Good day, everyone!
I have been reading threads on here before I even became a member. I told myself that I will register and post about my NCLEX-RN journey once I pass.
I graduated my bachelor's degree from the Philippines March 2010, became licensed 3 months after, then had 3 years of paid work experience as an ER staff nurse. I am currently based in Australia (on a student visa) working as an Assistant in Nursing (CNA equivalent, cause I'm not registered here.) With my desire to work in another country, I decided to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
I have a hectic schedule, I go to school for 40 hours and work for another 40-60 hrs per fortnight (per two weeks). There are NO review centers for the NCLEX RN in Australia, and so I had to purchase nursing review books from ebay. I bought the following:
1. Lippincott Q and A Review for NCLEX RN
2. Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX RN
3. Lippincott's NCLEX RN Alternate Format Questions
4. Kaplan NCLEX RN Premier 2014-2015
5. Illustrated Study Guide for the NCLEX RN exam
PREPARATION:
I have finished all the books from cover to cover (hard work). 
I answered every question there is and wrote notes which I read during my study schedule and whenever I had the chance to (during school and work breaks). I devoted 4hrs of every day, 6 days a week for 6 weeks to study for the exam. I had a checklist to keep myself on track. I also listed topics where I considered myself weak - I concentrated on these topics a weak before the exam.
For every test, I would only get 60-70% correct answers. I never had 90% but it didnt stop me from persevering.
I have been ALCOHOL free (to preserve my brain cells) during this period.
I also maintained my exercise routine (more oxygen in the brain = increased ability to think) for 6 days a week.
I had to fly to another state to take the exam cause the testing center here is closed til June.
DURING THE TEST:
I planned to sit only for 1.5hrs cause I thought my brain won't work well after that time period. Within 75 questions, I only had 8 SATA, 1 ordered response, I knew from then on that I will be there longer. I was in tears when my computer didn't shut off. I sat for another 2.5 hrs and finished all the 265 questions with about 20 SATA, 4 ordered response, 1 hotspot on the last 60 items of the exam. I wasn't thinking straight any more but I prayed and asked for guidance on each question.
6HRS POST TEST:
I have arrived in Sydney and did the PVT (too early) and got the good pop up.
12HRS POST TEST:
My name appeared in New Mexico Board of Nursing's License and Certificate Look up. YAAAAAAY!!! 
I still can not believe that I passed. I have been out of nursing school for 5 years, out of the hospital for 1.5 years, but I did. If I did, you can too!!!
I must admit I prayed more than I studied. I'm a devout Catholic (I see your eyes rolling. Just respect my faith. Thanks 
) and so I recited the rosary everyday without fail for 6 weeks, completed all holy week activities, and offered a novena to Saint Jude and Saint Joseph of Cupertino for 9 days before my exam (March 30- April 7).
My advise to everyone who are preparing:
1. Set a study schedule and stick to it. There is time for everything, it's all about managing your time wisely.
2. Pray. To God or to whoever you believe to.
3. Think positive. Go in the testing room and take the test as a real RN. Answer every question as if you're an RN and the test is just a formality. Remember: The world gives whatever your mind conceives.
4. Do not over think during the test. Focus on the given facts.
5. Relax. Give yourself a break. One day per week during your preparation phase.
I hope I can inspire people with my story. I will be so much willing to assist you in any possible way I can. :)
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! :)
forevertravelin
39 Posts
Thank you! :)