Need help creating a map for testing

[Petitern07]

Hi folks. I'm new to this site. I just recently graduated my ADN program after a rather complicated run of school. By complicated, I mean what seemed like endless obstacles (unplanned pregnancy, mandatory relocation, illness, transfer of programs etc.) challenging me to finish. But, I finally did it. Now I find myself in a dilemma of sorts. Nursing school was hard to begin with and now, I have to figure out how to put it all together so that I can begin reviewing for my NCLEX-RN BY MYSELF. My entire nursing education has been so drawn out...I feel hopelessly lost and unorganized. Due to my current situation, I can't plan on taking the exam until some time mid fall. So, I haven't even sent in my application etc. (the ATT only lasts a specific period of time) and my affadavit of graduation is on hold with the nursing examiners until they receive its match. I do however want to get this done as soon as is possible! So, as forementioned, my nursing education has been drawn out incredibly. All within less than five years of course but much more extended than I would ever have planned it. As a result, I mentioned feeling lost and unorganized. I know that I need to create some type of "road map" so that I can identify all areas I need to review and what my weaknesses are...but I don't know where to begin. Because I was inbetween two programs (VERY long and complicated story), I don't really have any resources (such as administrators) that I can talk with to help. Is there any hope that I can accomplish this all on my own? I want this SO bad and have worked SO hard for this. How do I tackle this tremendous load? Please help!!!

[phabuious]

First of all, I think you need to sit down and take a breath before starting anything. The NCLEX is an importatant exam, but it is not as scary as it seems. Going in with confidence and calmness is half the battle, you need to be able to concentrate. If you graduated school, especially with drama, you can do this!

There is a great "sticky" post at the top of the students/nclex discussion forum of this site from an RN named Suzanne, who gives a "study plan" that I have seen many posts about, they say it is great. Step 1 of the plan is posted in the "sticky" and to get the entire plan from her you just have to send a private message, and she will help you out (I used step 1 and found it VERY helpful).

In step 1 of the "plan" she says to use the Saunder's review book (it's a gigantic blue book that looks incredibly overwhelming), I also used this book, it will provide you with a great review of what you learned in school, lots of procedures, lab values, meds and physiology.

I also used a Saunders Q&A question disk (was about 4000 questions, though I didn't get through them all), a Kaplan strategy book (has 180 questions in the back of the book + 180 questions on CD) and a small Lippincott's book that had 250 new style questions (select all that apply, putting things in sequential order, hot spot, etc.).

The Kaplan and Lippincott books were the 2 that I found to be closer to the wording of the questions on the NCLEX (I took it on 07/30 and passed with 75 questions), but the Saunders was invaluable as far as content review and specific numbers and meds. I would use the Kaplan and Lippincott books when you are closer to the test, just for the wording.

I graduated in early June and studied by doing 2-400 questions a day for 2 weeks before my test. I don't really learn by reading books, for me doing endless questions was the way to go. Everyone is different, take some time to figure out what feels right for you.

My NCLEX (and from what I see in MANY posts) was a lot about prioritizing (the nurse knows to see this patient first....the nurse knows to give this med first, etc....) and a lot of policy (confidentiality and infection control methods). There will be meds that you see on there that you've never heard of, but this happens to everyone.

When you walk out of the test, you will feel like you didn't know anything, I've been telling everyone that I don't remember feeling 100% on ANY question that I got, but deep down I had a good feeling about passing. You will be fine! Just commit yourself and when you need a break from studying, don't beat yourself up, just take one, you will be surprised at what you can do!