Nurses LPN/LVN
Published Dec 28, 2005
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
I am just arriving home from the test center that administered my NCLEX-PN examination. My exam shut off after 85 questions and I wasn't sure about the whole thing.
Based on pure recollection, I would guess that about one-third of my questions were priority. For example, "After receiving change-of-shift report, which patient would you check on first?", or "Four patients are asking for assistance; which one would you assist first?"
I received only 3 or 4 med questions and they were all about antihypertensives such as Procardia or Captopril. There were about 3 peds questions and a handful of OB questions. I received 4 questions on Addison's Disease and another 4 on insulin-dependent diabetes. There were a couple of questions on chest tubes, too.
Also, I recalled seeing a few nutrition questions. I absolutely got no new-format questions or math on this exam. I could tell when I was answering correctly because the questions became progressively harder. Likewise, I could tell when I answered something incorrectly because the next questions became progressively easier.
However, I have no clue on whether I passed. When the computer stops at 85, it means one of two things. Either I performed extremely well or very poorly, because the computer was quickly able to make a pass/fail decision. Now I have to wait several dreaded weeks for the results since I am dealing with the snail-mail California B.O.N.
ldyrie
24 Posts
Nursie2k6`
33 Posts
Hi I am sure that you did well!!!!!
RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN
8,498 Posts
Keeping my fingers crossed, I too am sure you did great.
BigB
520 Posts
my heart goes out to you......the wait in California is a beast!
With 85 questions , you either ace it or it owned you. I think it's the former.
Thank you all for the support system. :)
In retrospect, my new opinion is that the Saunders questions are easier than the real NCLEX questions. In fact, the only good things about Saunders are that it teaches how to answer therapeutic communication questions and has pretty good rationales on why an answer is correct or incorrect. It doesn't effectively deal with enough priority questions.
For those of you who are planning to take NCLEX-PN soon, I strongly recommend NCLEX-PN Strategies for the Practical Nursing Exam 2006-2007 Edition. It is a Kaplan book that delivers effective strategies on how to arrive at the correct answer when all of the options appear correct. It will remove much of your anxieties as it gives you a flavor of what to expect on NCLEX. Read the Kaplan book from front to end and do the practice test. Also, they'll refund your money if you don't pass NCLEX.
Also, do 85 to 100 questions daily on the CD-ROM at your home computer because it will get you accustomed to sitting in front of a computer at an actual testing center. In retrospect, it now doesn't matter which CD-ROM you get, whether it is Saunders, Lippincott, or Cliffs Test Prep. I would say to get the NCLEX review book that's on sale for the lowest price as long as it has a CD-ROM with practice questions. Getting used to sitting in front of a computer for 1.5 to 3 hours is of the utmost importance.
I do not feel like I failed today, but then again I am not sure if I passed. The wait is going to agonize me.
nursemomruns
389 Posts
Thank you all for the support system. :)In retrospect, my new opinion is that the Saunders questions are easier than the real NCLEX questions. In fact, the only good things about Saunders are that it teaches how to answer therapeutic communication questions and has pretty good rationales on why an answer is correct or incorrect. It doesn't effectively deal with enough priority questions.For those of you who are planning to take NCLEX-PN soon, I strongly recommend NCLEX-PN Strategies for the Practical Nursing Exam 2006-2007 Edition. It is a Kaplan book that delivers effective strategies on how to arrive at the correct answer when all of the options appear correct. It will remove much of your anxieties as it gives you a flavor of what to expect on NCLEX. Read the Kaplan book from front to end and do the practice test. Also, they'll refund your money if you don't pass NCLEX.Also, do 85 to 100 questions daily on the CD-ROM at your home computer because it will get you accustomed to sitting in front of a computer at an actual testing center. In retrospect, it now doesn't matter which CD-ROM you get, whether it is Saunders, Lippincott, or Cliffs Test Prep. I would say to get the NCLEX review book that's on sale for the lowest price as long as it has a CD-ROM with practice questions. Getting used to sitting in front of a computer for 1.5 to 3 hours is of the utmost importance.I do not feel like I failed today, but then again I am not sure if I passed. The wait is going to agonize me.
I bet you did great! Keep us posted.
NikiChiki
54 Posts
I am new here, obviously.. but I have been keeping track of the people who took the test recently or will be taking it soon because I just got my ATT by email and will be getting it through snail mail soon. I am a very nervous person as it is and I have been stressing out so much about the NCLEX.
I hope you passed and wish you well in the future. I currently have so many study guide type books but the questions that are "priority based" seem so easy, and obvious... it's always the patient with breathing problems or SOB... or so it seems. On the NCLEX I'm sure it wasn't that forward, huh?
Jhauserlpn
8 Posts
I just too my PN Nclex today--- It shut off at 87--- I felt like I didn't do hot at all---- I felt totally helpless--- I come form a school that has a 100% pass rate for 4 years and I feel like I just ruined that! It took me about 1hr and 30 minutes for 87 questions--- They were way outta left feild--- I felt like they were all so hard--- I know I got the liver questions wrong because it asked 3 liver questions! which got easier and easier--- no math thank goodness--- I'm waiting------ I have the quick results option but the (900) number wont work for me---- I can't wait-- I am too stressed-- I am just scared cause if it shut off at 87 I think I got more wrong then right--- or not-- I'm not sure--- The ATI testing which my school does really helped out--- I'm SO nervous!!!! But-- I heard rumors that the ladies know if u passed or failed--- and well the lady as I walked out said good luck in your career---- HELP!!!!
Edit: deleted a portion of this message per moderator's request.
Does the 900 number not work for you because you have 900 blocking on your phone? If so, maybe you can have it lifted, if you are anxious to find out your results that way.
I don't want to add to your distress, but I want to clear up a misconception. The staff at the testing centers do not know if you passed or failed. That is just a rumor, as you indicated. I think the staff at the testing centers are trying to send positive energy your way - which is a good thing! I am sending some to you as well!