Help...Graduated in 2002 and never took NCLEX

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Hello,

I graduated from an RN program in 2002; unfortunately I never took the NCLEX. I want to study and soon take it but I am so lost as to go about it. All the classes I have seen are for RN's who have been out of the field; therefore I am not eligible to attend any of them. It's been 7 years and a weekend study course will not be sufficient. I even thought about going into a BSN program but you also have to be a licensed RN.

I was wondering if you have any information regarding how one would go about taking the NCLEX after 7years out of school.

Thank you

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Specializes in medsurg.

Hi, Have you contacted your state BON to see what they recommend or the requirements to take the test at this time.

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Yes, there is no ime limit or expiration to take the test. I could possible take it next week if I had a sit date and time. They dont know of any course and said to start studing, break open the books. I just feel overwhelmed and wish there was some course I could attend over a few months. Thereonly have refresher courses for RN's that have been out of the workforce for some time.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Can't you take Kaplan??

They refund your $$$ if you don't pass, which may be good in your case... I'm not sure if they have a time limit on when you must have graduated from school or not.

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There are numerous programs. Were are you located? HURST, MARTIN, MILLER,FEUR, KAPLAN etc.

I suggest you start with going over content then the NCBN site to see where you are.

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Specializes in ICU.

Hello dear,

Here are my best tools that I used to pass the NCLEX (I had the least number of questions "75")

I used KAPLAN NCLEX review in classroom setting. However if you just do the online you can still get the same benefit of a classroom since the classes are taped and broadcasted on their website for online uses.

When I am tried of the online review, I go to the books. I used NCLEX review pearls of wisdom. I love this book because it asks the question and give you the correct answer immediately. It is a good style to study because you don't put any wrong answers in your head, only the right ones go in directly.

This book too is an awesome book to use couple of days before the NCLEX Mosby's Pharmacology Memory NoteCards: Visual, Mnemonic, and Memory Aids for Nurses.

You don't have to buy any of these books. Go to your nearest B&N to check them out first. While you are there, check out Kaplan NCLEX-RN Exam 2008-2009 with CD-ROM: Strategies for the Registered Nursing Licensing Exam.

I really hope all of these resources help :nurse:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

Go to the library and see if you can find any study aids. Also, see if you can find recent students to borrow books from to update information.

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I graduated in May 2008 and took boards soon afterwards. My school had us do our review with ATI. I thought it was really good and it included review books, online practice tests, and computer DVD's with even more information. ATI also provided you with an online instructor to guide you and help you. The online tests helped them to tell you what areas you are weak in. I don't know of the details of other programs but I did like this one. I think it costed around $300 but they work with you until you pass it, even if you have to take it more than once. I'm not sure if they refund it but I passed the first time so I didn't look into it. Good luck to you! You made it through nursing school which means you CAN pass the NCLEX. Think positive and don't let yourself get too overwhelmed. Give yourself a time-frame in which you want to take the test and pace yourself through the review. ATI can help you do that.

http://www.atitesting.com/

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Specializes in med-surg, BICU.

just curious...why have you not taken the NCLEX?

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You are just going to have to buckle down and get started. I would schedule your test three to four months out to give yourself enough time. Then go to the bookstore and get the Kaplan book for strategies, and the Linda LaCharity book on Prioritization, as well as the latest edition (4th or maybe 5th) of the Saunders Comprehensive Review. Then get a calendar, map out a study plan, and begin. The sooner you start, the sooner you will have this behind you. Good luck.

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the Kaplan Review book was awesome. They also have a review program but everyone I know said they review from the book (it cost them about $150). Save the money buy Kaplan and take your boards--you worked hard to get here--don't sell yourself short--you can do it. Good luck!!!!!

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Specializes in Psych, Informatics, Biostatistics.

Buy Kaplan and use everything they provide you with (including videos). I did at least three reviews and found theirs the most useful.

Your situtation sounds similiar to mine. After taking my Boards in 87 in Alberta. After 911 CGFNS forced me to take the NCLEX. I had been an Informatics nurse for 9.5 years so went back to floor nursing.

You need to reconnect with the mental data base, your school of nursing instilled. You need to review some videos and read some good books. I found the NCLEX very patho based compared to the Canadian test. It will be a challenge!

Good luck.

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