NCLEX-RN Advice: PLEASE HELP!!! I'M SO DEPRESSED!

USNavyCorpsman · May 31, 2012

Hello everyone,
I'm a new Indiana Nursing school graduate. I graduated almost 2 weeks ago, and now it's time for the BIG exam of my life! I don't know how to go about studying.I'm currently waiting on my state board to approve me for the exam and for Pearson Vue to give me the ATT letter...Please ADVICE me, SHARE your resources with me, ANYTHING you can do for me will be VERY much appreciated!!
God Bless You!

I attended the Navy's Independent Duty Corpsman School in 1998. Ten years later I took the RN exam in California and passed it. Just one test. You went to school for it, thus you have that knowledge in your head. Now just plan out your review, get a good review book and sign up for a 3-5 day review course just prior to your test date.

Make a plan, stick to it, study and be sure to relax and take your test. You will pass. I've been an RN for over 14 years now. And I did use lots of study time, took many CE and inservice classes. You will do fine...study, study, and more study...just plan it out.

Robert

leanjess · May 31, 2012

Thanks, Robert for your advice. I just wish I knew where to start from...I feel like I might not cover all aspects of Nursing before Nclex. Do I study textbooks, or study cram sheets? There's so many info out there about how to study..and I'm so OVERWHELMED with it all.

mydestinyy · May 31, 2012

hey .. first of all do a review of the core content..you have to know the core content before doing the nclex questions and also the strategies..but does not mean that you will have time to read your text books..read any book for a quick review..do not waste your time..reading everything on the books and also do not read too many books..choose a few good once..remember quality matters more than quantity..

so lets do this...good luck and keep me posted..we need motivation!! and prayers!!

leanjess · May 31, 2012

Hey mydestinyy

Thanks for your advice. So what resources are you using? I have Saunders, Kaplan strategy, and learning ext. I don't mind sharing them with you..if we can combine resources and help ourselves better. That would help me alot, to know that someone out there is going thru the same "freak out" mode as I am now...

lvnursing_216 · May 31, 2012

I'm an LVN, and what I found to be the MOST helpful & life saving choice I made when preparing for my NCLEX was to attend a local NCLEX review course. (you can also do them online) It usually costs a few hundred dollars, but to me it was priceless because it showed me what to study and where to focus, as well as taking plenty of practice tests. And that's all I did! A few days in that class, and passed on my first try. I'd highly recommend it! And I'm sure you know way more than you're giving yourself credit for! Take a class, and you'll realize how much you already have this in the bag, and you'll get that confidence back! Good Luck! You got this! :-)

jbarajas03 · May 31, 2012

there is a hurst review lasts about 5 days online or live ......

3Triages · May 31, 2012

Hi Everyone,

Not too long ago, I was in a similar situation. First thing I did, I attended an NCLEX review to give me insight as to what I should and should not focus on. Do not return to the textbooks only unless you need further clarification on a specific topic. I was advised to study all the core content such as the med/surg, peds, pharm,priortizations, etc. After you feel comfortable with the material, do questions from NCLEX 4000, Saunders, Kaplan. Also, practice questions on "select all that applies" and drag and drop.

Another thing- TAKE THE EXAM WHEN YOU ARE READY!!! I say this because some of my collegues studied together and decided to take the NCLEX almost the same time. That may work for some people, but not for all. Unfortunately, I know someone who decided to take the exam because everyone was saying we studied therefore we are ready. Everyone's period of readiness is different. I took the test when I felt confident enough to tackle questions that I was unaware of.

Keep positive and practice everyday. Remember Philippians 4:13.

leanjess · May 31, 2012

Thanks, guys.

As for the live review, I can't afford for now. Just after college, it's always the issue of money. So I can't do any live review or online reviews. I guess I just have to read what I've got, and if it's God's will that I become an RN, then I will...I'm just hoping and praying. From next week, I will begin the learningext Nclex review from NCSBN. I hope that helps me with content review..becos I'm so weak in Pharm, Psych and OB. I disliked those while in nursing school! Hopefully it doesn't come back and bite me in the derriere!

sherdk · Jun 1, 2012

Hi just divide the topics into small parts so that it isnt so overwhelming-- write a plan of what needs to be reviewed and a time frame to study these topics--- have been a nurse for more than 40 years and am still working and studing for certification exams and loving every minute of it! Good Luck -- you will be fine!!!

Sherry

leanjess · Jun 1, 2012

Thank you, Sherry!

I will see what I can do. I start the NCSBN review next week Monday..then I plan to read some back up info with Saunders on each of the information. Maybe answer some questions before bed each night. I pray God sees me thru this one!

Good luck with your own studying as well!