I am writing to tell you all that yesterday I tested for the NCLEX-PN and passed in 85 questions. This was my third time taking this exam. I had graduated in June 2012, so it's been almost two years since I've graduated. I am so relieved to finally have this test behind. I'm ready to move forward with my next goal which is becoming an RN. In the past, I didn't believe in myself, but everything about this time was different. My mindset towards NCLEX and nursing, for some reason, I had a greater appreciation for everything. I realized exactly what I needed to do and that was to believe in myself, dedicate myself to studying, and KNOW that I would pass the next time. Of course, none of this could have been done without my God. Many thanks to Him and his blessings.
What I used to study:
Hurst Online Review
PDA by LaCharity
Kaplan QBank
A combination of these things really put my studying in high gear. I will always recommend them to anyone. Especially Hurst Review, I feel like it was key because I honestly needed to be refreshed on content, and if you've been out of school as long as I was or you have failed, this would be a review program I would consider hands down!
At the testing center yesterday, I didn't know how to feel, I was confident but I was so surprised when it cut off on me at 85! I was like WHOA, I want more questions ! But, I got the courage today and found my name on FL BON and also seen PASS. This was something I needed and I'm glad I am finally a LPN!
SO for those of you who ever want to give up, don't! Always keep trying. Just because your dreams of being a nurse was delayed does not mean that it was denied. The third time was the charm for me, but I fought hard for it! Keep going, stay focused, and know that you are meant to be a nurse. Your journey will be worth the wait!
Love you all and thanks for your prayers and support!
For the Hurst Online Review how many days did you spend on it in terms of watching the videos/ studying the notes?
I spent about 2 weeks on the videos alone and that's because I went over some of my weaker areas such as (Cardiac, Endocrine, etc..). I constantly went over the notes all the way up until I tested to be honest, I wanted to make sure I knew it "without a doubt or hesitation". When I studied the notes, it composed of mock lectures, and I would also go to Quizlet and do flashcards from whatever topic I studied that day for Hurst.
congrats...def needed your post. i failed the pn exam last week so i'm approaching the 3th atempt and hopefully the last either september or october. I am going to following your advice and sign up for Hurst Review and Lacharity and i used a few book resource my previous two attempts, maybe i need something different. just don't know about this test, i a scholar student in school and this beast right now is crazy to me.....just mind boggling and its gettting really expensive...idk but what are you going to do....you have to do what have to do to get want to you want...right?
Thank you!
I definitely relate to how you're feeling. I honestly would feel as if I was never going to pass this exam. It's normal how you're feeling. Try to regroup yourself and take a few days off, whatever time you need to put yourself back together again. When you've done that and are in the mind frame to study, then go hard. It will take dedication.
Hurst Review for me was my best friend. I found out that I needed a good content review and also a balance of questions (which is why I also used PDA by LaCharity and Kaplan Qbank). It made my studying so much better. And trust me, if I could calculate how much I have spent alone on review programs and the NCLEX, I'd probably be a millionaire.. ha. But Hurst was worth every penny. I say try to figure out your weak areas and then build from that. Most importantly, have more confidence in your abilities and know that you can pass this exam. I know it sounds cliché to say if you can pass nursing school, you can pass this exam, but it's very true. You're smart. Just breathe, relax, read the questions on NCLEX at face value and understand what they're asking you (that was my biggest mistake the last two times, I didn't know what they asked me!) But with practice it helps.
I know you will pass the next time you take your exam. Have faith and believe in yourself. That is the biggest piece of advice I could ever give to you. Good luck! I will keep you in my prayers. :)
Thanks for your encouragement Congrats! Im taking NCLEX-PN in two weeks.I've been studying using Hurst Review and Kaplan Qbank. I was thinking about adding PDA by LaCharity to help me with priority questions but I rather not spend the money if not neccessary. Would you recommend adding it or do you feel like combination of Hurst and Kaplan Qbank were good enough?
Thanks for your encouragement Congrats! Im taking NCLEX-PN in two weeks.I've been studying using Hurst Review and Kaplan Qbank. I was thinking about adding PDA by LaCharity to help me with priority questions but I rather not spend the money if not neccessary. Would you recommend adding it or do you feel like combination of Hurst and Kaplan Qbank were good enough?
PDA by LaCharity was a very good book! Even though it is used primarily for RN's it can also be used for LPN/LVN's as well. I do think that Hurst and Kaplan Qbank is enough, however, if you ever had trouble with prioritization (which was my case), I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing it. I had a few priority questions on my exam, and I think it really helped me. Plus, you can never go wrong with more questions. Hope this helps.
! But, I got the courage today and found my name on FL BON and also seen PASS. This was something I needed and I'm glad I am finally a LPN!
charnsuka, ADN
214 Posts
I spent about 2 weeks on the videos alone and that's because I went over some of my weaker areas such as (Cardiac, Endocrine, etc..). I constantly went over the notes all the way up until I tested to be honest, I wanted to make sure I knew it "without a doubt or hesitation". When I studied the notes, it composed of mock lectures, and I would also go to Quizlet and do flashcards from whatever topic I studied that day for Hurst.