Passed NCLEX in 75 and in 42 minutes

[yogafan]

I passed NCLEX in 75 questions and in 42 minutes. I'm posting this not to brag, but rather to let people know that taking the exam doesn't have to be some huge stressful life event.

I was nervous before taking NCLEX, mostly because of reading the forum posts on this site and letting other people stress me out. I just wanted to post my experience and, hopefully, make some people feel better going into the exam.

Background:

I've always done pretty well in school, my BSN was a second degree, I did an ABSN program in 18 months, and my nursing gpa was over 3.8. I've always been good at taking tests.

What I did to study:

Took 80% of kaplan's qbank questions and the first 5 q trainers (my average was around 74%). My school also made me take the kaplan class, but I didn't pay attention the whole time because we had just graduated the week prior and I was tired of focusing. I never really used their decision tree except when it came to delegation or acuity questions. I also reviewed precautions ALOT. I made sure i generally understood all meds, but decided not to waste time on that. In all, I spent 6 days, full focus, doing questions and then remediating them. Looking back, I think I studied too much.

So....If you are normally a person who does well in school and on tests, don't let this forum get to you. My advice is this: do the practice questions to get familiar with the types of questions and study precautions. Skip too many med details, focus on reason for med and pt teaching if you study it at all. Then relax and stop reading these forums. Don't let others get into your head.

You will probably do fine. I studied and worried too much about it. NCLEX was much easier than Kaplan. I couldn't even tell which questions were the "hard ones."

Cheers!

[JessRN89]

This is actually pretty reassuring because I am still waiting for my NCLEX results. I took NCLEX on August 21 and finished in 75 questions and just around 45 mins. I always did well on tests in school and was a fast tester. I only did about 50% of Kaplan Qbank and all of the trainers, averaging about 70%. I personally found NCLEX a lot easier than Kaplan as well and I, like you, could not tell if a question was "hard" or not.

Now I am hoping I get my results soon! I was the first of my class to test and everyone that has tested after me saw their name on Breeze within 48 hrs. I called the board finally and they said my results were never entered into the computer, apologized, took my phone number to return my call if needed, and said they were passing my file on to the licensing department immediately. I've done PVT and got the "our records indicate you've already scheduled this exam..." pop up, so that and this post has made me feel much less anxious. Thank you for sharing your story!!

[yogafan]

Glad my story has hopefully calmed your nerves some! I was just overwhelmed by all the negativity and stress about NCLEX on here and wanted to post a more positive perspective.

And, yeah, I really wouldn't worry, although I can imagine its almost impossible not to! That's a huge bummer about the lost results. But, I am yet to hear of any good student who failed in 75 :) Early congrats on your RN!

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Ironically, when someone finishes the exam in an unusually short period of time, it usually results in a Hold being placed on the exam: results aren't released to the State BoN until a review verifies the validity of the exam (eliminates security breach possibility, etc).

So sometimes, finishing fast means waiting longer for your results! Eh, you'll know soon enough :)

[JessRN89]

See I had considered the fact that being done in such a short period of time would look bad. I honestly had no idea one minute I was on question 20 and then I looked up and saw I was on question 65 and I thought I was pacing myself lol. I figured as much though....I waited almost 3 months for my ATT, I'm sure I can wait this one out too. Thank you for the information!

[bubbletoes_24]

Thank you for your post! I am currently studying for the exam, and am becoming extremely unmotivated. I was also an "A" student who graduated from an ABSN program, and got a 99% probability of passing on the ATI exit exam. I am currently using Saunders, but the questions seem lower-level to me. I also have the LaCharity book and access to past ATI tests. Would you suggest investing in Kaplan? Did you use anything besides Kaplan in your prep? I study by writing everything down, but it is impossible to do that at this point, so I am finding myself becoming unorganized and in need of some reassurance/advice!

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

Congrats!

[anchorRN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Congrats! The computer shutting off at 75 is an extremely good sign. It either means you've done extremely well, or extremely BAD (which is unlikely). I took the NCLEX back in 2003, so a bit different than today, but I remember using Saunders' study CD (probably online nowadays) and did practically memorized the rationales. Its a great resource, I didn't spend the money on Kaplan and I passed first try. I was a mediocre student and failed the HESI the first try. Be confident, remember your basic nursing foundations, and you'll do fine

[trinitymaster]

My estranged spouse and I both passed the NCLEX with 75 questions in less than 20 minutes (Many moons ago). How did we do it? Went to a school with a proven record and.............that's about it.

Our Secret: Go to a good school with a high first-time pass rate and study while you're there.

[kenzo_gal]

Wow congrats! I feel so anxious thinking that I will be taking the NCLEX before this year ends considering the fact that I graduated in 2007. Good luck to everyone who will be taking the exam too.

[ijangtelma]

just took my exam, scared to do the PVT trick

[yogafan]

Nah, I wouldn't waste the money, my school just included it in the tuition. I didn't use anything but Kaplan but I'm sure ATI is fine. Good Luck! It's easier than you think!