How Soon After Graduation Did You Take NCLEX?

[TONI SLOAN]

I am in an ADN program but completed the LPN requirements 12/11/19. I have already gotten my ATT for NCLEX-PN, but I needed some advice. I am torn between my options.

I am kinda wanting to take NCLEX before my 4th semester starts on 1/8/20. Our instructors have told us this would be the hardest semester of the program thus far. I also have to take microbiology this semester. If I take NCLEX before the semester begins, it would be one less worry and one less thing to study for.

I also feel like maybe I should wait and take it the end of January/first of February. Then I could run into the busyness of clinicals and tests of the current semester.

I have been doing NCLEX style questions since the Christmas break started. My program uses ATI, and I scored a 99% predictability of passing NCLEX-PN first time.

If I take it before semester 4 begins, I would have 7-12 days to study. My current study regimen is 50-75 NCLEX questions/day and read all rationales with PN Mastery. Write the ones I am struggling with. Watching videos and referencing textbooks with struggle areas.

Do I feel comfortable? Nope. But, does anyone going into this test? lol

I don't know if I would be more comfortable wating or getting it over with.

How long after graduation did you all wait before taking NCLEX? Did anyone take NCLEX while in the program?

Are there any other NCLEX practice exams that give an estimated predictability of passing?

I know it is my call as to what I feel is the best decision, but I just need some advice to help make my decision. What would you guys do?

[lavender59]

Take it ASAP before the semester starts. There is so much information to learn in nursing. It is difficult to claim that one is ever ready to sit for the exam. Best of luck!

[JJBookman]

I took the NCLEX-RN almost a few month ago graduating because it took about 3 weeks to get your ATT. Plus, when I looked online, there were not that many open spots to pick from (only 4 or 5 spots) and most of the spots were at 8:00am. So, I waited until next month to see what the schedules would be and, come to find out, the schedules were almost the same as the previous month’s. So, I had choice but to take on a Monday at 8AM.

[Sehnsucht]

I got my ATT and got the first available date, about 3 weeks.

[ttbsnhopeful, BSN, RN]

Graduated 12/14/19, ATT 01/02/2020, Took NCLEX-RN at the next available date 01/17/2020, and got my quick results last night: Pass!

If you have confidence in yourself and your education, get it over with, youll be glad you did. its like a huge weight of anticipation has been lifted!

[Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN]

Definitely suggest taking it as soon as you can. Allow yourself time to study of course, but I wouldn't leave it for months and months. It's a nerve-wracking experience, but delaying it won't make it any less nerve-wracking!!

My suggestion would be U-World. It's pricy, but worth it IMO. The interface/colors/font etc. is exactly like NCLEX, so you feel very "familiar" - one less thing to feel anxious about during testing.