Need advice - when should i take my nclex?!?!

[Silvergem800]

Hi there,

Im new to this site but so far all the wonderful advice and encouragement I have read makes me hopeful that someone can help me solve my dilema:confused:. I am scheduled to take my nclex exam on 7/14. I have taken Kaplan and am now working on my review material and questions they provide. I am consistently getting in the 56-67% range on various tests that I have taken. I do not feel confident about these scores but also feel overwhelmed with the mount of material. I took the ATI and recieved a 68% on that (87% chance to pass). I am debating as to whether i should take more time to study. What makes this decision hard is that I am scheduled to leave for Isreal on a free 10 day trip on 7/18 and would not be back in the country until 7/29. I have to go on this trip because it will be my last chance to go due to my age. with these kinds of scores, should I take the nclex on the 14th or should I wait until I return from my trip? if you were in my shoes, what would you do?

again thank you so much for your help!! such an awesome site!!!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Take it on the 14th. Since you are going on a trip, you shouldn't spend that time studying anyway. You have been studying regularly, and this is the best time to take it. Your scores on Kaplan are high enough that you have a good chance of passing.

If you pass on the 14th, that's great and you're done. If you fail, you can re-register and take it again when you come back from your trip and have more time to study. But why go on a trip with NCLEX hanging over you? If you pass, it will be a celebration. If you have to re-take it, the trip will be a nice break and a distraction and you can come back and start studying fresh. Postponing at this point just draws out your stress and anxiety.

[mzznurse]

I am taking mine on July 15 and I am getting about the same score as you for Kaplan Qbanks, but I feel confident with myself.

To be honest, it's all up to you when you are ready to take the exam.

[Silvergem800]

Thank you so much!!!

[caliotter3]

Take the test. What a pleasant way to start a trip if you pass. If you don't pass, well, you can rest and relax before you come back to face the bear. If you don't take it, you will spend too much of your vacation time obsessing. Believe me, you will. Good luck and happy vacation.

[Mossback]

Research indicates that passing rates tend to decline as students get further and further from graduation. A 2002 study by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) found that when students took the NCLEX-RN 0 to 26 days after graduation, the first-time pass rate was 89.2 percent. Waiting for 27 to 39 days after graduation reduced the first-time pass rate to 86.1 percent. A delay of 40 to 62 days resulted in a first-time pass rate of 81.1 percent. For those who waited more than 63 days, the first-time pass rate fell to just 51 percent.

Based on this data, it looks like you'd be well advised to take the test on July 14th, although I realize there may be extenuating circumstances in your case.