How I passed NCLEX 2014

[the10womann]

I found out yesterday that I passed NCLEX, when my status on the OBN went to active (I did the Pearson Vue "trick" too, and it worked). I will be honest I didn't study for 2 months after graduating- I picked up hours working, and just wanted to relax. I told myself I would really put forth effort a month before I tested.

So It goes without saying.... This is how I passed.

1. Pick two sources to use. Preferably one that is nothing but questions and the other to reiterate what you learned in school (if you do not use it you lose it).

a. I used HURST review. They have a guaranteed pass rate, offer Q-Review ( 6 sets of 125 questions) which are to prepare you for NCLEX and reiterate what you've studied in the material, and they offer Video/Audio for a certain time period too- so you can hear it again.($300- Review provided by my college). Another choice would be Kaplan? Do Not use school notes.

b. I also used NCLEX mastery- Smart phone app. It has a lot of NCLEX style questions, practice questions with rationales, quiz questions, mnemonics, and terminology. I really liked this app because I could use it anywhere and really focus on my weak areas. ($30). Another Choice could be Saunders, ExamCram.

My Q-review scores in HURST were as follows: 75, 80, 86, 93, 80, 85.. (I'm pretty sure these questions compare to Kaplans version) That equals an average of like 67%.. Yet I still passed NCLEX in 75 questions the first time.

2. I also went to a review (MARK KLIMEK) before graduating, and I feel like it was beneficial in breaking down the subject areas and preparing me for HESI exit . ($275- Ohio area) However, I will say I went to the review and used his books as a guide but did not spend much time with them.

3. I read in a post somewhere not to use too many resources. That is the BEST advice ever. Otherwise, it is hard to feel like anything is being accomplished and can lead to more anxiety. I had bought an NCLEX book that had thousands of practice questions- ended up not using it when I found the NCLEX mastery App; I probably saved myself some anxiety and tears.

4. It is suggested you make your self a calendar (I did)- give yourself a minimum of two weeks, preferably a month. Write in that calendar your work schedule and activities planned etc. Then go into that calendar and fill-in study time with breaks and the specific amount of time you want to spend on it... Focus on your weak areas, but do not totally neglect your strong areas either. Do what you can in the time you have scheduled, relax, and have confidence.

The NCLEX was not "worded" like the Hesi, and our professors were not lying when they said the answer you want would not be there. I had every other question that was SATA, and the few med questions I had were the generic names (No trade names).

Good LUCK!!