How I passed NCLEX-RN in 75 questions

[sara567]

This site has helped me so much that I wanted to do what many before me have done and layout the path that allowed me to finish the NCLEX in 45 minutes with 75 questions. I'm not known for my brevity, and I apologize in advance.

My school uses ATI the entire program. What I found a lot of my classmates didn't realize is that when you are done with the tests, in the right hand corner, you can get a focused review. It then has you read the chapter that is related to the content where you missed questions. This was key.

I bought and used the following apps daily during school:

NCLEX Mastery (if you only buy 1 extra study item, this needs to be it) $30

ATI RN Mentor (this app is really bad, other than the fact that it has pretty much the same questions as all your ATI proctored exams) $20

NCSBN's RX Flashcards (free)

I made my husband play RNtertainment ($30)(a trivial pursuit type game with NCLEX questions) at least 1 night a week. He actually didn't mind it, and somehow even won once!! I really questioned my knowledge after that game!!

My last semester of nursing school was a med-surg class that filled in the blanks from the topics that weren't covered completely in earlier courses. I bought the NCSBN's Learning Extension review course ($50-150). The NCSBN are the people that write the NCLEX. While they say that the NCLEX and the review course are totally separate, the review course is pretty similar. I'm pretty sure I even had a question that was exactly the same.

We used the LaCharity Prioritization and Delegation book in school. This book is crucial to passing the NCLEX if you are not good at these types of questions. I think about 40 of my 75 were these types of questions.

I maintained a B average during school.

I graduated December 2015. Took a week off to celebrate in Disney where I didn't do a single question or even think about nursing. At this point I was pretty done with nursing school and needed the break.

When I returned I took the ATI Live Review. This was so influential in my passing, I feel. They also have a warranty, that doesn't involve much more than going all 3 days, and a 97% first time pass rate. It is a review, but it was tailored to my personal results. It was 3 days of tips, tricks, and lots of questions. The lady that taught it was amazing and I was never bored once (crazy, right?!) During the Live Review they give you a list of topics to review on ATI. This is also tailored to your results on previously taken tests, so some people had a lot of work, others did not. I chose to do everything available, not just what I was told to do. The 2 comprehensive exams told me I had a 99% and 97% (max is 99%) predictability of passing on the first try.

I had bought the Kaplan NCLEX review book with the 8 tests. If you have ATI access, I wouldn't bother with this as it is similar. I only did 1 exam. If you don't have ATI, the Kaplan book is a good $50 investment.

I spent 2 weeks studying with the above resources. My goal being 200 questions a day, whether that was via practice tests or the NCLEX Mastery App/RNtertainment.

Based on info I read here, I planned to take the day off work, due a practice exam and get a massage the day before my exam.

What really happened: I got my ATT on 1/26. I had the option of either taking the NCLEX the next day or in about 40 days!!! I wasn't waiting. I hit submit for the 27th and immediately broke out in a cold sweat. My hands never sweat and they were practically dripping. I somehow finished my work day, went home and spoke briefly to my family before holing myself up to get out that last 300 questions that I was purposefully saving for the week that I took the exam. I didn't sleep due to excitement (and nerves).

On Test Day: woke up, watched tv for about an hour and then got ready. I was warned by my school to "dress Amish". This means no big/dangly jewelry, crazy outfits, anything other than a plain shirt and jeans. I even left my jacket in the car because I wasn't sure if it would cause an issue. I didn't want my test delayed. I literally walked in wearing a sweatshirt, jeans, glasses, my wedding rings, stud earrings and had my driver's license and car keys. It was a smart move. The lady registering after me did not do that and really had some issues with how much she had to take off. When your anxiety is already high, you don't need to deal with that.

I took my exam. 75 questions, 45 minutes. As I said earlier, tons of priority/delegation questions (about half), 12 select all that apply, no math, I don't think I got any alternative format questions other than the select all that apply, but I can't be sure.

I did the Pearson Vue Trick at 4 hours and 24 hours and it said I passed. 49.5 hours later (with my hitting refresh every 5 minutes starting at 47.5 hours post test) I received my quick results.

Now about finding that elusive first job...

[Makalisia]

I am planning to take my live review and NCLEX next month and this was very helpful! thank you so much. I hope you found a job you love.

[acmt27, BSN, RN]

I also passed in 75, and would HIGHLY recommend the app/website UWorld. There's different subscription options so you can choose from different size banks of mock exams and questions that are broken down into categories such as psych, OB, etc. What I really love about it is that after every question, it gives you full explanations on not only the overall concept and correct answer, but it also tells you why the incorrect answers were incorrect, which I always found to be hugely helpful.