New grad taking NCLEX soon!

EarthChild1130 · Jul 5, 2007

My best advice would be to just relax, rejoice in graduating from a difficult course curriculum, and do the best you can...don't cram for it, but study in sections, because cramming just overloaded my brain and I never could learn anything that way...I think you probably know the material by now, so spend this time brushing up on stuff you're still not TOO sure about...relax and you'll do well! :)

Good luck!

hikernurse · Jul 5, 2007

Schedule some fun time with your kids. Go swimming or something else you enjoy--not just stuff THEY like, LOL.

I studied a ton for the test and frankly, it didn't make much, if any, difference. The test is such a different type than any you've probably ever taken. My best advice is to expect the unexpected during the test and not let it throw you. Try to view it as a challenge. Be prepared to walk out feeling sure you've failed--everyone feels that way and most people pass.

Do something quiet the night before that has nothing to do with your boards and try to get enough sleep. I grabbed a Coke on my way in because my test was so early (and I like sodas, but try to avoid them, so that was a treat, LOL).

After the test plan something to take your mind off. My sister and I did a little "retail" therapy. I was so sure I'd failed, but shopping for shoes helped!

MrsMommaRN · Jul 5, 2007

what you are feeling is absolutely normal try to take your nclex soon. just get it out of the way. you can study and study and still not feel ready. take some time to enjoy your family. you deserve it!

LisaJanae · Jul 5, 2007

Hi!

I too just graduated in May...I had heard from lots of RNs it is really hard to study for the NCLEX...there is so much info that could be on the exam that if you don't already know it you won't know it.

So I did review a few things I knew I was weak on lab values certain drug levels, but other than that I just tried to relax before I took the test.

I would suggest just relaxing and hanging with your kiddos too! Good luck...you'll do great and I think we know more than we give ourselves credit for!!

I did pass...and it felt so good seeing that RN next to my name!

You'll do great!

-Lisa

ann945n, RN · Jul 5, 2007

I just took the NCLEX-PN and all of my class mates feel the same way you do. I dont think there is any amount of studying you can do to feel ready for this exam. I would brush up on some of your weaker areas and go over drug categories so you can recognize them. As well review good test taking skills. Get a good night sleep ( I wish I had) and when taking the test try to relax, when I took I tried to think of it as a practice test to lower my anxiety. Happy to say I passed. Also we all felt like we failed it after we took it but everyone I spoke to passed as well. Good luck and remember breath!

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jul 5, 2007

Moved your thread to the NCLEX Discussion Forum. Good luck to you!

Justme123 · Jul 5, 2007

I find some comfort in this thread. I have 4 kids home for the summer which proves to be challenging! Thank goodness I have a sitter 2x a week! :idea: It seem's the more I study (ie: practice q's) the worse I am doing! I did nothing but study all day yesterday, so I'm taking it easy today. My test is July 17th. I'm dreading it, but it will be nice to have it done. I'm tired of speculating what the test will be right and if I"ll pass!:trout:

edisonnurse · Jul 5, 2007

Hi everyone,
This question is for those of you already RNs. I graduated this May from nursing school and I've been studying as much as I can since considering the fact that I'm a single mom with two-out-of-school boys and a part time job. No matter how much I study everyday I still feel that I'm not prepared for the exam. I have heard so many stories about the exam and that stress me out more. Does everyone feel this way before the exam? Can you please share with me how did you managed your stress and anxiety before, during and after the exam? BTW my exam is early next week
Thanks in advance!

I too graduated in May (the 11th to be exact) and took and passed my nclex on June 13th. I remember thinking to myself, wow!! why did I wait until I graduated to start studying for the nclex...I should have started many, many months ago...but to be honest, you could study everyday for 10 hours straight and still feel like you don't know enough to pass, but the truth is you do. If you passed nursing school, then you are ready. Most people who take the nclex pass it their first time. Remember that before you walk through the door. Could you get someone to watch your boys the night before and just have a night all to yourself..not to study, but to relax and clear your mind. I got a hotel room and brought my books, but didn't do much studying. I relaxed, watched some tv, ate a good supper and just prepared my mind by having NO STRESS around me. Please don't stress...the test is difficult, I won't lie, but it is certainly doable...I didn't take one of those classes that prepares you for the nclex, I didn't study for weeks and weeks for hours a day, I didn't buy any extra study material, I just checked out books at the library, I didn't crack open any of my nursing notes or books, and I wasn't part of any study groups yet, I passed with 75 questions my first try. Also, I wasn't a top student in my class, I was average at best.....Good luck, you will be fine. OH!!!One other bit of advice...do not read the posts on here about people who have failed...it just tends to put fear into you...only read positive stories until after you pass....can't wait to hear how you passed!!!