How long from Grad to NCLEX?

[colleenm]

I am one of those gals that just HAS to plan ahead, and so I have a question for you all. I will graduate my ADN program here in IL next December (2009). I'm wondering how long of a period of time needs to pass between when I graduate and when I can sit for the NCLEX. Can I register to take it prior to graduation, or do I need to wait until after graduation to register? If I need to wait, how long is the typical wait between graduation and test taking time?

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

We filled out our paperwork at school the day after our last exam. Mailed it to the BON and NCLEX.

But our school didnt' send our transcripts etc to the board until the day of our actual graduation.

My graduation date was 6/22 and I sat for the NCLEX 7/9. It was the earliest date they had. I have a few friends that tested the day after our graduation.

Depending on the time of year, you maybe in for a long wait, as everyone is vying for a date and time to test. Or you could luck out and test within days of graduation.

[rn_nxt_dr]

Go online on your State's BON and check requirements. It all depends on your motivation to take the NCLEX-RN exam. But whether you have the required documents is another. You may take the exam 2-3 months after graduation if you're highly motivated.

I would suggest start reading NCLEX materials now---get familiar with questions format and learn the strategy how to answer them and use updated materials only please. Good luck.

[suzanne4, RN]

Sorry, but I would actually tell you to stay away from NCLEX material now unless you are specifically using the book in school.

The exam is interested in what you have learned in school and how you are going to apply it in the real world when you would start working. You have not covered the majority of the information that you need to be aware of for the exam. Trying to prepare now and you would only be memorizing things and that is the worst that one can do.

If you are not going to graduate until next December, they you are not going to be testing before end of January to February at the earliest. That is 14 months from now.

You may wish to use one of the comprehensive books if you have additional questions that were not answered in your class and I recommend the Saunder's 4th edition for this, but definitely not to begin to prep for the exam at this time.

Bad idea.