Passed NCLEX in 75 questions 04/06/2016

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Hey guys, I hope all is well! I just wanted to write this email to explain what I did in preparation for the NCLEX. I took it April 6th at 1400 and it shut off after 75 questions. I woke up today to my license being official on the Nevada State Board of Nursing. If none of this helps or you have adapted your own strategy please don't let this influence you or mess you up. Everyone will do great. I just wanted to provide my experience as I could not find a detailed one online that just didn't say OMG JUST TOOK NCLEX, FREAKING OUT, I AM CRYING!?!?!111”.

Preparation:

I used Kaplan heavily. I originally completed question trainers 1,2,3,4 and the readiness and diagnostic test during the initial Kaplan review course. I completed trainers 5 and 6 about a week out before my test date. After each trainer I would take the time to read each question and each rationale, taking notes on a separate MS word document that I would be able to review when I had down time. I adopted this remediation strategy for the Qbanks as well. I originally freaked out with some of my scores, but told myself I just need to remediate and keep moving forward.

For the two to three weeks heading into the test I was doing Qbank exams. 150 questions a day, no more, no less. Each exam I would do 75 questions. I would allow for no distractions and do the full 75 with no breaks. Once the exam was completed and I got my score, I WOULD FREAK OUT. Haha. My scores averaged from 58% to 68%. I did the same routine with the question trainers, remediate and rewrite notes in my own words.

When making a new Qbank exam you have some options. I would always make the exams with all questions being ‘unused only' and ‘select all test content'. Once I had taken 2-3 exams I would make an exam up primarily of ‘incorrect only'. This would allow me to see if remediating was helping and I could answer the questions correctly the second time. I repeated this strategy until I completed all of the questions. Always reading rationales for right and wrong answers.

Kaplan has some premade exams that focus on alternative format questions, priority, SATA, drag and drop. I found the priority one extremely helpful, and a good way to gauge where you stand with those types of questions. It is only 30 questions. Read the rationales!

I never did question trainer 7 as it was just too long and I ran out of time. I maybe read Hurst 2-3 times but it is great for content review. I would dedicate 3-4 hours per day, broken up, for qbanks, remediation and lurking on allnurses.com for people who just took the NCLEX.

Opinion on Kaplan:

With Kaplan you are not getting much content experience but rather how to break down the questions. Did I use the 5 step process during the NCLEX, not once. But I was able to break down the questions, look for keywords, and could eliminate wrong answers.

Day before:

I went fishing in the morning as everywhere I read said to do something relaxing and non NCLEX related. In the afternoon/evening I reviewed lab values, medication normal serum ranges and infection control. Got some good sleep.

Day Of:

Test was at 2pm so I woke up when I was no longer tired. Ate a good breakfast and just reviewed notes. Got to the testing center two hours early and just studied in my car, lite review. I brought a snack into the testing center, and stick of gum and my ID. They make you scan the palm of your hand, take a beautiful picture (I looked pale as a ghost), and make you put everything besides your ID in a locker. The computers are all in one room with other people taking a variety of tests. Don't freak out if they leave earlier than you. You don't know what type of test they are taking. They took me back at 1:30 and I was able to start early. Make sure you read the directions to the building as it is somewhat confusing. There is a lot of construction going on Convention Center Dr. so prepare for that.

Actual NCLEX:

Escorted to a computer, wear some big headphones and you start. You take a tutorial on how to answer questions and then the test starts. Layout looks almost identical to Kaplan. I found this to be great because all of the practice exams truly made me feel like I was sitting at home just taking another practice exam. I was nervous but a good nervous. One question at a time, no going back, no changing answers.

I say this next part not to freak any one out but questions 2-13 were all SATA questions. One after another. The research I did said the more SATA or alternate format questions you get, the better you are doing. Not sure how true that is but it makes sense. Just approach them as true or false questions. The rest of the test comprised of more SATA, tons and tons of priority questions (which patient would you see first, which phone call would you return first), what statement by the patient indicates and understanding or misunderstanding, PRECAUTION questions and a couple med questions. If you are NOT getting SATA or alternate format questions, don't lose focus because multiple choice questions are also above the passing level. One question at a time.

Know your precautions inside and out. What diseases go to what and what you need to wear. Use the acronyms we learned. Take your time, read each question and answer twice. Go with your gut, don't complicate the question, and be confident. I went in expecting 265 questions but my goal was to make the test shut off at 75.

Do I think Kaplan questions were harder and more specific…I do 100 percent. Don't let you scores get you down, just keep putting in the work. I encourage doing questions, even if you feel 100 percent confident you will pass. The time, the money, the dedication we spent in nursing school isn't worth throwing away because you do not want to study or do questions.

After the test:

Computer shut off at 75, took an exit survey and I gathered my belongings. Walking out I felt decent but it is a hard feeling to describe. Go do something relaxing because your mind will be going a mile a minute. No reason to stress anymore, the hard part is over. PearsonVue allows you to log on and get your unofficial results in 48 hours. Longest 48 hours ever. My license was updated on the NSBON (Nevada) before 48 hours, so keep checking. You can check on their website-verify license. I did the Pearson Vue Trick, and I got the good pop up. But this is a trick and I do not think it is 100 percent reliable.

Honestly if you have any questions please ask. I do not want to sound like I ACED this exam or wasn't nervous. I just want provide my experience and maybe help in some way.

Stay positive and do not let bad scores get you down. I was never a straight A student, and I had to study to pass nursing school. None of this came easy, but if you put in the time, you will pass. See ya!

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Congrats!

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I just received my authorization email to test and I am kinda freaking out. I just graduated on May 7th and to be honest I just started reviewing again about 2 days ago. I would like to schedule my test and I was shooting for June 8th.. But that only gives me 20 days from today to review. I bought the Kaplan program and I have watched all of the pathway videos and am taking the diagnostic exam today. In your opinion, do you think 20 days is enough? Or should I select a later date?

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Specializes in School Nurse and PRN.

Congrats!!!!!

I test 5/25 and I am sooooo anxious!

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