Don't be afraid of the NCLEX-PN

[Macrina1984]

I usually don't post in forum sites like this but I wanted so share this really quick for those of you who are really scared of the test or those who took it and are waiting for their results. I graduated from nursing school August 8th and scheduled my test for September 10th since I was told that scheduling as soon as possible or less than 2 months after graduating is better. I was 8 months pregnant and had a 4 year old (no job) but still was tired and busy all the time. I began to dedicate at least 1 hour a day (using the Saunders book, CD and ATI tests) The school also gave of ATI books. Anyway, I did study everyday for about 3 weeks for an hour. So not too long. I tried to focus on basic stuff, like infection control and proper procedures for things. I tried to get familiar with the most common meds and common diseases and s/s of them. When the test came, I was shocked that the questions were nothing I studied all the way. I did see a few basics that every nurse should know and few common diseases....I knew none of the meds specifically but had some ideas of what type they were (like BP med). I felt like I was guessing the whole test. Some I knew were right but most it was like they could have been between two answers. The computer shut off at 85 and I knew the 3 questions before the last were wrong. I thought I failed....I was so so sure I did. I felt like I guessed the whole thing. The point is...do not scare yourself to death like that. I worried myself for two days and talking about me failing as if it were true. I'm not saying don't study but you have to relax, I'm not the smartest person and I ended up passing. I think that knowing your basic stuff is important and do not rush the questions. Do not say to yourself you failed until you know because I'm telling you, everyone feels like they failed after it because the questions are so random. You can't know for sure until you see your results. Don't let other post scare you about shutting off at 85 or any other number, it does not mean anything. I had two friends who got every question and passed and another who also stopped at 85 and passed. I just want to encourage anyone because I wish I had that when I took mine. So relax and enjoy studying, don't try to cram everything you can in your head but question yourself why it is important to know. Good Luck everyone and I hope that I relieved someone's fears a little.

[KAYBDT6, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[brichielpn08, BSN, RN]

I think one of the reason i failed twice is that I was really nervous when i get to the test center..like my heart is pounding and i was kinda shaking. Tho i studied and learn everything i can..i get scared and nervous. I will try to relax this time when i take my 3rd try on the 26th..I think when you are relax you tend to think better than when you are nervous as hell....Thanks for the above post..it helps a lot to not fear this test...btw its ONLY A TEST.

[caringtouch]

I took my exam today, like you I felt like I was guessing on every answer. I literally only knew 4 of the 85 questions. I was actually upset when it shut off at 85 questions...I figured that it must have already decided I didn't know enough to pass. After reading your post I am hoping I am wrong and that I too passed. Now for the hard part....waiting to find out!

[sweetsmile]

Thank you for all the inforamtion I take my test November 23rd I'm so nervous. I got goose bumps just setting the date.. Worse than getting married... Crazy I know.

[Angel love]

LOVE UR INFO...THANKSS

[scotomatic]

thx, for the words of encouragement as i'm about to take the Lpn

NCLEX for Calif. I also get nervous when it comes to tests, i just have to remember

all the med. surg. , lab values, prioitize, meds., ... i have the Pearson Exam Cram and

i like the way this book gives brief explanations of material... i don't have $350.00 for a

crash course review, so hopefully i will pass 1st time!

[RAVns]

Thank you for your words! I am assuming that you did pass as it did not say in the post. I am freaking out and super stressed over this. My test day is exactly 7 days away. I am hoping and praying that I will have done enough. It is really good to hear words of encouragement though!! Thanks again!!

[iluvnursing07]

thanks for the words of encouragement. i took my test for the second time yesterday and stopped at 161, first time i stopped at 88 and failed. you are right, every question given is random.. most of my test considered of SATA, Diagrams, drugs ive never heard of, no math, put in order, audio, maternity, lab values and of course med surg. i thought to myself damn this is HARD!!! past the magic number 85 i said to myself the computer is still giving me a chance. Until i hit 161 and my computer shut off- i thought to myself "i failed" cause supposedly they said if you get the last question wrong you failed and if you get it right you passed! Then here comes the PVT where everyone says its 99% true...so then I dont know what to think!!! i know i have to wait for the results!! On top of things, i got laid off from work this afternoon..so im thinking why why why....HELP!!!

[candy27]

can someone help me with ati predictor test please because i have 2 more weeks to take again. i failed the first time.

[caliotter3]

Good advice for those who are getting ready to test.