need advice on how to pass the nclex!

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I recently graduated with an RN degree and I intend to take the NCLEX exam soon. I am nervous about it and I would like to know what the exam is like (if it is easy or difficult) and the best way to prepare. Thanks for ur reply.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The NCLEX is designed so that the vast majority of test takers answer only 50 percent of the questions correctly. This test works like a balancing beam: if you answer questions correctly, the computer throws progressively harder questions right back at you. If you miss questions, the computer spits out questions that it deems to be 'easy.' Therefore, very few people leave the test center feeling absolutely certain that they passed. This is all known as computer adaptive testing (CAT).

The beauty of CAT is that it allows each test taker to have a unique experience with NCLEX; therefore, no 2 tests will be alike. The computer is 'adapting' to the person's abilities and fund of knowledge, so some test takers will think the NCLEX was the hardest thing ever. On the other hand, some test takers will leave the test center thinking that NCLEX was not that bad.

Thus, we cannot tell you if your test will be 'hard' or 'easy.'

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Would also suggest reading the threads in this forum as you will find plenty of study help

Good luck

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Specializes in Pediatric CICU.

Wow, I just graduated with my very own BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) as of 8/07. I am preparing now as well for my NCLEX-Registered Nurse exam 10/07. I purchased Prentice-Hall NCLEX_RN Review book. I really like the ease of use, nursing notes, and the thorough division of material. I use the CDROM and I have a schedule of at least 200-400 questions/day. Our nursing school advised us that we needed to take about 10,000 practice questions before sitting for NCLEX. This book only has about 5,000 questions so I also signed up at learningext.com for an online 5 week course complete with modules and tests as well. I like taking tests where I get rationales immediately after I submit my answer to the question because I have a chance to write down the material if I don't have a clear grasp for future reference. Good Luck!!!!

Using this method I find my scores are getting slightly higher every day.

I also bought Saunders and Susan Smith NCLEX Review books but havent gotten through my 1st one yet!

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

i took kaplan course and did the online q bank and question trainer and passed nclex RN w/ 75 questions first try..t was a very hard test .. had 6 or 7 check all that apply and lots of prioritizing, meds, delegation.... came out of there w/ a headache and thought i failed.. i was so surprised i passed... had a friend that took it for the second time w/ 92 questions and failed,, she had alot of chemo , math , and prioritzing.. i was surprised she failed .. because she is sucha good nurse i thought she would of passed.. she is crushed .. second try .. ugh.. she will take it for the 3rd time in 30 days .. good luck to you all..if i can do it you can too.. my prayers are with you

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Specializes in Tele.
i took kaplan course and did the online q bank and question trainer and passed nclex RN w/ 75 questions first try..t was a very hard test .. had 6 or 7 check all that apply and lots of prioritizing, meds, delegation.... came out of there w/ a headache and thought i failed.. i was so surprised i passed... had a friend that took it for the second time w/ 92 questions and failed,, she had alot of chemo , math , and prioritzing.. i was surprised she failed .. because she is sucha good nurse i thought she would of passed.. she is crushed .. second try .. ugh.. she will take it for the 3rd time in 30 days .. good luck to you all..if i can do it you can too.. my prayers are with you

OMG! congrats to you... but what happened to your friend? did she not study the right material or do questions?

I know one person who failed with kaplan because she did not do any questions, just attended the live lecture

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.
OMG! congrats to you... but what happened to your friend? did she not study the right material or do questions?

I know one person who failed with kaplan because she did not do any questions, just attended the live lecture

she did thousands of questions and took kaplan and is going to try again. hoefully she will pass.. good luck to you ..

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