Im going to throw up.

ECBui · Dec 12, 2012

Haha go ahead and thank God that u passed Hun!! Congrats!!

Thank you! And congrats to you as well, cheers to the next generation of nurses!

ECBui · Dec 12, 2012

Just sitting here reading to pass the time but smiled when I read this thread. Oh how things have changed due to computers and automation ) When I took boards we took 5 separate tests (Med - Surg - Pedi - OB - Psy) over a 3 days span -- 600 questions on each exam and you needed to answer 350 correct on each to pass that part. And you needed to pass all 5 exams to get your license. When you finally walked out of the exam area, your brain was fried and you didn't know up from down or right from left. Then the waiting started -- I took my boards in July and the letter giving me my results did not arrive until October. I was one of the lucky ones -- I passed all 5 exams on my first try -- but I knew those who did not.
My recommendations for taking your boards? First -- study every day for a couple of hours but NOT the evening before. Get a good 8 hours of sleep the night before your boards. To reduce stress make at least 2 practice drives to the testing site so you know the roads, traffic, and parking. Don't depend on a GPS to get you there because they make mistakes some times. Eat something before boards -- even if it is a cup of coffee and a donut. Your brain needs nutrition even if you are nauseated from the stress. Relax and deep breath -- but walk into the testing site with confidence. Don't believe everyone who tells you their computer shut off at X number and they passed -- or that if you had to answer the max you almost failed. And realize you are starting a career where you will learn something new almost everyday. I have been a nurse for -- aaahhhhemmm -- 40 yrs -- and I am still learning even as a DON.

Those tips are awesome for the exam! I hope everyone who's up coming tests are just around the corner will take this advice from a true vet!

ECBui · Dec 12, 2012

I do not if this makes the difference or not, the questions that I receive from both are new and not the questions I already had been through. When I get my score I range between 60 - 70%. If I had the question before I always range 80 - 90% sometimes higher.

My last two quizzes I took before I took the NCLEX I received a 68 and 72. Since I failed the first time I learned its not over all the percentage that gets you the good pop up its the individual categories the exam scores you on. My best advice is to analyze the question, what is it EXACTLY asking you. ABCs and Maslows were a KEY for me to figure and differentiate who needed to be seen first or what intervention was appropriate. Hope that helps a little bit! Also when you do questions from what ever program you're reviewing from READ THE RATIONALES they can give you insight as to WHY that was the answer!

allabtu · Dec 12, 2012

Yes, this is helpful. I read the rationals and it all comes back on that certain subject. My concern is constant new material and the way its worded. I watch for priority questions "most important, least important, initial, best, ect.." But I just feel that if I see a question that I have not seen that is paralell to what I know with confidence I will fail.

I use the nursing process, looking to fit it in the puzzle, as well as maslow ABC's. It just seems like when I answer questions and get them wrong and that will be a ditto on the nclex.

ECBui · Dec 12, 2012

Yes, this is helpful. I read the rationals and it all comes back on that certain subject. My concern is constant new material and the way its worded. I watch for priority questions "most important, least important, initial, best, ect.." But I just feel that if I see a question that I have not seen that is paralell to what I know with confidence I will fail.
I use the nursing process, looking to fit it in the puzzle, as well as maslow ABC's. It just seems like when I answer questions and get them wrong and that will be a ditto on the nclex.

With questions like that it's hard to feel confident, but that's where you use your nursing strategy to take down the exam! Don't get discourage, review each client needs subject till you feel comfortable to achieve higher scores! I graduated in May and my family too grew impatient on when I'd come out with the golden ticket. But it's better to tell them you need more time than to go through another exam feeling not as ready as you should! &most importantly which ever day you choose to test DO NOT STUDY THE DAY BEFORE. RELAX, we are nurses, we've been through clinics and the book work. I read somewhere on here the exam is 5% knowledge and 95% faith, believe in yourself and trust in the hard work and sweat you put into this WILL pay off

allabtu · Dec 12, 2012

hey thanks for that. I guess that if I'm not ready now then it won't matter next week. I'm going for it friday with prayer and trust that I was called into nursing for a reason. I will never give up, but I just hope it doesn't make me a bitter person getting there. I have all prerequisite for RN and hope to move on but this is mind melting. Thanks for your help and hope you find the job of your dreams. God Bless you and Merry Christmas.

ECBui · Dec 13, 2012

hey thanks for that. I guess that if I'm not ready now then it won't matter next week. I'm going for it friday with prayer and trust that I was called into nursing for a reason. I will never give up, but I just hope it doesn't make me a bitter person getting there. I have all prerequisite for RN and hope to move on but this is mind melting. Thanks for your help and hope you find the job of your dreams. God Bless you and Merry Christmas.

Don't get discouraged! Believe in yourself and imagine yourself passing that exam, best of luck to you! Thank you and happy holidays to you as well!