How long between graduation and NCLEX?

[wifeandmomoftwo]

Our last day of LPN class is this coming Tuesday. I have heard other nurses talk about taking their test as soon as a couple of weeks after graduation. The director of our program said it would be the third week in September before we would get our authorization to test even though our applications will be sent right after we complete the program. I usually test well and did great on the HESI so the sooner the better as far as I'm concerned. Just wondered what some of your experiences have been. Thanks in advance :)

[PNgradMommy]

I'm in Michigan. I graduated August 2nd, got my ATT August 18th and tested today, August 21st. I'm not sure if I passed yet, but I had the minimum number of questions and the "good" pop-up, so I am hopeful.

[pharmgirl]

I graduated May 14, got my ATT June 3rd and took the test June 10th. There are some studies out showing the decrease in pass rates after so much has passed since graduation. I didn't want to be a statistic so I took it as quick as physically possible. Good Luck!!

[JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP]

Which state are you all in? We took our last final August 16 but were told not to expect the ATT before October. I'm in NY.

[deleern]

I Did mine 5 days after Graduation.

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

I graduated May 14th, took an NCLEX review course May 24-28th, tested June 28th and passed. I wanted to give myself 4 weeks from the review course because that is what they recommended but I could have tested much earlier. I didn't actually start studying until 2 weeks before my test date.

[J_W, DNP, APRN, CNS]

I took the NCLEX RN way back when it was only offered twice a year (July and Feb) and was paper/pencil, I graduated in August and had to wait until the following Feb to take the exam, so I was a GN for almost 9 months as my results went to the wrong address.

So everyone should feel lucky to be able to take the exam within weeks of graduating.

[GRUNGE]

I took it 4 weeks after because that was the first available date. Just study your butt off in those for weeks. No sense prolonging the test and possibly forgetting material. Its still fresh. I was a crammer for test thow so i guess it depends on your studdy habbits.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

I graduated May 31, 2008. My ATT arrived about 10 days later. I had to schedule my NCLEX around my (non-nursing) job, and I wanted an afternoon time slot. I took my NCLEX July 24th, and passed the first time.

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

Graduated Oct 2, received ATT Oct 10, and took exam on Oct 23. Started work Nov 2.

[CorpsmanRN, BSN, RN]

(Wa. state-NCLEX RN though). Graduated early June, got ATT less than 1 wk from graduation date, & took NCLEX late July. I waited a little bit because I started my BSN program 2 weeks after graduation so I wasn't able to devote all my time to studying for NCLEX.

I too have heard that the chances of passing (the NCLEX-RN anyhow) decrease the longer you wait to take it (I think I heard to take it within 3 months of grad). I think what helped me was setting the date & then making a study schedule. I almost changed my date because I started to freak out about my Kaplan test scores, but I didn't. I realized I was just getting impatient & anxious about the test, so I just needed to take it. I passed.

[caliotter3]

I got my notification in keeping with the time frame stated by my Board. It did not take long at all. A lot rides on how quickly the school does its part.

[taRaNeika_88]

I graduated July 23rd and taking NCLEX August 25th.....sooo about a month or so. I have also heard the sooner the better so I took the earliest date they had...Good Luck to Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!