How long after graduation for NCLEX?

Published

Specializes in L&D.

I am wondering what is "average" for the time between graduation and NCLEX. I was planning to wait about a month, I graduate in May and was planning to take the NCLEX in June. But, part of me wonders if I should wait until July and take more time to prepare, and part of me wonders if I should just do it right away and not risk "losing" anything I've learned. I did pass the HESI when we had to take it, not by as much as I would have liked, and I have been studying for the NCLEX since I started studying for the HESI.

Anybody care to share their plans?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

The sooner the better.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

For my LPN I tested within 3 weeks and that is my plan for the RN also. Studies seem to indicate that the longer you wait the lower the pass rate is. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/ER.

The longer you wait the greater your anxiety will be. Keep in the study mode and take that test as soon as possible. Not to mention, the longer you wait, the harder it may be to get the test time you want. ALot of people are applying right now and if you wait too long Pearson vue may be booked.

Once you get your test date, log on every day to see if you can move it up.

FYi I took mine exactly 4 weeks after graduation, I tried to take it earlier but was unable to get a date. I passed with 75Q. But I prepared like a wild woman for 3 weeks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I took mine 3 weeks after graduating. I was the first person from our class to do so. Others ranged from a few days after me to a few months.

THE SOONER THE BETTER!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am taking the Kaplan review class. As is so happens, one of the Kaplan instructors was one of my professors in NS. Anyhoo......we were told that those who waited longer than 60 days after graduation to take the NCLEX had a lower pass rate. So, take enough time to adequately prepare, but don't put it off too long.

Good Luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatric NP.

I would say 1-2 months max. Wait to long and you risk forgetting the material or building up too much anxiety. Trust me, it feels good to get it over with!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D.

Thanks, everyone! It seems like you are all saying the same thing - the sooner the better. I haven't received my ATT yet, but when I do I'll go ahead and sign up to take the test. I think it will probably be about a month after I graduate. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, ER, Peds ER-CPEN.

Our pinning is June 16th, Hurst review the following week and we should be able to sit boards by 2nd week of July (which can NOT get here fast enough lol)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Long Term Care.

Well I took my final on May 5th, graduated on the 10th and scheduled for the Nclex this Wed. the 21st...............I think I have lost my mind!!!! Trying to do at least 150 questions per day.......I did 500 one day, I think I'm right at 1000 right now............do you guys think I should reschedule, I'm getting in the high 60's- upper 70's on the practice tests.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health.

I graduated my ADN program on May 10th and took my NCLEX on May 15th. Found out I passed yesterday. I guess it depends on how much prep you have already done. I've been prepping, using CDs on NCLEX and practice tests for months now. I was getting at least a 75% on all the practice tests I took. I did over the recommended 3500 questions before I ever took my finals ( I used my CDs as study guides to study with). When it got to the point of asking myself "what else am I supposed to study" I knew it was time. Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

LOL! I was just thinking about this. I just got my ATT :yeah: today and scheduled my test for June 13 (yes-Friday the 13th:no:!). It was the only day available that week (wonder why-LOL!). My ICU internship starts June 16th and I finish the Kaplan review with my future hospital on June 8th. So that week is the only time I can schedule it. I really wanted to do it earlier that week.

I think I'll take one of the pp advice and just check it every day for an opening.

My suggestion, take it ASAP! The longer you wait the worse you are likely to do (according to studies).

Good luck!

:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion