Foreign-trained RN - PASSED NCLEX-RN 1st Attempt!!!

[yeenka]

I've been an RN since 2006 and a Midwife since 2008 (England) - moved to the USA in November 2013 and registered to take the NCLEX around Christmas 2013. In January 2014, whilst waiting for my ATT, I registered for the NSCBN 8-week course which helped me realize my strengths and weaknesses. After completing it, I took time to review topics I needed to brush up on (using my notes, Epocrates, YouTube videos, etc). I received my ATT in March and immediately signed up for Kaplan's review because I had heard a lot about it helping many people to approach NCLEX questions strategically. Three weeks before my scheduled NCLEX date, I returned to NSCBN to take the 3-week review course because I did not get to do the practice questions previously. I completed all the NCSBN practice questions as well as all the Kaplan Qbank questions and QTs. Reviewed all questions whether I got them wrong or right.

I took the NCLEX-RN on April 29^th 2014 and just found out today, using the quick result service that I passed! Exam shut off at 75 questions and I really was not sure how I did. I found the exam really tough, over half of the questions I got were 'Select All That Apply' format, which I really dislike. I'm very good with drug calculations and did not even get one drug calculation question.

I am grateful to God for the Grace, strength and guidance that I received and for the NCSBN RN review course. It was not easy making time to review with two little children and other family responsibilities; I fasted, prayed, spent between 6-9 hours daily reviewing contents and practice questions. There is a lot of advice out there about what you should and should not do. I decided to go with what feels natural and right to me. I reduced distractions such as the use of social media, TV, phone chats, etc...I worked out 5-6 times a week and ate healthy, studied up until the day before and even a little bit in the car before going into the PV building, not because I was nervous but because that's what has always worked for me. It made me feel confident and assured that I had given it my absolute best. As a morning person, I scheduled for 8am and did not eat prior because again, that's what works for me.

Now, I look forward to taking the AMCB exam to be licensed as a Nurse-Midwife because that is where my passion lies. I was encouraged by some posts that I read on here before I took the NCLEX so I thought I'd share my experience and hopefully encourage someone in the process. To anyone who is yet to take the exam, I pray you are successful. Be diligent with studying and identifying your weak areas, pray for strength and guidance and you will be just fine.

[jennifer_app]

Congrats!!!!

[amandeepkaur]

congraaaaaaaattttttttttttttttttssssssssssssssssssssss

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

EXCELLENT!!!! We hear so much about how much difficulty IENs have with NCLEX - and how 'different' US nursing is from the rest of the world. It's wonderful to hear a success story.

And - ta dah - You're chose to relocate to Texas! More proof of your infallible decision-making skills -

[ks.angel]

Yeenka, since you've done both NSCBN and Kaplan qbank.....which did you like more or helped you more?

[yeenka]

I believe both contributed in different ways. I can't seem to choose a favorite. Kaplan has the same interface as the real thing and the question style is very similar. NCSBN has accurate content details and provides plenty of questions to practice with also. If you need some notes/materials, I still have them, contact [email protected]