Hi friends! So I took my NCLEX 8/17 at 265 questions with "near passing standard" on all sections of course. I used many sources to study from. 1) Saunders book which i completed. I read about half all the way, then i realized it made more sense to just do the questions and go back if i need clarification. I checked out 3 books from the library: 2.) Kaplan 3.) Prioritization, Delegation, & Management 4.) Lippincott. I did questions from a few chapters and completed the comprehensive exams in all those books AND I also had the NCLEX mastery app. I studied my labs from index cards.
UNFORTUNATLEY THIS WAS NOT ENOUGH
I think I also over exerted myself weeks leading up to my exam with work and volunteering. Im also training for a triathlon (great timing huh?) Since then, I have quit my minimally paying job as a pharmacy technician (i still didn't understand some of the meds on that exam!) and decided to focus all my time on working out and studying.
I purchased the NCBSN 5 week learning extension - but I'm realizing its a lot of info. Today is my last day i can return it. for example, the pharmacy section consists of 4 lessons and theres no way even if i read it that i would remember all of the details, so i skimmed through it in 1 day. I like some of the nemonics it offers and charts to memorize things. ITs nice i have everything coming from one source, and it's the people who wrote the NCLEX.. but as i read more posts on this website I'm reading a lot about UWORLD. Im wondering if i should return this and purchase UWORLD?
I was planning on sticking with this program, rereading my existing notes, and utilizing my NCLEX mastery app. Does anyone have any suggestions if I should add anything or purchase UWORLD?
I'm also going to be a "2nd time taker", so I am doing UWorld Questions, and I also did the Hurst Live Review for content.
I also, when I'm driving to work or anywhere in particular, I turn on Mark Klimek audio and listen to his awesome mnemonics, and strategies to the NCLEX.
It's quite difficult to not pass the test the 1st time like we both did, but let it be known that people who have 4.0 GPA through out school (which I sure didn't have) haven't passed either; sometimes not till their 2nd attempt. Some of the best nurses that I work with at the hospital, are all 2nd time takers, and some of the "I can't believe someone gave you a license" nurses pass it the first time?......
Yea. I don't get it either. But you will do great the next time! and so will I!.. confidence in your answers is key, always go with your gut feeling!
Thanks Youme and isaura305! I am excited to start Uworld ! I believe (or am trying to believe) everything happens for a reason, and the reason i have to take this exam twice is because I'm being forced to brush up on my weak areas, or areas I find boring and just cannot grasp. I'll look into Mark Klimek! thanks for that tip!!! This forum has been my saving grace; just knowing I can come here and communicate to people all over the country (and Canada :) ) with similar situations as mine. When are you planning on taking them again/how many days after your initial test date isaura305? Im awaiting my ATT number still. Funny thing is.. when reading everyones been doing "Lacharity", I didnt know what that meant, till I stumbled across a youtube video about a girl with tips on studying for the NCLEX... turns out i did the Lacharity Prioritization, Delegation & Management book the first time ! hahah I found it helpful!!
Hey @laila26... i took my first attempt on June 23rd, and here in Florida... or idk how it is in other states, we have to wait 45 days until we can reschedule again. I paid my dues august 12th, and still haven't received anything. Also, you have to consider that august is one of the major months of graduates, so there are TON of applications that the board has to go through. One of the classmates that was in the Hurst LIVE Review with me, she just graduated nursing school last month, and she could only get a spot for her 1st attempt in OCTOBER!... so i can just imagine when mine is going to be. But i also agree everything happens for a reason..and that I also have my weaknesses. Mine are maternity and peds. I don't have any kids my own so i don't really have an understanding of the developmental sides, or the maternal aspect.... but there are some mothers that ALSO struggle as well even though they have first hand experience... but that isn't the case at times.
I also have the lacharity book..... and it definitely has helped with prioritizing care and which nurse can see which patient etc..... BUT... Uworld has honestly helped me more with that concept than anything else. So UWORLD is by far the best source I have used so far... even though I haven't taken my 2nd attempt yet... but I feel WAYYYY more prepared this time... than I did last time when I did my first attempt.
Hi everyone! Sorry I've been MIA for a couple weeks now. Ive been doing UWORLD but its hard to sit and study. Idk how you can do 150 questions AND still read the rationales. Ive been doing about 75 questions a day or less if i have time. Thus far i have only completed 3 75 question tests. I scheduled by boards and they are in 3 weeks. my uworld expires 5 days before my exam, so i was planning on doing uworld daily and on my downttime review my notes.. especially those 5 days before. What do you guys think? I feel like 3 weeks isn't enough and i want to push it back bc I'm afraid.
I think 75 is a good number! I did 75 questions daily from Uworld then went back and looked over all questions again to really solidify my learning.
I think it's good to take ur time and focus on the rationales in Uworld. If u feel like 3 weeks isn't enough time, then I would push back . Did you make a schedule for yourself?
I pushed back at least 3 times for mine and the extra time definitely helped!! Just set a target be schedule for yourself and if u feel u need an extra week that's ok!!
isaura305
18 Posts
I'm also going to be a "2nd time taker", so I am doing UWorld Questions, and I also did the Hurst Live Review for content.
I also, when I'm driving to work or anywhere in particular, I turn on Mark Klimek audio and listen to his awesome mnemonics, and strategies to the NCLEX.
It's quite difficult to not pass the test the 1st time like we both did, but let it be known that people who have 4.0 GPA through out school (which I sure didn't have) haven't passed either; sometimes not till their 2nd attempt. Some of the best nurses that I work with at the hospital, are all 2nd time takers, and some of the "I can't believe someone gave you a license" nurses pass it the first time?......
Yea. I don't get it either. But you will do great the next time! and so will I!.. confidence in your answers is key, always go with your gut feeling!