How'd you pass the NCLEX

rmsm · Jul 9, 2012

Good luck to you! I graduated May 17 and took my NCLEX test on 7/6. I wanted to test a bit sooner than this, but I forgot to pay the BON so that pushed me back 1-2 weeks after my desired date. The NCLEX was really not as scary as I expected (or I just prepared myself well enough.) But I did have MANY questions where I had it down to two possible answers and just had to take an educated guess.
I am still waiting for my test results.. But, I am getting the good popup with the PVT trick. I am still worried, but I hope it's a good sign.
If I pass, I am going to write a post on my study tactics- since I LOVED reading others' stories.
I have been doing mostly practice questions for a year. I didn't devote 8 hr days in the month before (even though that seems my usual style ) I did have a few days in June where I would study for longer hours, though. I did try to do a little bit of studying each day in some form - questions, reviewing meds, reading content, watching Kaplan videos. But, there were about 5 or so days the month before the test where I didn't study at all.
I am going to list my sources in another post later on- but Kaplan Review Course (and their site) helped alot and Lipincott's Alternate Format Question book.

Please do post regarding your study tactics. Goodluck.. hope the best for you!!

tkm2005 · Jul 9, 2012

1) what sources did you use as a study tool

Hurst Review. I took it twice (once after my 1st year of nursing school and once after I graduated). I did the QReviews that came with it. They were extremely helpful in learning how to answer NCLEX style questions. I read every rationale (right & wrong) that came with them.

2) how many hours devoted to studying daily

About an hour of actual studying of material, then however long it took me to take a QReview and read through the rationales.

3) how many MONTHS/WEEKS you studied for until the nclex

I graduated may 12, tested June 20th. I didn't really "study" until about a week before the test. That's when I started doing QReviews.

The best advice I can give you is GO SLOW, BREATHE, AND GO SLOW!!

For each question I asked myself "What is the problem?" (ex. DM, COPD, HTN, etc) & "What are they asking from me?" (ex. first, priority, education, etc.). After I could answer those two questions I would choose an answer. Whenever I chose an answer I made sure it related back to the problem, and it was what they were asking of me.

It took me two hours to answer 75 questions, but I passed first try. Good luck. Read each question thoroughly and breathe. You've been preparing for this exam for at least the last two years. I will say a prayer for you.

lhashstl · Jul 9, 2012

Hi Everyone,

I just have a question...I took the NCLEX Saturday and I got the "goog pop up". I was wondering if anyone else took their test on Saturday and when they were able to access their unofficial results? Im from Colorado which does participate in the early results. Please help!

KayleeAnn · Jul 14, 2012

I just took my test a couple days ago and PASSED!! what a relief!

1.) I used the Kaplan course book, and online resources. I finished all of the Question trainers, and all 2,000 Q-bank questions, and had about a 60-70% average on those tests. I also listened to some content review lecture on phamacology (which helped ALOT with learning to meds).

2.) I spent a good amount each day studying. ranging from a few hours, to 10-12 hours. I did take days off though, I didnt study at all over the fourth weekend, and I always took random days for myself.

3.) I graduated in May and took my test on 7/12. So I probably spend a good month and a half studying every day.

You don't need to stress yourself out to much. It really isn't as bad as it seems. I had so much anxiety going into the exam, but after it was over it felt like a HUGE weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I graduated in a class of about 50 students and 40 of them have already taken the test and passed in 75 questions. They only studied for about a month, that really all the time you will need. My advice is to look over infection control precautions, meds, and patient teaching. I've also heard that if you are getting alot of "choose all that apply" thats a good thing (since they are higher level questions)! Good luck, you will do great!!!!

gj519620 · Jul 14, 2012

1) NCLEX PrepU- did questions until I gained at least a Level "7" mastery on all of the Nursing Topics. Also did all of the Comprehensive Exams in the Lippincott Q&A book. Finally I took an NCLEX review course through my SON.

2) I probably spent 5-6 hours each day doing questions with breaks in between.

3) I graduated in May, but I didn't start practicing questions until about a week and a half before my exam date.

Don't get too worked up about the exam. If you graduated nursing school, you know the content! It is just a matter of practicing questions so that you can used to how they worded, how to figure out what the question is asking, and how to answer it. I just took the exam today and the test shut off on me after 75 questions. Did the PVT and passed so I am hopeful but the 96 hour wait for my legit results are going to be agonizing!