freaking out about taking the nclex

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Hello Guys,

My test will be next monday which is the 9th, but I donot think I am ready for it. Honestly, I have not studied that much. Now, I am thinking if I should rescheduel for two more weeks. I am taking Kaplan, the thing is that if I take the exam on the original date then I may get the refund or repeat the class. If I take it later, I just wont get anything back. So, guys please give me some suggestions what to do to be prepared for this exam. I am not confident in me at all:crying2:. For these practice exams I have took, I only got 40%. Please let me know what I can do. Really appreciated, and good luck to all of you who are going to take this annoying exam!!

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Specializes in LTC.

You still have over a week to study. Go through your NCLEX study books. The best thing for me was just doing NCLEX questions and reading the reasoning behind the right answers.

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DO NOT RESCHEDULE!!! EVERYONE WHO TAKES THE EXAM HAS THAT THOUGHT POP UP TOO!!!

My suggestions:

1. Review test questions everyday and answer using the methods that Kaplan and your Kaplan book taught you. Trust me they WILL help.

2. Review meds and side effects. If you get a med question remember the answers and what its asking you, if you answer it incorrectly it may pop up again if you get it wrong. It did for me.

3. Review Maslow's Hierarchy.

4. Remember that in an emergency situation you help the one with the more severe injuries that require immediate intervention.

5. The DAY BEFORE the exam put your books away!!! DO NOT STUDY!! IT WILL NOT HELP!! I know it sounds crazy, but please trust me on this one. You need to relax your mind and your body the day before. Watch a movie, go shopping, hang out with friends. I went shopping for furniture the day before.

6. REMEMBER- They pull questions from a test bank that has 1000s of questions. AND THEY ARE CRAZY HARD!!!! Everyone has different questions and these questions are "WTH?!?!" Questions. You will honestly want to hug and kiss your nursing instructors for the exam questions they gave you after taking the NCLEX. I was lucky enough to have straight multiple choice, but be prepared. You may have a question where you need to put interventions in order. Remember Kaplan's way, it does help!

7. If you stop at 75 you probably passed unless you completely answered every single question incorrectly. Remember the test gives you questions based on your answers. You need to choose the best answer for each question. Harder questions means you're doing good! Also remember that it is testing you to make sure you are competent enough to practice as a BRAND NEW NURSE. Not someone with 10 years of experience.

8. Bring a lightweight coat, the testing center may be cold.

9. Don't waste too much time on one question go with your gut and don't change your answer unless YOU ARE CERTAIN. Choose the BEST answer.

10. You can call your state board of nursing and enter your dob and last 4 digits of ss# as the operator prompts you and you can find out the morning after if you passed or failed.

GOOD LUCK!!! :hug:

I hope this helped.

P.S. I seriously prayed before each question. No joke. :lol2:

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Specializes in L&D.

...also, remember that if you do get more than 75 questions, it does not mean you failed. I know PLENTY of people (very smart ones, mind you) that ended up with 200+ and passed. I also know someone that got 75 and did not pass...so do not let the number of questions freak you out :)

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...also, remember that if you do get more than 75 questions, it does not mean you failed. I know PLENTY of people (very smart ones, mind you) that ended up with 200+ and passed. I also know someone that got 75 and did not pass...so do not let the number of questions freak you out :)

Very True! Friend of mine had all 265 questions and passed. I don't know anyone who had 75 and failed, but I hear it happens.

Just Relax!! ;)

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The NCLEX does not test you on what you know.

The NCLEX tests you on how well you can play "the game".

Practice playing the game, and go in ready to play it. You will do fine. ;)

-netglow (out in 75)

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Eat a good breakfast in the morning before the test.

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Don't fuss anymore.

Crack open your books and start taking the practice tests.

You may feel, as you study, that there is no way you will pass.

This is normal.

Just keep truckin' along.

Be sure to review rationales for the answers. This is terribly important and to not do so may be deadly.

No last minute cramming the day of or the day before.

Keep calm.

Breathe.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OB, NICU.

I took Kaplan review beforehands too.

Along with the tips mentioned above, I personally would reschedule the test if I was getting 40% on Kaplan practice tests.

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Specializes in ICU.

It's all about test taking skills. There are questions on there that you couldn't possibly have studied for. Just relax, read the question carefully, and don't change your answers!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the NCLEX forum

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thank you guys so much for the comments and encouragement!!

I just took 2 Kaplan practice tests and they were around 50%, and the passing stantdard from Kaplan I think its 60%. The results made me so nervous and I think I may fail. I cant imagine what will happen if I fail. All my classmats passed.

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