How I passed the NCLEX the first time with 75 questions!

2 Posts

Specializes in PCU.

Hi everyone!

Prior to taking the NCLEX and while I was awaiting my results, this site truly became my sanity! I told myself that once I found out my results, I would post helpful information. I have recently taken the NCLEX (2 days ago), and just received my quick results from Pearson! Thankfully I have passed! I completed the NCLEX in 50 minutes and answered 75 questions. I had a majority of alternative type questions. Whenever I got another SATA, a little weight was lifted off my shoulders. However, when I got to question 75 and the test shut off, I was really taken aback. I was a good student in nursing school and did everything my program as well as Kaplan told me to do to be successful, so I had faith in my abilities but did not want to assume I did well. When I left the test and for the next 24 hours I was so relieved the test was done. However I began to grow inpatient 30+ hours after the exam so I attempted to do the Pearson Vue "trick." I will preface that my abilities regarding technology are not the best but I figure I'd give it a shot! The reregistration process took me back to the credit card screen, which is supposedly the "bad" pop-up. Once I saw the credit card screen, I was crushed. Everything I worked so hard for, for four long years was poof, gone! Then I started reading the forums here and found out that as of recent, you must put in all of your credit card information for the "trick" to work. I did not want to risk the $200 and the heartbreak. I just choose to wait it out and thank the Lord, 51 hours post-NCLEX, I got my quick results! Just a word of warning, you (and your family) will be a mess before you hear your results!

I have just recently completed a rigorous BSN program a month ago. Throughout my program, we were responsible to complete ATI's which I truly believe helped me immensely. I took off the weekend of graduation and then that next week took the Kaplan course. I found the Kaplan course to be very helpful and really enjoyed working with the instructor. At first I had difficulty applying the decision tree, but some of the concepts they present are very logical (acute vs chronic, ABCs, what the question is truly asking), which appealed to me. Once I realized that it made sense, it came a lot easier and I was then able to apply the concepts. After I completed the Kaplan course, I studied at least 2 hours each day (usually 5-6 hours/day). I completed all of the questions trainers and reviewed every question afterwards. I also completed all of the question bank questions usually in 50-75 question increments. Initially, when I completed the question bank, I used the tutor mode that told me the answer right after I answered it. I felt like by doing this it bolstered my knowledge and confidence. If I was unfamiliar with a concept, I used the Saunders Review to look up the information in more depth. I also went online and used some of the mnemonics that are available here and other sites, which helped me A LOT! I reviewed my weak points using the Kaplan Content Review free online book the week before the exam. I completed all of the Qbank sample tests the week prior to the exam. One of the tests is all alternative type questions, which was wonderful! Initially when I completed the Kaplan questions, I scored in the high fifties, low sixties. Then when I reviewed and applied the concepts I learned from Kaplan, I started doing better and better. However, word of caution: I took my final question trainer the day before the exam and didn't do as well as I normally did which shook my confidence a bit.

If I were to sum it up:

- Make a study schedule for yourself. It keeps you organized and on-target.

- I found Kaplan to be very effective! The inclusion of the Saunders Review also helped immensely.

- Try to avoid major life events. I know life happens but at least when your studying be present, take your time, and truly concentrate on what your doing. I know it's difficult, but you worked so hard to get this far!

- While your studying, take care of yourself. Work out, try to eat healthy meals, spend time with your family as much as possible. Yes this test is incredibly important, but you need to take care of yourself to be on your best game.

- Have patience with yourself! You have gotten this far and have succeeded! Don't doubt your abilities.

- Don't let the negativity in! You have to do you right now!

I hope this helps! Good luck everyone! You will do wonderfully! :)