passed nclex 2nd try, what i did different.

[nursephillyphil, BSN, RN]

So as the title says I retook the NCLEX, as a matter of fact I just took it yesterday, test ended at 75 and got the good pop-up. A few people asked me what I did differently this time around so I felt i'd share with those who have their NCLEX coming up soon !

My primary tools for studing were the kaplan book (specifically the NCLEX-RN Content Review Guide, the Qbanks, and trainers 5-7, and practice exams 1-5.

1. based on what my test analysis said on trainers 5 6 and 7 i knew what to focus on, my weaker areas were management of care and physiologic integrity; it was also consistent with what was "below passing" on my letter from the BRN after failing the nclex. SO I studied these areas specifically in the Kaplan book.

2. I knew I was better at studying if i was reading than listening, which was my mistake the first time around, the Kaplan videos are good but weren't for my learning style!

3. Aim for 60% in each category under the test analysis, anything under should make you want to brush up. For trainer 5 aim for 60%, for trainer 6 and 7 aim for 65%

4. Study with someone! I did the trainers with a partner, we picked our own answers and kept them from each other, but before moving to the next question we'd talk about our answers, giving rationales for our choices. This helps solidify your choice and helps if you tend to second guess yourself.

5. Schedule the test based on what type of person you are, i'm not much of a morning person so instead of scheduling my test at 8 am again, i scheduled it for 12 pm, this gave me plenty of time to wake up, eat, get ready etc without rushing and going into a panic.

6. Don't study the day before! Take the day to relax and breathe, you've studied a lot and your brain needs the cool-down time before the test; book a massage with a groupon deal, go out for a nice dinner with your s/o. and get plenty of sleep!

7. During the test; use the whiteboard, i only went through 75 questions but I used a little over 2 whiteboards. Specifically I wrote key words for each question down, the last sentences of the question usually tell you exactly what its looking for; if it's something you need to follow up on, or priority, etc. the rest of the question is the info you need. I also made a column of the number 1-4 on the side to cross out wrong answers if i used the elimination process.

8. Tell yourself that you are calm and focused. Smile when they take your pic before taking the test, it'll help relieve some tension. Remember, you've made it through nursing school taking dozens of tests. This is the last hurdle! and you've been preparing for it for a long time.

9. take breaks! I usually get a bit bored once I hit 50 questions so thats how i planned my breaks, the test doesn't fail you if you run out of time, if you need a break to calm down or recollect, do it! keep some water and a snack in the locker they give you.

Good luck to everyone taking their board exam ! You guys got this.

[naureian]

Hi nurse phillyphil

I am scheduled to take the exams in December ...I am sooooo nervous cause this is my second attempt at it ..thanks for the hints as to how you studied I am a reading person as well but I get bored by 15 minutes into it ...I need a study buddy but it seems like no one is interested ...what else do you recommend for self study ..help

[faith246]

Congrats and thanks for the tips

[nursephillyphil, BSN, RN]

Hi Naureian,

if you work in 15 min intervals keep your studying at that. 15 minute intervals and take a 30 sec break or something. Or you can try reading out loud and explaining it to yourself, that helps me when I start to doze off. Do what works for you, I can't study at home because I get distracted so every day i was at starbucks reviewing content that I was weak in according to the kaplan trainers, when i'd take practice tests I'd be at the library. I suggest Kaplan over Hurst and NCSBN, try to do 50 questions a day. Maybe you can contact some of your cohort to arrange a study group?