select for a foreign nurse. Some do waive requirements if you graduated in Canada, but each state has their own rules. You will also need a Visa Screen Certificate, and that is after you have passed the NCLEX-RN exam before you will be able to get the Nafta TN Visa to work in the US.

Suggest that you read the Primer at the top of this forum for information that you will need, as well as the stickies on the NCLEX Forum for information that will be of great help to you.

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