Getting ready for NCLEX!

Hi! I graduated in August 2007 also. I took the nclex on october 9th. I heard Its best to take it sooner because if you take it later, you will forget the material. I also took it soon just in case I fail, I can retake it sooner. I studied Saunders, Cram Exam and Kaplan. I feel like I failed the exam so i'm studying just in case. I get my results like in 3-4 weeks. I hope I pass! please pray for me! and good luck!

what kind of review classes did u take? and how did u find them?

Hi Russole,

I Graduated in June 2007, I didn't take a review course or anything but I basically did some brush up on the reading material from nursing school covering certain diseases, medications, a few side effects, etc. I also studied from a NCLEX review book. After I started reviewing the stuff, I felt overwhelmed like I was not going to be prepared for the NCLEX. As the time neared for me to take the test I began to worry more and more and then avoided studying (it was weird). I also felt that I was not going to learn every possible thing (which is normal) so my main focus was to definitely learn like certain lab values and their affects on the body; I relied on my understanding of the basics from nursing school; and I prayed. On October 13th, I took the NCLEX, and I felt, for the most part, that I was guessing on a lot of the questions. Some of the questions I felt were really easy but, the majority of my test I was totally uncertain of. I was going crazy when I kept getting "select all that apply" because I knew that those were my weak spots. I only received a few calculation problems; some drugs that I had no clue about, and some major prioritization problems. It took me over 2.5 hours before my test shut off at 85 (I am a slow test taker). I did not know what to think so I prayed, prayed, and prayed. I was nauseous the entire weekend because I was so uncertain, I had convinced myself that I had failed. On October 15th, I could not bare the wait anymore so I gave in and paid Pearson Vue so I could see my results. Guess what? I passed!!! I felt that the $7.95 I paid for quick results was like buying a bottle of pain relief because I sure felt relieved after viewing my results. Today, my name is officially on the Florida Board of nursing website as an LPN.

So my advice to you, if you have just recently graduated, and you have taken a review course, go ahead and take the test and trust in what you have learned during nursing school. What helped me too was (deep thought). I had to imagine that I was really taking care of the patient so that I could make better answer selections. I also did process of elimination, and I know I did some guessing. Just know that it is impossible to know everything, and the board knows that; however, I think the whole concept of passing the NCLEX is to see if the individual understands how to apply what they have learned to deliver safe and quality health care. Good luck!!! Trust yourself.

RD

Thanks for the advice. When I took the review course, I felt so confident, but right when it was over and tried to do my self study, I came upon a lot of different diganosis that I had no clue about and that got me bummed out. And thats the reason why I feel like I'm so lost and worried. The ones that I feel strong about are the prioritizing, but when it comes upon certain diseases, I get so clueless sometimes. Anyways I am going to schedule my appointment now, so that it will motivate me to study so much harder, and I guess stress more!:trout:

Russole,

I felt exactly as you, but the truth of the matter is, like many, the feeling is normal. Good luck! and do the best you can.

RD

I took my NCLEX Sept 24th after graduating in July. My school through the program gave us ATI books and passwords to take a multiple choice questions that was "similar" to the NCLEX....NOT. I did not use those resources but I did use "Memory Notebook of Nursing" I highly recommend for any one preparing for NCLEX or just in nursing school. I had a lot of lab values (why when on the doctors form they give you the normal) and select all, who should the doctor see first, medication that I never heard of before and had no clue what they was, and dose calculations. I can only tell you to get that book, not stress over it (which is hard to do nursing is our life) take the NCLEX as if you own it b/c you do. I found out 48 hours later that I passed. Good Luck!!!

Okay, so I graduated in August 2007, Havent taken my test yet because I have too much anxiety!! I took a review class, felt good about it, but feel as if I dont have all the information in my mind! And I know that I should just know the concept, but can anyone else tell me how did you do it? I want to take my test soon, I've been studying but feel like nothing is getting absorb! I know some people have their own way of studying but can I hear any advice on how certain nurses passed. Like did you study all of the diagnosis, drugs, or what? I'm really lost, I need help!!!..Another thing is too much stress because of Bills I owe, and I stopped working just to go to the review and my plan was to go back to work as a LVN but i feel like I'm not learning anything and now I'm in some mess right now with BILLS to pay, and studying, I feel like I cant take it all! ahhh someone help

I can definitely say..I've been there. I graduated in July. Scheduled my board for sept. 29th, chickened out coz' I felt like I didn't study/know enough. So I rescheduled it and took it on Oct. 10. I was a nervous wreck. I was so stressed out and of corse after finishing I felt like I failed but found out within 48hrs that I passed. What your feeling is normal. You have to face your fear and think positive. 2wks prior to taking the board I used Delmar CD reviewer. I did 1000 comprehensive questions answering 250-300 questions a day and I used Kaplan strategy book. Find out your weakness and focus on it. Also know your lab values and meds. I hope this helps. Good luck!...

My Nclex is coming up on November 2nd!....wow...really scared/nervous/everything...any last tips of me studying to be sure that i have everything covered? I read threads where some people said...labs...maslow and ABCs..and thats basically the most important...any other tips?

Russole,

You should also familiarize yourself with some of the most prevalent diseases associated with each system; understand how certain drugs may affect the patient; and learn the signs and symptoms of the biggies such as hypoxia, hemorrhage, hyper/hypoglycemia; hyper/hypothyroidism; and know your normal vital signs for all age groups. When learning labs don't forget about the ABG's and what the results say about the patient's condition. Prioritizing is a biggie too!!! For example, if you have a pt with Type 2 diabetes who appears to be agitated; and another patient has esophageal cancer and he/she is at risk for infection because of an impaired immune system; I would see the diabetic person first because an actual problem exists and plus the patient is showing signs of hypoglycemia. Even though, my patient with esophageal cancer could develop problems related to impaired gas exchange, this pt does not have an acutal problem but instead is at risk for developing a problem. Therefore, I would see the diabetic pt first. This is just my watered down version of prioritizing. If you can find a book on it or if you already have a book, I would be sure to include this info in my studies. Just remember that there is so much information that it is impossible to know it all but at least knowing the basics will take you a long way. Remember to take your time, read the entire question twice, then dissect what the question is asking, think about it again, look at your selections, determine how each response would apply to what is being asked, and then make your selection (try not to change answers). I passed my test at 85 but I tell you, I felt like I was guessing on half of the stuff. It's cliche to say relax because I know that is impossible for most of us, but trust in yourself, and do the best you can.

RD

Thanks D roc! You brought it down for me good enough to boost up my confidence and push me to study even harder! Thanks!

-russ