Passed NCLEX/Bad popup - My story and some advice

[FutureRN2020, BSN, RN]

Hey guys! ? Just wanted to share my NCLEX story with yall.

I just graduated nursing school back in May (2020) and took my NCLEX a few weeks ago. I was super stressed about taking the NCLEX and wasn't sure how I was going to study. I decided to use Hurst and Nurse Achieve (I know UWorld is a fave too but personally, I felt I needed the review that Hurst gives). I took the NCLEX got 60 questions, tried PVT and got the *BAD pop-up*, next day my license was posted and 48 hours later I found out I passed NCLEX and now I'm an RN! (my advice is don't try the PVT).

Materials used:

Hurst: I did the live-stream review about 4-5 weeks before my exam and filled in every single blank in my book and really paid attention. about 21-14 days away from my test I studied that book like crazy and took it with me everywhere I went. I got tired of reading the book so I started doing practice questions and tests. I did practice questions on Hurst and read through the rationales on what I got wrong. I did one practice exam, all 125 q's or whatever it was. I failed it( I also rushed through). I got I think 68/125 right, I went through all the rationales. Also, think I did about 300 practice questions.

NurseAchieve: I had never heard of this before until I graduated and my school gave us a code that gave us free 30-day access. I figured since it was free I would take advantage of it. I did most of my practice questions on here and read through every rationale. I 100% recommend this program. They have CAT exams that are EXACTLY set up like NCLEX. It tests you just the NCLEX does. After you take the CAT exam you can see all the different level questions it asks you, it has a graph on how you did throughout the test and if you stayed above or below the passing line. I took like 5 or 6 of these practice exams. They cut-off around 62-64 questions and I got "pass-pass" every time. I reviewed these exams.

I also prayed, a lot. especially after I got that bad pop-up.

Tips:

- Do NOT wait to study for the NCLEX after you graduate. The more time that goes by the more you forget

- don't let NCLEX freak you out. believe that your program and that your study materials have prepared you well. Go into that testing center having confidence in yourself and think like the nurse.

- yes, you graduated and you feel like you have a little freedom now and so do your family and friends. it's great to celebrate that but Do NOT make plans and go without studying. this is the biggest test of all, take the time to prepare for it.

- also, I didn't study the day before and tried to get a good nights rest

Stay calm and keep studying and you will do fine! Good luck!

[Lilly20, BSN]

Any advices? I’m takin NCLEX tomorrow July 11, 2020. I studied and practiced question on UWorld, did Hurst, mark klimek, Rachel allen, my UWorld review notes. I feel like I forgot everything and I keep reading everything and keep on looking at the clock. Very anxious, scared and bitting my nails off when I study and so much stressed about tomorrow. First time I’m going to take NCLEX since NCLEX questions changed from minimum 60 and max 130. Don’t know what it feels like but I’m eating like a pig, I feel like I need to study and review review a lot even though exam is tomorrow morning. I was going to do PVT after exam, but now not sure?

[FutureRN2020, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, Lilly20 said:

Any advices? I’m takin NCLEX tomorrow July 11, 2020. I studied and practiced question on UWorld, did Hurst, mark klimek, Rachel allen, my UWorld review notes. I feel like I forgot everything and I keep reading everything and keep on looking at the clock. Very anxious, scared and bitting my nails off when I study and so much stressed about tomorrow. First time I’m going to take NCLEX since NCLEX questions changed from minimum 60 and max 130. Don’t know what it feels like but I’m eating like a pig, I feel like I need to study and review review a lot even though exam is tomorrow morning. I was going to do PVT after exam, but now not sure?

Hi!

I felt the exact same way! I felt very anxious and nervous and wanted to vomit on the way to the testing center. But once I got inside the testing center I my nerves began to ease up a bit. My advice for you is that you give your brain a rest and get a good night sleep. If you don’t know it by now you won’t. Eat something the morning of the test to boost your energy and let your mind pump. Think like the nurse, make safe choices, don’t overthink the question, don’t freak out if you get more than 60 questions and if you start to feel anxious take a break. Have confidence in your self and your choices... NEVER change your answer unless you read the question wrong. It seems like you used a ton of sources so I’m sure you are more than prepared for this test!

For the PVT, it works for many people but it did not for me... in my opinion is just more accurate to check if you license are posted the next day or two but some people feel like they can’t wait even that long so it’s your personal choice!

you will do great! I’ll say I prayer for you! Good luck!

[Lilly20, BSN]

Thank you so much

[Lauren Le, BSN, RN]

Same exact thing happened to me! 60 questions, bad pop up, passed! The anxiety is just not worth it.... CONGRATS!!

[Stevo40, LPN]

What state are you in? I finished testing at 1pm California time. However I tested for GA. I got the bad pop up after checking 2 hrs post testing. I have read that I tried too soon. I felt like I knew most of the information but we will see.

[MK.futureRN2020]

Hello everyone!

I took my NCLEX yesterday at 4PM... I walked out at about 6:10 PM finished at 123 items. 1 min after I finished I got the email saying "you've completed the NCLEX", I tried the PVT trick right away and got the "bad pop up". I did not expect the NCLEX questions to be that way, I am so scared right now feeling I failed everyone who believed in me.. I am still hopeful reading this thread... 

[bbenitesmcnair1]

Did you pass?

[Julie]