Hey all. Last Friday I took the NCLEX for my first time. After countless hours of studying, I passed!
Just wanted to give anyone who needs it a few pointers for what I did studying and on test day:
Kaplan was a GREAT help, it was all I studied. I did every single question in the Qbank, every single sample test, and every QT. Studying those rationales is immensely helpful. I watched all the videos. Multiple times for my weak points. And I really didn't study anything other than Kaplan - used the Saunders book once or twice to look up specific diseases/conditions.
For actual test day, feed your brain! Give yourself plenty of water, protein, carbs, etc. When reading questions, don't let yourself freak out.... focus, and answer what you think is best. There were a lot of SATA! I had three in a row a few times. They really sucked, but you WILL prevail! haha.
I walked out of there having no clue what had just happened, the test is really difficult - but don't let that get you down! They're testing your safety and your critical thinking - having a baseline knowledge really helped select answers.
The best advice I can give is to picture yourself there in the scenario they are describing. If an infant is presented in the question, picture that infant in front of you. If you're assessing an older adult, picture yourself assessing that older adult, or yourself in the ER, etc. And when you start to feel flustered, GET UP and walk away. Give yourself a few deep breaths in the break room. And just remember you're doing the best you can! :-D Believe in yourself.
Featured Replies
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later.
If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Hey all. Last Friday I took the NCLEX for my first time. After countless hours of studying, I passed!
Just wanted to give anyone who needs it a few pointers for what I did studying and on test day:
Kaplan was a GREAT help, it was all I studied. I did every single question in the Qbank, every single sample test, and every QT. Studying those rationales is immensely helpful. I watched all the videos. Multiple times for my weak points. And I really didn't study anything other than Kaplan - used the Saunders book once or twice to look up specific diseases/conditions.
For actual test day, feed your brain! Give yourself plenty of water, protein, carbs, etc. When reading questions, don't let yourself freak out.... focus, and answer what you think is best. There were a lot of SATA! I had three in a row a few times. They really sucked, but you WILL prevail! haha.
I walked out of there having no clue what had just happened, the test is really difficult - but don't let that get you down! They're testing your safety and your critical thinking - having a baseline knowledge really helped select answers.
The best advice I can give is to picture yourself there in the scenario they are describing. If an infant is presented in the question, picture that infant in front of you. If you're assessing an older adult, picture yourself assessing that older adult, or yourself in the ER, etc. And when you start to feel flustered, GET UP and walk away. Give yourself a few deep breaths in the break room. And just remember you're doing the best you can! :-D Believe in yourself.