NCLEX: You Can Do This

Published Oct 9, 2014

1 Post

Short Background: I did an accelerated bachelors of nursing at Norfolk State University. This program was a compiled ADN and BSN in 13 months. Talk about hard! My grades were average 79-95 (C+ to A-). We had HESI tests administered for our finals for each class (850 to pass) and at the end of the program we had an exit HESI (850 to pass). I failed all but one HESI final: PSY 715, PEDS 830, OB 960, FUND 725, MEDSRG 826. My exit HESI I got an 1146. (If you want to pass HESI utilize the evolve HESI case study and practice test package. It's expensive but you WILL pass if you use it!!!!!)

NCLEX Story: We finished our classes and exit test on July 18, we graduated July 31, and I scheduled my NCLEX for September 25, 2014.I took my boards after 48 days of consecutive studying. I gave myself a lot of time because I don't test well. I got there early, ate a bevita blueberry breakfast bar, bottled water, used the bathroom, prayed, and went through the process of getting checked in. I hid the question counter on my exam, seeing what number I was on made me nervous. In the beginning I was going to fast and saw myself getting a few comprehension and knowledge questions so I refocused, prayed, and continued. After a while I checked and I was on question 70....I went past 75....computer told me to take a break....I went, took 4 minutes (it all counts against your time once you start). I came back and checked again at 103.....shortly thereafter, my screen went blue. I guessed I got between 110-119 questions (not sure) so I rounded up and told everyone I got 117. I drove to my mom's job and BALLED my eyes out till they were swollen. The next day, the state board read me my license number when I called to hear my results. Passed first time out. Got a job in cardiac intensive care 7 days later......You can too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Study Routine: From August 6th till September 24th I studied for anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Each day, I wrote the date, how many questions I did, what sources I used, and how many questions I got wrong. I used Hurst audios, NCSBN green light, Saunders diagnostic test, Kaplan Strategies book, NCLEX Exam Cram, NCLEX 3500, La Charity PDA questions, and Mosby's Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX disk. To study, I wrote a very detailed plan and I STUCK TO IT.

Hurst Audios. For content this is a MUST! I used these in the car. Instead of music, I listened to NOTHING but Marlene!!!! (Everyday except the day of NCLEX I listened to a different system).
NCLEX 3500. I did these questions all the time. I made sure I wrote the number and right/wrong on my study log. On my laptop and cell phone I had a link bookmarked. (google NCLEX 3500...it WILL pop up).Read all your rationales.
Mosby's. I did these questions all the time while studying at home. I studied in ANALYSIS and APPLICATION mode. The key to NCLEX success is remaining in the upper level questions. If you get comprehension and knowledge questions you aren't doing too well. Read all your rationales.
Exam Cram. I am sort of torn about this resource; although the NCLEX questions are similar as far as length, these questions were too easy. (Don't buy this---LOL).
NCSBN green light. I honestly wish I hadn't bought this resource. The questions were too hard. They reminded me of nursing school tests rather than NCLEX questions. (Don't buy this---LOL).
Saunders disk. I loved the diagnostic test. I also loved the rationales. I made sure I did the diagnostic test and made my own tests and read the rationales to make sure I understood why I got them right or wrong. Read all your rationales.
Kaplan Strategies book. This book was AMAZING for the different approaches to take as far as critical thinking for getting questions correct. The new 2015-2016 book has the SAME information as the 2011-2012 book. I bought the book and got it shipped for all of $8. The disk that came with the book was set up EXACTLY (give or take a few minor differences). I did this disk. First time I got a 63%, the second time I got a 71%, and the third time I got an 86%. Read all your rationales.
La Charity PDA. This book will save your NCLEX life. The majority of the analysis questions are given in the "who do you see first" format. If you don't practice, at least, 500 of these questions...you will not be prepared for you state boards. I really want you guys to understand how important this book is. Read all your rationales.

I totaled 2884 questions....2046 correct....838 incorrect....71% (all you need to pass NCLEX is more correct than incorrect or 51%)

I bolded the resources that helped me the most. If you can't afford all of these items please get the ones that are bolded.

While studying, I was looking on the internet for any tips I could find. Allnurses was such a blessing. It gave me hope. I told myself when I passed I would add to this wealth of information to pay it forward. This helped me so much. Nursing is a beast and that beast will snarl and come for your jugular....but God, trusting yourself, putting in the work (studying, doing questions, trying to understand, practice, and organization), not changing your answers, knowing infection control precautions, herbals, PDA, and remaining calm and in control will help you tackle nursing school and state boards. You CAN do it. Write a statement of affirmation and believe you can achieve your goal!!!!

Sincerely,

Polyok916, BSN, RN