I passed NCLEX with 75. What I did.

[Sponges]

Hi! I took the NCLEX on Dec. 21, 2013, one week after graduation. Today, Dec. 23, 2013, I checked my state BON and found my name and my license posted!!!

I had 75 questions. A strange thing though, my computer took me to a survey section after 75 questions. The only reason I am mentioning this is because I was not aware of the after-survey. I was expecting for my computer to shut off.

I thought the NCLEX questions were confusing at times since there were times where I had no idea how to answer certain questions; however (honestly and strangely), overall, I thought the NCLEX was pretty easy; my critical cares tests were much tougher. When I left, I was 60% sure that I passed. After I did the Pearson Vue trick, I was 89% sure I passed. Now, I am 100% sure.

I had a lot of SATA questions. At one point, I had about 7-8 of them in a row. Apart from that, it seemed like every second or third question was a SATA. I had 2-4 calculation questions, quite a few conference questions, a few pharm questions (most were SATA format), and a lot of teachings and prioritization. Aside from that, I actually don't remember much more about the test.

My NCLEX preparation:

I actually prepared more during school than after graduation. I read at least 75% of all my ICU reading assignment. I studied for all of my ATI exams; did questions and read the ATI book. I read half of the Kaplan book during school so I did not have much to read after; although I did not finish reading the book, I got the main strategies. I read my Hurst book during school. I also did some Kaplan questions during school (I used this as a way to study for the predictor as well). I actually prepared for the predictors pretty well. I did not see the point of spending months to practice for the NCLEX when you can do so during school. The information I learned from studying for the NCLEX also helped with some of my classes at the time. After my graduation, I spent about a few hours per day for 4 days to study for the NCLEX. I was doing ATI questions up to the day before the big NCLEX exam.

Hurst NCLEX book: I actually bought this. I read the entire book around mid-October. I thought the book was helpful. I did some of the practice questions; however, the questions were too easy, so I did not bother with much of them. I did not bother with the CD either. My advice: read the tips and everything else. Forget about the questions. Use ATI and Kaplan instead.

ATI: I went over the ATI practice tests my school provided. I practiced for the NCLEX by doing a lot of ATI questions a few days before my test date. I spent a few hours a day doing practice tests over the pharm, maternal newborn and pediatric (since, according to my ATI predictor, I could improve in these areas). I read all rationales. ATI NCLEX predictors are great practice opportunities for the NCLEX so study for them. I spent a couple of hours doing the ATI predictor practice tests one and two days before the actual predictor exams (my school made me take it twice). Overall, great content review! If you have to take ATI for school, I would use the practice exams prior to the NCLEX. If you are doing poor in a certain area, focus in that area. ATI has a focus review tool you can use.

Kaplan: I rented 2 Kaplan books from my local library. The first one I rented was the 2010-2011 edition. I read half way through this and found a newer edition in the library. I returned the older edition and rented the 2012-2013 edition. Not too many changes in content. I thought the test taking strategies were helpful. I found the CD to be helpful, as well. I went over the questions (180 questions) from the CD twice (the second time just to make sure that I understand and remember the rationale behind the correct answers). I read through all of the rationales. I answered 75 questions from the book. My advice: know the different test taking strategies and use the questions. Great questions to prepare for NCLEX.

[KatRNBSN2014]

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing how you prepared. My school has ATI and I have made level 3 on adult, pharm, peds, and psych, and level 2 on fundamentals and OB. We can't make below a level 2 or we have to remediate and pay 500 dollars. I've never had to, thank goodness. For that reason, I really study hard with ATI so I hope it helps with nclex. I'm glad you recommend it. I have the Kaplan question trainer and Hurst videos, and with 4 months until graduation, I am going to start studying for nclex now. I think I'll invest in the Kaplan book, or check my local library (great idea, thank you).

[Sponges]

Thanks Kat! ATI helped me. I thought the predictor was great also. It helped me zone in on my weak areas. I was able to use the focused review option from ati to focus study on my weak subjects. If you are wondering, I made a level 3 (either on both or at least on the second go) on all except ped and fundamentals. I think you are on the right track. Not surprising, I did not score very well in ped on the first predictor. What was surprising though, on the second predictor, my ob score dropped, so I studied these subjects a lot more. I also studied a little bit for pharm since it's been awhile since pharm class and I've heard about weird drugs on nclex.

If you are taking the ati predictor, I would advise you to use the score to gauge your weakness and study from there. Aim for at least a 97% pass rate (I got 99% pass rates on both attempts and I passed; however, I know people with lower % that passed also).

[Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN]

Congrats.

I used all of my ati practice tests and comprehensive predictors which helped out a lot. Atitutor came with my tuition but I didnt use it much (too much work for me).