Full time clinical tech, while reviewing for NCLEX-RN. Survival tips?

SnowStar4 · Dec 13, 2010

My biggest advice it to relax a little and try not to stress. People make it sound like you need to study non-stop for months to pass, but really you should already have your knowledge base. Focus on practice questions.

I purchased some boxes of flashcards with questions on them. You can stick them in your purse, diaper bag, whatever and whip them out whenever you get a few moments. It adds up quickly.

etaoinshrdluRN · Dec 14, 2010

What Snowstar4 said! Our program also provided us with on-line practice tests and booklets for each area of the NCLEX. You can do these kinds of things to diagnose your weak areas, if any, and study up.

I've never had a particular problem taking tests, so grazing in the study guides for a couple of days was enough to help me. The test shut down after 70-odd questions and left me feeling as if it were like rolling off a log compared to my program's tests.

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Dec 14, 2010

Obviously, people have different study tactics that work for them. As for me, I study best in small increments. By the time I was done with all my courses and ready to take the NCLEX, I knew which material I was comfortable with just a minimal review and where I wanted to be a little more comprehensive. I started reviewing early enough that I could just do a little at a time. I passed on my first try. I don't have a family to care for like the OP, but I did work a full-time job and a part-time job and didn't take any time off. Actually, it worked well for me. I think if I would have had lots of "extra" time on my hands, I would have gotten myself all worked up:) Good luck!

222mom222 · Dec 14, 2010

Thank you, everyone. I love how people come together when the issue is the boards. :) I'm taking it on February but it already feels like tomorrow! When we fly to L.A. for the holidays, Saunders is so going with me. Aside from that, I borrowed the Kaplan and Mosby practice questions from the library. I don't know how I'll manage when a full time job is in the offing. People will be sipping eggnog while I'll be under the tree ticking off A's , B's, C's, D's and selecting all that apply :nurse:

DC Collins, ASN · Dec 14, 2010

Don't take your time - just grab a handful of practice questions when you have a free moment (ha! lol), and take the test ASAP. The practice questions are just to get you ready for the style of test questions. You should already have what you need, knowledge-wise, from your education, to be able to pass.

Hey, if *I* - at 49 - can take 4.5 hours and all 265 questions and still pass, you certainly can, lol.

DC ED NOC RN ADN

Abbreviations R Us :)

badphish · Dec 14, 2010

I worked full time. (56 hour work week). While in school. And studying for nclex. Did about 50 or so practice questions a day with review of rationale. 3 weeks prior to test day and knocked it out of the park

So don't get all worked up about. It go make some money

Silverdragon102, BSN · Dec 15, 2010

Moved to the NCLEX forum

222mom222 · Dec 15, 2010

50 questions a day is pretty reasonable with all the chaos going on. Lord, I hope I pass. Thanks again to all of you.:redbeathe

SpelaD · Apr 27, 2011

I have an interview for Clinical tech next week, but I really don't know what my job would be...I am also preparing for NCLEX and need to know if its tiring...

222mom222 · Apr 28, 2011

I started the Clin Tech job already, first day was Feb7. I'd say the work load depends on what unit and what hospital you are in. Check out the waters before jumping in. The unit I am in is quite heavy, the patient load is high. My studying hours have drastically been cut back. Luckily though, the nurses have been supportive and they've been drilling me now and then. Often, I ask them about procedures and medications they give to my patients, so it helps with the recall.

caliotter3 · May 1, 2011

Hey, good luck when you take it. Seems like it should be getting around to that time.