My NCLEX story (preparation, experience and encouragement)

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Hi Everyone!

I have been following the NCLEX threads on AllNurses for months now in preparation for my test. Many of the posts have been encouraging to me and have helped me. I told myself that if I passed, I would share my story to act as an encouragement to others.

So a little background. I went to a 4-year BSN program in Pennsylvania and was an average student, at best. I always felt I was much better in the clinical setting with hands on. I struggled with tests, but got through the program with a decent GPA. I knew that because test taking was my weakness, I needed to really spend the summer studying. I graduated in mid-May 2015. I took a week off to spend time with friends and family which I suggest! It is important to rest after a long finals week and graduation. After that week, I started to get down to business. My school did ATI and offered us the virtual ATI for free as a gift. I worked with a private tutor online (6 week program) which was both content based and NCLEX strategies. I was hesitant to putting all my time into this program because I read negative things about it on AllNurses, but ultimately decided to give it a try. For 6 weeks, I committed to this program and put all my time into it (I treated it like a full time job). I did anywhere from 4-8 hours a day, giving myself the weekends off. My coach worked with me and catered to my needs. She slowed (or progressed) the program speed in response to my assessment results. She was fabulous, and quite honestly, I do not think I would have passed without her. (Disclaimer: many people have said negative things about Virtual ATI, but I found it extremely helpful.. This is just my opinion) In addition to the Virtual ATI, I purchased the 1-month Kaplan Q-Bank ($50) and did questions when I had down time. I averaged about 40-50 a day (very low key, at night when I was getting ready for bed). I did this to ease my mind a little.

So after about 2 months of studying, I got my ATT and my NCLEX date was set! I was scheduled for a Saturday morning at 9:45. The closest one to my home was an hour away, so I gave myself plenty of time to get there! The morning of, I felt to sick and nervous, but I forced myself to eat a large breakfast, full of protein! I absolutely recommend this! (Stay hydrated, as well!). I arrived at 9:00 in hopes of getting seated early. I ended up starting at 9:15. I am a christian and rely heavily on my prayer life, so after asking God for peace and courage to take on this exam, I began. My heart was pounding so hard, but I did my best to stay focused on the question in front of me. Time went so quickly! Before I knew it, I had reached 75 questions and was shaking as a clicked the "next" button. I was praying that it would shut off, but I ended up going to 76. I immediately knew I needed a break to calm myself down. I raised my hand and was escorted out to the bathroom. I again prayed, asking the Lord to help me with my nerves and keep my head clear. After a mini pep-talk in the mirror (don't laugh haha) I got back out there! After about 10 more minutes, my computer went blue! I was shocked and numb. I didn't know what to feel! It went to 85 questions. I had approximately 25 SATA, lots of meds (most I had never heard of), 1 exhibit, NO drag and drop, NO math and 1 hot spot. The rest were multiple choice. I sat in my car and cried because I felt like I didn't prove myself to the computer. I honestly didn't think I passed. There was a Marshall's/Home Goods in the same complex as Pearson Vue, so I decided to get my mind off of the exam before driving an hour back home by doing a little retail therapy. This helped to calm my nerves in preparation for my drive back home.

I chose not to do the PVT because I have heard mixed reviews about it on AllNurses. Since I took my exam on Saturday morning, I knew that the quick results would not be available until Monday morning. The next 48 hours were excruciating. I kept my mind off of the NCLEX and spent time with my friends and family. On Monday morning, my hands were shaking so bad as I was logging onto the website to get my quick results. I clicked, and immediately saw the word "PASS"! I could not believe it. I felt so thankful and relieved.

I am officially an RN and couldn't be happier! I know this was a long post, but I wanted to share my full story, because so many other stories on here have encouraged me along the way! YOU CAN DO IT! I passed in 85 questions and was not a strong test taker in school, so believe me. Keep the faith, think positively and work hard. You WILL be a nurse!

Feel free to contact me for any more questions or if you need encouragement! :)

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So happy for you! I'm taking my NCLEX for the second time in a few weeks and I'm soooo nervous. I was close to passing the first time I'm just scared that I'll freak myself out. I know the content I think I just need to chill and think positive about my reasoning and not second guess myself.

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You will do wonderful! Please remember to remain positive and believe in yourself! Deep breaths!

Let me know how it goes :) I will be praying for you and sending you positive thoughts!

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Congrats on passing NCLEX :D

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Congrats on passing the NCLEX. What is the best way to prepare for the nclex using VATI. What I've been doing is taking the assessments given to me, doing my focus reviews and studying off that. Do you think thats enough? Did you do any of the learning RN exam questions. I'v speeding a bout a week and half on each category. Right now Im on Pharm, I'm not sure if its my professor or I'm just slow. I also work 36 hours a week, which kind of hinders my studying time. Thanks in advance!

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Congrats on passing the NCLEX. What is the best way to prepare for the nclex using VATI. What I've been doing is taking the assessments given to me, doing my focus reviews and studying off that. Do you think thats enough? Did you do any of the learning RN exam questions. I'v speeding a bout a week and half on each category. Right now Im on Pharm, I'm not sure if its my professor or I'm just slow. I also work 36 hours a week, which kind of hinders my studying time. Thanks in advance!

I'll share how exactly I used VATI, and hopefully it can be useful to you. For each category (fundamentals, pharm, med surg, etc.), I would first go over all the "learning activities". (Under the study plan, it says to spend only two hours on these- WRONG! Do not listen to this- This should be where the bulk of your studying takes place. I spent about two days on each of the categories learning activities. After I reviewed as best I could, I took the assessment for the category. From this, I would spend a whole day going over my focused review. Finally, I would once again go back to the learning activities that I felt were my weakest/that I missed. I repeated this exact same process until all of the categories were done. This took me about 7 weeks. I finally got my green light and took the NCLEX immediately. My biggest piece of advice would be to use these learning activities, and use them well! If content is your weakness, learn this information inside and out.

Hope this was helpful :) Let me know if you have any more questions and GOODLUCK!

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I'll share how exactly I used VATI, and hopefully it can be useful to you. For each category (fundamentals, pharm, med surg, etc.), I would first go over all the "learning activities". (Under the study plan, it says to spend only two hours on these- WRONG! Do not listen to this- This should be where the bulk of your studying takes place. I spent about two days on each of the categories learning activities. After I reviewed as best I could, I took the assessment for the category. From this, I would spend a whole day going over my focused review. Finally, I would once again go back to the learning activities that I felt were my weakest/that I missed. I repeated this exact same process until all of the categories were done. This took me about 7 weeks. I finally got my green light and took the NCLEX immediately. My biggest piece of advice would be to use these learning activities, and use them well! If content is your weakness, learn this information inside and out.

Hope this was helpful :) Let me know if you have any more questions and GOODLUCK!

Awesome! thanks for the info. Did u just the assessment questions which is only 60 questions. Or did you do questions from the Learning System RN?

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