NCLEX-PN 2017

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Hello,

I wanted to share my NCLEX-PN journey for anyone who is wondering what it was like, what to expect, and to share tips/advice.

I graduated my PN program mid July of 2017. I submitted my application to the NH BON and patiently waited for my ATT. When I finally received my ATT, I automatically jumped on and secured a test date 3 weeks away. During those 3 weeks I religiously studied monday-friday at least 6 hours a day. I used Exam-Cram PN (with the CD and online resource) and purchased a comprehensive review directly from the NCSBN website. Both correlated directly with the NCLEX-PN 2017 test plan. In my opinion, the Exam-Cram book questions were very similar to what I saw on the NCLEX. I would say that the NCSBN review was time consuming and the review questions were much more difficult but nonetheless provided detailed rationales and helped me reinforce important information.

The day before I sat for my exam I was a nervous wreck. I did not tell anyone that I was sitting for NCLEX due to fear of failure. I honestly felt sick to my stomach. I tried to relax but found myself nose deep in my Exam-Cram book. I do not recommend that. I wish I took the time to rest and relax.

During the exam, I received AT LEAST 30 SATA!, 10 med math, and many prioritization & delegation questions. My computer shut off at 85. I was so nervous! I was told that my results would be available within a few days. I could not do the PVT trick because I had a voucher from my school so that was out of the question :( When I got home about an hour later, I jumped on the NH BON website and typed my name into the license verification and...... my PN license was already ACTIVE! I had to call them and verify that I was not crazy. and indeed my PN license was ACTIVE!

Yes, the NCLEX was very challenging. I had to take a deep breath and remind myself that I knew the information. I took my time with every question, reading it over and over before I even looked at the options. I recommend training your brain to look for what exactly the question is asking. Look for key words and know the scope of practice. This helped me more than once during my exam.

For tips remembering lab values- For some reason we remember things that are dumb, right? This was my dumb memorization...

(Ranges will differ from source to source)

Calcium: Range 9-11. Think: CALL 911

Potassium: Range 3.5-5.5. Think : Buying bananas (which are high in potassium) There are 3-5 bananas in a bunch and you buy them 1/2 ripe

Chloride: Range 98-106 Think: Chlorine in a pool- you go swimming when its 98-106 degrees outside

Sodium: Range 135-145. Think: Buying a bottle of coke (high in sodium) Prices will range from $1.35-$1.45 per bottle

BUN: Range 10-20. Think: Buying a burger at a restaurant- the price will range from $10 - $20

You CAN do it! You will be SUCCESSFUL! You are going to be a GREAT nurse! Simply believe in yourself and trust that you have the knowledge and power to prevail!

Best of luck!

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Moved to NCLEX forum.

Thank you for sharing your journey!

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Congratulations ... your post is very inspiring and I love reading stories like this ... thanks for pointers ... great ideas :)

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I'm testing tomorrow, Monday, at 1 pm. Nervous, yes. I have also stopped telling people that my exam is tomorrow. I, too, bought the NCSBN review, have not used it much. Also paid to extend my PrepU because the one-year subscription expired and I can do PrepU on my phone. Have done 1,975 questions there. Have also been using Saunders online through Evolve/Elsevier, because someone else's mentor said it was more challenging than PrepU. When I get anxious, I am supposed to stop, listen to where in my body I feel anxious, and "listen" to it. That may stop it. If not, do deep breathing. Or walk around. I feel less anxious when I'm answering or reviewing questions.

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Has anyone tried using caffeine for energy or something for relaxing during the exam? We are allowed some breaks, I'm not sure when, but I am planning to have to go through all 200-some questions in four hours. There are lockers in the waiting room at my site and a bathroom outside. I have chocolate covered coffee beans and L-Theonine tablets that are supposed to help you relax your anxiety without feeling sleepy. I will also take containers of nuts and a bottle of water. Clerk told me that we have to take off watches and most jewelery, and empty our pockets and leave all that stuff and cell phones in the lockers.

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Computer shut off at 85 questions and 25 SATA. I kept track of Select All That Apply on the laminated sheet they let you use. The PearsonVue trick said I had already scheduled the exam and another could not be scheduled at that time--the good pop-up. I did, in fact pass! Grateful to have AllNurses to consult!

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Dear mam i need nclex cram 5th edition pdf can u send book download link or send pdf

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