NCLEX in 3 days...please help!!!!

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jun 14, 2008

Maybe time to take a short break for a few hours from studying. Would definitely say the day before take as 'me' time and try to relax and not think about it.

Moved to the NCLEX forum for more feedback and Good luck

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2008

Just find a way to relax. I went into the test very calm and confident with my Kaplan review. The test wasn't near as bad as I thought it would be. DON'T STRESS!! That's the worse thing you can do. A mild anxiety level is expected, but don't let it get beyond that or your brain won't function right.

missninaRN · Jun 14, 2008

I test in 3 days too: Tuesday at 2 p.m.

I've been studying fairly consistently for about 4 weeks, but I don't think it's possible to ever feel completely ready. I've already reviewed each system and spent time yesterday reviewing meds and labs and anything else with numbers to remember.

Today I'm just going to use the Kaplan book; it has some great information on how to take the test that I haven't seen anywhere else. I wish I had bought the book sooner.

After today, no more heavy duty studying. I will look over my flashcards and notes very briefly tomorrow, but other than that, I'm just going to do practice questions.

On Monday morning, I may do some more questions and look at the flashcards one more time, but by afternoon I plan on stopping. I will be getting a massage, going to a movie, having a nice dinner, a hot bath, and then to bed with a new book (that is not nursing related!)

I don't test until 2:00 on Tuesday, so I'm going to sleep in a bit (if that is possible), take a walk, do some Yoga, and just meditate a bit before we leave. I have to travel about 1 1/2 hours to get to the test site, so my dh is going to drive me. I'm going to bring my knitting and some magazines and just try to chill in the car.

We plan on having an early lunch at Panera-my favorite restaurant-where I will have some comfort food (chicken noodle soup in a sourdough bowl). I'm packing snacks in my purse for the test site in case I'm there a long time and need to take breaks: a Clif Bar and maybe a cup of yogurt or some granola and a bottle of water.

I'm wearing my loosest, stretchiest capri pants and will take a sweater in case my short sleeved top isn't warm enough. I'm also taking my little bottle of Origins "Peace of Mind" aromatherapy to use before the test and during breaks if I need it.

I feel like I have a good "game plan" to manage my stress and am just going to focus on remembering what I already know (rather than trying to cram new information) and on the test taking skills outlined in Kaplan.

Good luck to you! I guess we'll know if we are RNs sometime Thursday (if you have quick results in your state).

selby08 · Jun 14, 2008

Take a break. Even if you feel like you can't, make yourself clear your head. Make yourself think about all the things you have accomplished. Just like you might do with psych. patient do a little reality orientation and point out to yourself all the things you have to be proud of. You will make it through this test! Picture RN after your name! Good Luck!

AZO49008 · Jun 14, 2008

I'm just starting in an RN program in September, so I'll be going through the same thing about 2 years from now! I have a friend who is taking her exam on Tuesday as well and she's becoming increasingly anxious as each day passes. I'll tell you what I told her:

- Be careful not to OVER study. You can do such a thing. At this point, you should be REVIEWING what you already know. Spend a little extra time in areas you know you're weak in, and just review the rest.

- You just made it through 4 years of a rigorous program. You have what it takes to pass this exam!

- I'm sure you're going to pass this exam, but if you don't the world isn't going to come to an end. You'll be disappointed, upset and maybe a little embarassed, but you can take it again. You wouldn't be the first and you wouldn't be the last person to have to take the exam twice.

- Relax and get plenty of rest and sleep.

GOOD LUCK!

NurseBrittney · Jun 14, 2008

I say go watch and movie and eat dinner with your friends.

You obviously know this stuff and need to focus on yourself a bit. Slow down. Take a deep breath and relax.

Spend sometime pampering yourself as the key to this test and remaining calm and thinking rationally.

You need a break. Go see the new Sex and the City movie, or Iron Man, or Don't Mess with the Zohan. Just whatever to get your mind of this test.

I promise it will help!

And do not even crack your book the day before or the day of the exam. Honestly if you don't know it by now, no sense in trying to force it. The NCLEX is a horse of a different color, but honestly, passable for most people who take it the first time.

Be confident in your knowledge and abilities. Know that you are a good and prudent nurse and answer the questions accordingly.

Now step away from the books!

My intervention for you is : HAVE SOME FUN!

heaverboo · Jun 14, 2008

Thanks for all the good advice guys! I will keep everything in mind. My test is bright and early, have to be there at 730, tuesday morning. My goal is to try to relax as much as I can monday night and try to get a good nights rest. I feel as if I know this information when reviewing and picking up a few new things here and there as I read through things. I'm sure no amount of studying will prepare me for the test and will feel like a failure when I leave. I can't wait to call wednesday a.m. have recieve my license number. I also cannot wait to have the letters RN behind my name and that RN badge behind my name tag! I will leave a post when results return! Thanks again and good luck to all of those who will be testing as well!