My NCLEX experience and what worked for me

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I love to share the good news and announce that I recently passed my NCLEX! My heart skipped a beat when I saw the words "Pass" next to my name. Since this announcement, I decided to write my story about my experience so as to give other people in the same predicament at least an ounce of motivation and inspiration that anything is possible and yes you CAN pass the NCLEX and to never give up!

After graduation, I took a few weeks off from studying (catching up with family, friends, etc.). I decided to take a month off to see my family across the ocean. Afterwards, I returned to the U.S. to begin my studying

I would like to start off with what worked for me:

  1. Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX 6th Edition (30 Day Study Calendar)
  2. This study guide provided by senseiRN helped me a little, I used it within the last week of my exam
  3. Kaplan
  4. Hurst

I had around an estimated 2 months to study for my exam, so I constructed a calendar for myself to begin with content first and then transition to only practicing questions (if anyone requests I can send my study calendar). I took a break at least once a week to relax and focus on applying to the Air Force Nursing Transitions Program. After a while I already went through my interview and was halfway done with my studying calendar. Fast forward to two days left before my exam, I did my last set of questions and reviewed the rationales. I was advised that the day before my exam to not study, which was exactly what I did. I went out to go shopping and ate at one of the fancy restaurants not too far from where I live (no alcohol people!). The night before, I had all my snacks, directions, ID and ATT in a bag ready to go for the next day.

On the day of my exam, I remember noticing a missed call from someone at the Air Force recruiting office, but I decided to wait to give a call back after my exam. I got up early around 6 am, ate breakfast and did some yoga poses I found online. Afterward, I showered, got dressed, grabbed my bag and left to the Testing Site.

I took the exam, a few deep breaths here and there, took a break or two to relax myself (and eat my snacks), went back continued my exam. I had a mini heart attack when all of a sudden I stopped seeing questions on the screen. Two days later I paid for the Quick Result and found out I PASSED!!!!

That was actually the bright side I needed, especially when I was given the bad news the day prior that I was not chosen for my dream career as an Air Force RN.

I was given a bit of hope to know that even though one door was closed for me, there was another door of opportunity nearby. In the meantime I am looking for a job but this time time looking for a job as a Registered Nurse who graduated with a Bachelors Degree!

So keep your head up and keep looking, have a backup plan and follow that plan! You can do it anything is possible :up:

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Congrats! I just found out I failed mine a few days ago. I am really bummed. I do however, have the Saunders CD from school. I feel like I didn't do enough questions. My school did Hurts and I tried doing another review that my friend gave me. Well this second time around I am going to do the Study Calendar to utilize the style questions they ask, Hurst, and maybe even buy a Kaplan book to look at test strategies. Good luck in your future and thanks for sharing what worked for you!

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@J_lynn34

You're welcome. if you have the Saunders book you should try looking at Suzanne's plan for NCLEX! I feel like the key into studying for the exam is to really practice questions and reviewing the rationales. You should also definitely look into getting access to high level NCLEX questions like Kaplan, etc. However, that's my opinion. Just do whatever works for you and you will pass. Good luck!

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Specializes in Maternal Newborn.

Congratulations! Go celebrate!

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Thank you :)

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congratulation RN_incredible i need suggestion i am taking the HURST but since it lacks questions what you think should i do questions from kaplan or saunders or is there any other resource.

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@biglala

If you can afford kaplan then go head and do those questions. I think there are Kaplan discounts online. I applied to kaplan in the first place because my school had a contract with them.

Personally I loved the kaplan questions. They were very high level for nclex. I believe doing kaplan questions really helped me personally in being a good test taker.

Saunders was okay but I felt that the questions were not as challenging. Saunders only helped me in terms of understanding my content the first month I studied.

If you wish you can try Suzanne's plan which includes Saunders as a resource and la Charity. However do not take my word for it. I am just providing you with the resources I stumbled upon when I was researching ways on how to study for NCLEX.

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RN_Incredible Congrats on passing! can you email me the calender for studying?

I failed first time and I am studying for second time. I am using Hurst, Kaplan, and Brilliant nurse, Kaplan strategy book and PDA book i already used before.. My email [email protected]

Thanks so much!!

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@RN_incredible thank you for the response well as i am using hurst i am dont like to switch the book now i will stick with the hurst and see if i can take kaplan qbank..

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@hmahdoui I will PM you through allnurses the study calendar

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@biglala good luck!!!! I think there are Qbanks or copies of these questions in google (at least old ones) I lost the link but I think if you google "Kaplan Qbanks" or something along those lines you might find it.

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RN_Incredible thanks looking forward to it!!
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