How I passed the NCLEX :)

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Hi everyone!

I took the nclex on December 17, 2014 and luckily, I passed :). The computer shut off at 75 questions (26 SATA, 1 drag-and-drop, 6 meds and the rest were PDA, infection control questions and other things). If you read my previous thread, I mentioned that I graduated in the Philippines in 2010 so I had to review more intensely. I wan't sure if I was eligible to take the exam so I didn't start reviewing after I passed the TOEFL on July. I received my ATT on September 30 and I scheduled it on December 2 but had to reschedule it again because I wasn't ready. I studied 12 hours a day for 2 months and 16 days. It was a nightmare! :'(

So here are the nclex review materials I used:

The main book I used for CONTENT was Saunders 5th Edition. 50% of the exam questions I had are found in this book. Finished reading everything for 1 month and 1 week starting with the first 2 chapters (basic nursing topics), then maternity and child, next is Psych, followed by Adult nursing and lastly, Pediatrics (I read somewhere to study your weakest area last!). Once I finish a chapter, I answer questions for that specific chapter on the CD. Plus the CD has a lot of SATA so it's great for practice especially if you hate SATA questions (like me). I didn't read this book only once. I read it like a million times.

For STRATEGIES, I used KAPLAN RN strategies, practice and review with CD. Very helpful!!! It also has practice questions.

For QUESTIONS:

  • Saunders' Q&A, Lippincott Q&A, Hurst Review book --> just for practice even if some are not nclex style questions. I finished saunders' Q&A and Hurst but not Lippincott because I ran out of time.
  • NCSBN 3 week review course--> Didn't read the content. I just answered 1200 questions which were a bit similar with the actual NCLEX. I purchased this 1 month before the exam.
  • NCLEX 3500 online--> For practice SATA questions. It's actually FREE! There are some topics that aren't discussed in Saunders so I'm really glad someone mentioned this in the forum.
  • PDA by LaCharity--> A MUST HAVE!! i got like 10 priority and delegation questions and I'm confident I answered them correctly. (10 points to me!) The book helped me a lot since there are no LPNs in the PI and there are few/no NAs in the workplace, I had trouble answering delegation questions before. I answered this after reading Saunders.

Other resources:

  • PDF Study Guide and Lab Value sheets by IceStar817 in allnurses.com
  • Michael Linares' videos or any on youtube--> I played the videos every time I cook dinner (lol)
  • Kaplan Mini Q bank App and other free NCLEX app from the app store
  • Nclex questions from Pinterest
  • ATI PDF files online --> Pops up every time I search something on google like trach suctioning, catheter removal , handwashing steps or other topics not discussed in Saunders.

I spent $115 total for Saunders, PDA and NCSBN. The rest were borrowed from the library and are free on the internet :) I didn't take the KAPLAN review course because I had to focus on content first. I planned on taking it if i didn't pass the exam. But I did so I saved $300 yay! :) I made my own list of topics to memorize by heart and I'm glad that I did because some of it came out it in the exam. i'll post it in another thread along with my nclex tips soon (if I'm not busy) or just message me if you want it. I'm really grateful for this site and I want to thank everyone who shared their Nclex journey. Good luck future nurses and don't give up!

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Hello I just took my 2nd nclex rn im also from the philippines and graduated last 2010..really anxious to find out the result..

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Hi. I just want to ask how many exact days is the ATT valid for TEXAS BON. THANKS. Can somebody share it to me please. How long is yours? 75 days or 90 days from the day they release the ATT? Thanks in advance

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Hi. I just want to ask how many exact days is the ATT valid for TEXAS BON. THANKS. Can somebody share it to me please. How long is yours? 75 days or 90 days from the day they release the ATT? Thanks in advance

As per TX BoN:

"Your ATT is valid for 75 days from the ATT start date to take the exam. If you are eligible for a graduate nurse (GN) or graduate vocational nurse (GVN) permit, the permit will be posted online within five working days of deeming you eligible to take the exam." source: Texas Board of Nursing - Examination

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