NCLEX preparation

humiliated · Aug 6, 2004

To graduatenurse:

Although we are not allowed to discuss the details of taking the NCLEX if you've taken it before, I can tell you what my instructors have told me. There are all different types of questions the NCLEX has, however if you want to pass you will have to answer the application type questions because they are the ones that meet the passing standard. Oh and while taking the test don't spend your time trying to figure out is this knowledge or applicatioin type question, I did this along with is this a harder or easier question. How stupid was I, that is not what anyone should be focusing on while testing. Anyways back to my point, your knowledge will only get you so far if you are unable to apply the information.

What I'm gonna tell you next I know is going to be hard for you to do but you have to do it if you want to be successful... Get rid of your anxiety! If you are to the point of sweating, palpitations, etc, this is not the type of anxiety that is gonna help you think, but, cloud your thinking instead. Trust me I know, when I was taking my NCLEX I was so nervous I was rereading questions like 4 or 5 times each and still thinking, huh? And to let you know what my anxiety was like, I'll tell you.. You have 5 hours to take 265 questions. Well I took all 265 questions in 3 hours. That was a bad thing, you are suppose to pace yourself to spend about 1 minute per question, if you are really off this target slow down or speed up. I obviously wasn't spending enough time on my questions and that was after reading this so many times. I can't remember exactly if I was speed reading but I guess I was and wasn't even aware of it. If you go into the test and find you have uncontrollable anxiety, first thing try to recognize you are having anxiety, take a break and get yourself together, unlike me who just refused to get up from my chair until the test shut off. Or do whatever you need to do to decrease your anxiety cause it doesn't matter how much you know if you can't focus on the questions. I hope I've been of help and keep me posted on how you are coping with the stress and anxiety. I'd like to think we are all on this board to help each other out, or I'd like to think that. So if read a post that is a negative one, DO NOT listen to it cause it will only have you doubting yourself. Focus on the positive messages people are leaving. Good luck!

murmur · Aug 6, 2004

My advise is to read the front of the nclex books - the information about strategies. For most of the questions I had (75 passes 1st try two weeks ago), I used the ABC's & ADPIE. Another strategy to use when you have no clue is to look at the options and try to find similarities. For example, three of them will be interventions the fourth will be an assessment - the different one (assessment - A in ADPIE) is your answer. Maybe three will be circulation, one will be airway. I had no clue if I was answering correctly - but I knew from reports I had heard that the questions I was getting were the hard ones all the way through - the prioritizing and delegation type questions. These questions require you to have some knowledge of the diseases and procedures being presented, but if you just use the above criteria you will find the answer. I have noticed that the people who were struggling students got more of the practical questions. If you are getting the critical thinking (priority, delegation) questions you are on the higher level track. Of course you will pass with the practical questions, but you will most likely get more than 75 questions - so do not freak at the number of questions. One guy at my work flunked with 76 - so you can't go by the number of questions only - it is the difficulty level that counts. Just remember to use ABC & ADPIE and find the difference in the options and you will do well. Good Luck it is such a great feeling when it is over!

NurseKate · Aug 6, 2004

I think review from a book is beneficial because you can take it with you if you are going somewhere, so you don't have to be tied to your computer when studying. However, I believe that the CDs are beneficial because they let you practice taking a test at the computer in a similar format to what the NCLEX actually looks like. In theory, it helps relieve some anxiety by giving you the experience of taking the computerized test. When I went in to test I felt like, "Ok, this is what I am already used to." Obviously this is not the case for everyone, but I can only say based on my experience. Most books nowadays come with a CD, but NCLEX 3000 is just a CD sold by itself and was useful as well.

The materials I used were Saunders, Lippincott, and the NCLEX 3000 CD. Saunders and Lippincott came with their own CDs. I think I still have Lippincott and the NCLEX 3000 CD. I can send them your way if you need them.

Some of the questions in the book do seem easy, but understanding the rationales behind each question is really helpful. Focus on the areas you are the weakest in. For example, I focused on endocrine and peds and I know my review of those areas came in handy.

Good luck to you and I wish you all the best. Someone said to get control of your anxiety. That is so true! Go in there with confidence and know that you have prepared the best you can. Anxiety makes you second guess, but if you have been studying the book and reviewing your weaker areas then you should do just fine!

purplemania, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2004

Books and CD's have equal value, but one may be easier to use than the other. You KNOW the information. You just need to practice how to read the question and decide what they are looking for (test strategy). Practice taking tests, in any format you choose. Good luck!

Ms.RN · Aug 8, 2004

my advise is to read the front of the nclex books - the information about strategies. for most of the questions i had (75 passes 1st try two weeks ago), i used the abc's & adpie.
thanks billions for all your advices. i really really appreciate your testing tips you all gave me. i feel more confident now that i know how to prepare for the test. :) :) :)
but i have another question though. i'm not familiar with abc's and adpie. can you explain what those are?

BSN2004NSU, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2004

If I'm not mistaken, Murmur is talking about ABC= airway, breathing, and circulation.....and the ADPIE=the nursing process.

tatty · Mar 22, 2005

I think review from a book is beneficial because you can take it with you if you are going somewhere, so you don't have to be tied to your computer when studying. However, I believe that the CDs are beneficial because they let you practice taking a test at the computer in a similar format to what the NCLEX actually looks like. In theory, it helps relieve some anxiety by giving you the experience of taking the computerized test. When I went in to test I felt like, "Ok, this is what I am already used to." Obviously this is not the case for everyone, but I can only say based on my experience. Most books nowadays come with a CD, but NCLEX 3000 is just a CD sold by itself and was useful as well.
The materials I used were Saunders, Lippincott, and the NCLEX 3000 CD. Saunders and Lippincott came with their own CDs. I think I still have Lippincott and the NCLEX 3000 CD. I can send them your way if you need them.
Some of the questions in the book do seem easy, but understanding the rationales behind each question is really helpful. Focus on the areas you are the weakest in. For example, I focused on endocrine and peds and I know my review of those areas came in handy.
Good luck to you and I wish you all the best. Someone said to get control of your anxiety. That is so true! Go in there with confidence and know that you have prepared the best you can. Anxiety makes you second guess, but if you have been studying the book and reviewing your weaker areas then you should do just fine!

Hi There

I learned that you have lippincott and NCLEX 3000 that you are willing to send out so can you plz lend me the nclex 3000.

thank you so much

tatty

5340 holmes run pkwy

apt 1611

Alexandria VA 22304

ManyRN2B · Mar 24, 2005

Tatty,

Those CD's are on ebay. Go to Ebay and type in NCLEX in the search bar and tons of stuff comes up that is reasonable.

I got the Mosby and NCLEX 3000 package for $20

Good luck!

Tiffany