Okay, after 1 very intense year of study through an ABSN program I graduated on 5/3/12 and am taking my boards in several days. I have taken two of the "Hurst Q-Review" tests and scored 76% (95 out of 125 questions) on them both. I am trying to study at least 4 hours a day and then taking the next day to do a Hurst Q-Review test (I have 4 left of the orginal 6). Taking the entire day off before the exam and resting my brain. I have stopped doing the NCLEX-4000 due to having done so many of them that I recognize the majority of the questions I get. I plan on getting a good nights sleep and a good protein breakfast the morning of the exam. I don't know if there is much more I can do but to review the HURST materials, take those other practice Q tests and pray. The really good news is that I already have a position offered and accepted (Cardiac Floor), so that stress is gone at least. I will post here as soon as I know (well, after I tell my wife!) how I did etc.
Just posting to vent a bit and give back to the community since I have been mostly lurking for awhile now.
I know most of the classmates that have already taken it (and all of them passed so far) have said they thought they failed when they walked out. However, the PVT trick worked for all of them. One girl (who always finished taking tests very, very fast) finished hers in 30 minutes (75 questions)...she passed. I have no idea how she does it. My wife told me "don't try to do that" I just gave her my "Are you F#####g joking or just crazy?" look.
We can do this! Think ABCs, Safety, Worst case scenario, "The NCLEX testers did not send you into that patient's room to report that everything is okay and do nothing."
Sending prayers, thoughts, love and hugs to everyone out there...
It sounds like you're well-prepared and have a great plan. There is little more you can do. The only suggestion I have is to maintain a reasonable pace when you take the exam--you're doing well on practice tests so spend the same amount of time per question on the actual exam. If you spend too much time on each question, you end up second-guessing yourself; too little time and you risk not reading the question and choices accurately.
I've coached NCLEX test takers who failed the first time. Often they had a plan, but because of anxiety, they abandoned it during the test (sped through, or changed their answers repeatedly). If you're having success with practice exams, face the test as if it's a practice exam (as much as you can!) Yes, you'll be nervous, but testing research has shown that actually helps!
It sounds like you're well-prepared and have a great plan. There is little more you can do. The only suggestion I have is to maintain a reasonable pace when you take the exam--you're doing well on practice tests so spend the same amount of time per question on the actual exam. If you spend too much time on each question, you end up second-guessing yourself; too little time and you risk not reading the question and choices accurately.
I've coached NCLEX test takers who failed the first time. Often they had a plan, but because of anxiety, they abandoned it during the test (sped through, or changed their answers repeatedly). If you're having success with practice exams, face the test as if it's a practice exam (as much as you can!) Yes, you'll be nervous, but testing research has shown that actually helps!
Good luck. Hope your next post says, "I passed!"
Thank you for the advice. I will keep that in mind. I will treat it just like I have the practice exams. Sometimes I catch myself waivering on some questions (either reading too much into them or just plain stuck and have it down to 50/50), but those are just a few (and account for nearly all the ones I miss). Thanks to everyone for the advice...back to review now.
I take mine tomorrow, I'm not sure I will be getting any sleep tonight. If I am this nervous now I hope I can make the hour long drive in the morning:bugeyes: . I graduated 2 weeks ago, will let you know after my test tomorrow whether it was a good idea LOL.
Oh my goodness!! I am so sorry for your loss. Remember what Hurst said. The loss of a loved one is more important. Rescheduling your test might be the best choice. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you everyone. Every little bit helps. I wish I could reschedule...but June is almost all booked up and I am supposed to start my position on 6/18. Not much I can do except multi-task here and focus. His note that he left actually is of some small help. I will keep everyone updated with NCLEX results...look for it around 11am or so on the 5th. Hopefully I will know before then.
Short update. My little brother just started hearing voices about 3 months or so ago. Unfortunately they were command hallucinations and he was able to function and keep himself out of being involun committed. While that is very tragic and very sad, it makes it easier for me to deal with it and be mad at the disease and not at him. On another note, by this time tomorrow I will have taken my NCLEX and should be able to do the PVT to find out my results. 2 of my ABSN classmates are taking it with me as well. If you could keep me in your thoughts and prayers today and tomorrow (especially tonight for a good nights sleep)...I would appreciate it. I will update here as soon as I know!
Just got home from the testing center. 75 questions and it shut off. I got the good pop up from the website. So it looks like I passed! I can put RN after BSN now! Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers!
Patti_RN
353 Posts
It sounds like you're well-prepared and have a great plan. There is little more you can do. The only suggestion I have is to maintain a reasonable pace when you take the exam--you're doing well on practice tests so spend the same amount of time per question on the actual exam. If you spend too much time on each question, you end up second-guessing yourself; too little time and you risk not reading the question and choices accurately.
I've coached NCLEX test takers who failed the first time. Often they had a plan, but because of anxiety, they abandoned it during the test (sped through, or changed their answers repeatedly). If you're having success with practice exams, face the test as if it's a practice exam (as much as you can!) Yes, you'll be nervous, but testing research has shown that actually helps!
Good luck. Hope your next post says, "I passed!"