Help! NCLEX soon!

RNfindingherway, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2014

KatBird, I wish you all the best on the NCLEX. Please..... don't let anyone put pressure on you to take the NCLEX. It is already enough pressure just thinking about the NCLEX. In the same vein, don't wait too long to take the NCLEX exam. You just finish school you are in the high percentile for passing on your first try. However there are no guarantee. The choice is yours. You know yourself best. If you believe in the power of prayer, pray for God's guidance on when to take the NCLEX. All the best to you.

AmyRN303, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2014

I agree with PP. Don't let anyone tell you when you need to test, but don't wait too long either. I graduated in January and tested The first week of March. I wanted a little time off (I have four kids and have been in school full time for three years) and so I took it. I then did three weeks of review in prep for my exam. It worked well for me. Don't rush yourself: you know you better than anyone. Editing to add that you will likely never feel totally prepared, but you are. Better to test sooner than later, but like I said, if you feel you need an extra week or two, don't feel badly about taking it.

Katbird2014_RN · Apr 4, 2014

Thank you both for responding to me :). I think you guys telling me to take it when I'M ready and not when someone tells me to is a big help. I don't feel like I should take it in a week. I wanted to try to take it 2-3 weeks from now. Like you guys said, I shouldn't wait too long, but I also want to make sure that I'm prepared for it. I'm a strong believer in the power of prayer as it has helped me through school. What did you guys study for NCLEX? Was it what you expected?

AmyRN303, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2014

I used Saunders NCLEX books for question practice, LaCharity for PDA, and I bought the three week of the NCSBN Learning Extension for good measure. I did a ton of practice questions. Day before the test, I didn't do anything study related. I scheduled my test for noon because I know I perform better in the afternoon. I ate a good bit before I went in and intended to take the full 265. It shut off at 75...I passed. I was so sure walking out that I had failed that I teared up a little on the drive home (and I don't cry, lol)

I felt the NCSBN questions were most challenging and like NCLEX, but everyone seems to have their own feelings on that. Use whatever feels best for you and get a good night's sleep the night before. You'll do it!

Katbird2014_RN · Apr 4, 2014

Thanks Amy! I think it's mostly mindset. I think it's great that you went in expecting all 265, and I feel like I need to do that as well. I know so many people who go in wanting 75 and they freak out when the test keeps going! I honestly feel like no one feels like they passed coming out of NCLEX lol. I plan on not doing anything the day before but relax. I have used the Saunders CD for a lot of practice questions and SATA, I want to get LaCharity for PDA because I've heard a lot of good from it. I do anywhere from 60-120 questions a day depending on the time I have to go over and review all the questions. I alternate between the content-like ATI to Kaplan analysis and application questions. I just hope it's enough!

AmyRN303, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2014

It sounds like you have a good plan and reasonable expectations. I finished 75 in under an hour and frankly, I wanted to vomit when the screen shut off. I've always had good grades, and always tested well, but nothing prepares you for the feeling of sitting for boards! I would recommend taking as many alternate format questions as you can...they say they average X number of SATA questions or order of priority (check the Pearson Vue site for actual numbers...I don't remember) but I can say that at least half of my test was alternate format, no exaggeration. Of course, in real life nursing, everything is SATA and prioritization, but those types of questions weren't covered in my program as well as I would have liked them to have been :) good luck!

Uncle Rico · Apr 4, 2014

I scheduled my NCLEX 3 months after graduation, which i passed. I knew i wouldn't be ready immediately after graduation and the NCLEX wasn't anything like the test we had taken or the numerous Hesi exams. I wanted to review as many study guides and complete as many questions as possible to ensure 1st time success. Trust your judgement and if you feel that you aren't ready then you can always reschedule it.

Katbird2014_RN · Apr 4, 2014

I honestly hate SATA questions, but have since started getting better at them. Before, even in school, I would ALWAYS end up picking one too many or one not enough! So I look at it as a true/false question for each choice. If there's even one word I don't like, I don't pick that option! I can see where I'm improving and now I get probably at least them right 70% of the time compared to like 10% of the time in school. I'll probably pass out if the screen shuts off on me and I'm expecting another question. I honestly think the reason people like Kaplan is for the trainers. It's conditioning you to sit for all 265 so you don't freeze up if you go over question 75. You're so right about everything in nursing being SATA and priority! You've been a great confidence booster for sure and thank you for that! I really needed it :)!

AmyRN303, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2014

I honestly hate SATA questions, but have since started getting better at them. Before, even in school, I would ALWAYS end up picking one too many or one not enough! So I look at it as a true/false question for each choice. If there's even one word I don't like, I don't pick that option! I can see where I'm improving and now I get probably at least them right 70% of the time compared to like 10% of the time in school. I'll probably pass out if the screen shuts off on me and I'm expecting another question. I honestly think the reason people like Kaplan is for the trainers. It's conditioning you to sit for all 265 so you don't freeze up if you go over question 75. You're so right about everything in nursing being SATA and priority! You've been a great confidence booster for sure and thank you for that! I really needed it :)!

It sounds like you're on the right track! Keep it up, Katbird! Looking forward to you posting "Katbird, RN"!

Katbird2014_RN · Apr 4, 2014

I scheduled my NCLEX 3 months after graduation, which i passed. I knew i wouldn't be ready immediately after graduation and the NCLEX wasn't anything like the test we had taken or the numerous Hesi exams. I wanted to review as many study guides and complete as many questions as possible to ensure 1st time success. Trust your judgement and if you feel that you aren't ready then you can always reschedule it.

Thank you Rio, I have taken many Hesi exams as well and I want to pass it the first time more than anything. I just want my studying to pay off for me the first time like you! I'm still reviewing everyday and I feel more prepared as I go. I have several study guides to look over and I always write down why I get questions wrong and look up the subject matter. I originally wanted to take it 3 weeks from now, but like I said in my original post, my ATI instructor was pushing me to take it in a week and I feel like that's too soon! I'll schedule it around 3 weeks from now. I'm just happy I can change the date if needed! I feel like I'll be "ready" by then.

Katbird2014_RN · Apr 4, 2014

It sounds like you're on the right track! Keep it up, Katbird! Looking forward to you posting "Katbird, RN"!

I can't wait to write that either! I've been waiting for over 2 years now!