New Grad Q's

I'd say wait no more than a month. I believe the sooner you test the better. If I had waited I know I would not have been studying, so I know that I would have forgotten some material. I used the Kaplan review, but there are many ways to prepare for the NCLEX.

As far as taking a job, I did, but believe me it is a lot more stress when you have about 20 nurses asking, "when are you taking your test?" and then when you go test and you know that they are waiting for you to test....that adds a whole lot more pressure on an already stressful day. I wish you the best of luck with your test.

Sincerely,

Jay

I graduated Dec 15th 2006. I rec'd my ATT on Jan 5th 2007. I took/passed the NCLEX on Jan 9th. Rec'd my license on Jan 15th and started to work one week later on Jan 22nd.

Don't let grass grow under your feet!

:welcome: :balloons: I graduated May 18th, received my ATT in the second week of june. I booked for the first open date, July 3rd. As far as working, I began general orientation about the time that I received the ATT, as my facility wont orientate until they see that paper. It worked out good for me, because I took my test the day before starting on the floor.

Good Luck in whatever you decide to do! Like the OP mentioned, don't wait too long! ~Ivanna :)

I graduated this past May. Received my ATT at the beginning of July. Had a test date set for July 28th. I was in orientation at a hospital that I was hired on as a GN at the time. Then started my internship while awaiting my test day. I ended up failing the first test. So my internship got placed on hold. I was able to cover for PCA's until I was able to test again (45 day wait). My work paid for the Kaplan review and I litterally studied like it was my full time job. I went this past Monday (Sept. 17th) and took the exam again. This time I passed.

I originally thought that the faster I take the exam after graduation, the better. You know, less time to forget anything that you learned. However, with adjusting to no longer being a student, dealing with orientation at work, and dealing with my 4 kids, husband, and other various chores....I found that it caused me to get too stressed and pressured to pass. As far as studying...I would recomment any program that gives a brief overview of content that is most prominently found on the exam as well as covering basic test taking skills. Everything is dependent on your particular circumstances. If you have a job, that takes away from studying...however you are able to learn a great deal while on the job, but it's not always the proper way that you might be learning to do things. If you have family obligations, that can cause more time taken from being able to study well. You have to figure out what is right for you and where you strong and weaks areas of knowledge are as well as your test taking abilities. No matter what you choose to do and when you choose to take the exam....have confindence in yourself and what you have learned over the last several years. You'd be amazed at how many things you end up remembering when you see it again on the exam. Good luck to you!!!

Tammy C., RN, BSN