NCLEX advice please!

Nurses New Nurse

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I am taking the NCLEX in about 3 weeks and I'm getting very worried. I feel like I'm not going to remember anything I've studied and everything that I've learned the past 4 years. Does anyone who has taken it recently have any advice, like what types of topics were asked a lot? I'm sure pharm is big on the exam, but should i try to memorize all the meds in my kaplan book? Also, was there anything that surprised you or that you didn't expect? For example, I heard that if you get up to take a break they erase your whiteboard, is that true?

I haven't taken the test yet either - my appt is next week!!! Eeek! But I did the Kaplan NCLEX-RN review book and I thought the test taking strategies were VERY helpful. Throughout the book there are lots of little things to keep in mind and it sort of emphasizes the point that you need to know your stuff but cramming lots of facts/concepts in at the last minute won't help. Practice analyzing each question and pulling from what you already know. There WILL be questions about things you can't remember a thing about from school! It's just bound to happen. But if you use your "nursing judgement" and try to pick what will be safest for the patient and the "textbook" answer that's really all you can do!

One thing I'm worried about is that I can't bring my chapstick into the testing room! I even called the testing center to double check. I'm so used to always having it that knowing I don't have it might be a source of anxiety. I may come out with very chapped lips!

Also, just know that anyone who HAS taken the test isn't supposed to give out info on specific topics or meds. This test is highly confidential and they go to great lengths to guard the content carefully.

Best of luck! Maybe I'll re-post after I take the exam. :)

Thanks, good luck to you too!

Specializes in Urology, Nephology, Internal Medicine.

I took the NCLEX-RN in May and passed with 75 questions the first time. I thought it was fairly easy. My best advice is to go with what you know. If you know the basics you will do well. Also keep in mind they are testing you as if you are a brand new nurse with no experience so do not read into the question. Leave any experience or what you may have seen done in the real world out of your answer for your questions. This will make it easier for you to decipher what the correct answer is. Hope this helps.

GOOD LUCK! just study all your diagnoses and medications. when test day comes...dont panic! eat high protein and rest!

For the NCLEX, I think you know it or you don't. You can't really study because there are so many topics! I know there were meds and diseases on my NCLEX I hadn't even heard of! Yet, I passed with 75 questions.

I just took 100 question exams in the 2 weeks before NCLEX to get into test-mode. Like I said, it's either stuff you know or don't. Don't drive yourself crazy trying to cram.

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