I waited over 4 months for my ATT due to the BRN delay in California. When it finally came Wednesday night (4/16), I went to schedule my NCLEX and the only dates available were 2 days later and 2 months later. So I went with the soonest appointment (4/18).
I was a good student throughout school, graduating with a 3.9 GPA. I took Kaplan in the classroom back in January and then completed 70% of the Qbank with a 71% average, and I did the first 4 Qtrainers with 65-75%. But then I stopped studying 2 months ago because it was taking forever for my ATT and I just wasn't motivated. I kept telling myself I would start doing Kaplan again when I got my ATT, but of course I didn't have time. I just wanted to get it over with.
The day before the test I read over the 35 page study guide that's floating around, and familiarized myself with infection control, abnormal labs, and insulin. The computer shut off after 75 questions. I did the PVT as soon as I got to my car and I got the good pop-up. The test itself was unreal. There were things on there I'd never heard of before, but I tried to use common sense to answer them. I went with my gut when I was unsure. I had about 20 SATA, 2 EKG, and a bunch of meds, infection control, and prioritization. A few delegation. It took me about an hour to finish and I was nervous the entire time.
I would say Kaplan helped me get comfortable with the formatting and answering NCLEX style questions. The study guide is great for brushing up on content. I'm glad I didn't wait 2 more months, because I doubt I could have prepared myself any better during that time. It just would have made the wait agonizing. Now it's over and I'm relieved.
Good luck to everybody taking the NCLEX soon. Believe in yourself, you can do it!
ER(notso)n00b, ASN, RN
184 Posts
Update: The PVT worked, my license was posted on BreEZe today!