Finally! I'm an RN! How I passed NCLEX

Published

This was a battle I fought for over 10 years with lots of starts and stops, but I got confirmation this morning that I officially passed the NCLEX-RN and I'm on cloud 9! My test shut off at 75 and I was a nervous wreck! No one could convince me that I passed. I did the PVT like 10 mins after my test, when it said "Delivery successful" and got the good pop-up. That did not help ease my anxiety at all. Needless to say, my worry was for nothing (thankfully) and I wanted to share what I did to pass.

I've did so much lurking on here to see how to approach studying for the NCLEX.

IMO you honestly need to know your personal strengths/weaknesses and how you learn best. Some people do great with just doing questions and reading the rationales, others need more content review.

I actually had very good grades throughout nursing school and finished in the top 5 of my class (as I was told by one of my professors). For me, I felt a good content review was my comfort zone. I studied for about 3 weeks before testing. I used the Saunders 5th ed NCLEX book and that was for me a HUGE help. There were only 3 questions I was absolutely sure of on the entire NCLEX and I remembered reading the topics in the Saunders book. I spent time reviewing every system. My reasoning was that I was not only studying to pass the NCLEX, but making sure I would be starting my nursing career with a good knowledge base.

The Priority and Delegation book was another big help. I did nearly all 18 chapters. It helped with solidifying how to delegate and helped with the who to see first questions.

I have an amazing friend who gave me access to their Kaplan and NCSBN. I wasn't a big fan of Kaplan. I only did Q-bank questions a few times--my scores were as low as 53% and up to 78%. The NCSBN has a fairly good basic content systems review. I felt that the question bank really challenged me and taught me how to better answer the higher level NCLEX questions. I barely ever got the recommended 75% on NCSBN; I averaged between 65-70% and felt frustrated often at my scores.

I wrote a study plan out and stuck to it. As has been said so many times, do lots of questions and read rationales even on those you get right. I also learned not to get so hung up on my scores on practice questions. The NCLEX, to me, was like nothing I can even describe. The questions were so far out there. I feel that having a firm grasp on the content, along with the practice I got with answering higher level questions and alternate format questions really helped me pass. To me it came down to knowing your stuff along with using strategy and good clinical judgement to get to the right answer.

BTW, I sat for the NCLEX being a nice, big 8 months pregnant lol. I mentally prepared for 265 questions; I studied 8+ hrs a day with the hope of doing only 75. My hard work payed off. I hope someone finds my experience useful, much the same as so many here did for me. All the best to everyone studying for and preparing to take the NCLEX!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

congrats....prettybrowngirl, I did my nclex 2 days ago..but dont know how to use PVT....pls. need instruction...my computer stop @ 75 question...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well just try and register for a test again. This it will say delivery successful then it will give you a message like can't register for this test already taken contract the BON/ or can't register ready done. But if it goes to credit card and ask you for your information like your credit card number try putting in all the numbers..."stop don't put numbers in " 98% of the time you failed the test. Most people get confused by delivery successful....you have to get the message that you can't register for this test already taken contract the BON...NO CREDIT CARD PAGES....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Tele, Med Surg, DOU, ICU.

Congrats prettybrowngirl!! Are you in California? If so how long did the official results come in from the date you took the test?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much! No I'm in AZ. I took the test yesterday morning at 8. My license status was updated by 11 am today to "passed NCLEX RN". I had an active official license before 3 pm today :-)).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.

congrats to you... what a success and huge sigh of relief that it is all done for you. I will be scheduling my nclex within the next 2-3 weeks and I hope I have great success! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
congrats to you... what a success and huge sigh of relief that it is all done for you. I will be scheduling my nclex within the next 2-3 weeks and I hope I have great success! :)

Thank you and yes it's amazing how relieved I feel! I have my life back lol. Happy studying for your upcoming NCLEX test. I'm sure you'll be successful--I'll look for your "I passed!" post. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.

Thanks so much!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congratulations!!! Thanks for sharing some of your NCLEX suggestions. What were some of the major content areas you studied? I feel like I am weakest in pharmacology but have prioritizing care and delegation down. Did you really only study for 3 weeks? I am scheduled to take the NCLEX Saturday but I'm starting to get discouraged with my practice test scores and I just don't feel that confident. I have been studying steadily for about 2 weeks, took the HESI exit exam 5 weeks ago and got a 959. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Congratulations!

Ifireworks3.gif

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congratulations

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Did it take you 10 yrs to finish school or to pass your boards?You are my inspiration.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion