Just passed the NCLEX-RN: My (long) story

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Hello everyone! I'm Emily, a recent nursing grad (December '13) and took my exam on February 13th. Although I've used this site as a guide throughout my journey as a nursing student, I only recently became a member.

I found that the biggest obstacle for test taking for me wasn't not knowing the content or how to answer questions, but that I didn't believe in myself and didn't have confidence in my abilities as a nurse. If that sounds like you, take every opportunity to tell yourself that you will pass the NCLEX and that you have the knowledge and confidence to do so.

I also told myself to not get my hopes up about getting 75 questions (and passing), and that, if anything, I was going to get the full 265. However, when the test did shut off after question 75, I was terrified. I was so terrified, in fact, that I waited an entire day to try the pearson vue trick. Luckily for me, I got the good pop up. My name isn't on my BON yet and because of this weird weekend, I probably won't see it until Tuesday. However, I live in WI so I am fortunate enough to have gotten my quick results (PASS!!!) so that's enough for me.

There are two tips that I feel I can give to all you future RNs still awaiting the NCLEX. The first is to take it when you feel ready, and when you can wake up and say I WILL PASS THE NCLEX and believe it! I had initially signed up to take it on January 27th, but the closer it got, the less I felt prepared, so trust your instincts. If you truly don't feel ready, don't take it. Another 2 weeks didn't set me back. Anxiety is normal, but if you aren't in the right mindset, you won't be able to give it your all.

The second is to not stress out about what you're using to study. I did not take the kaplan or hurst courses, and when I was first preparing for the NCLEX, I thought I was doomed to fail because everyone I knew that passed told me to take Kaplan. You don't need Kaplan or Hurst to pass, so you if you can't afford their courses (I sure couldn't), don't expect the worst for yourself. I am living proof that you don't need courses like these to pass!

Remember what worked for you during nursing school. If you study better with people, ask around here for a study buddy in your area. If you have trouble finding where is best to hear heart sounds, or trying to remember where you hear resonance and tympany, use your stethoscope to find those hot spots on your friends and family. Whenever I didn't understand something, such as a reflex or a procedure I never heard of, I looked up videos on youtube and pictures on google so that I could picture them in my head.

Sorry my story ended up being a lot longer than I intended, but I hope these tips can motivate and inspire all you nursing students and GNs who are about to take the NCLEX. Good luck and remember, you have learned so much and you can do it! :)

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Thanks for this, I graduate in May and I am so scared of not doing well. I don't have the money for the prep classes, but just like you I want to make sure that I'm ready. To me getting good scores on all the different prep tests tells me I know the info and will pass. so thank you again for this. I feel much better hearing someone who just graduated has great tips and congrats.

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Thank you for the post. I feel so motivated reading your post.

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Thank you for sharing your story, and congratulations RN!

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Thanks for sharing and I too will be utilizing what worked for me in school..................all questions from NCLEX 4000. I do the same thing when I cant picture something or don't know where on the body to find something, I look at videos. Congrats to you!!!

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