Hello all,
I just wanted to write a note of encouragement to those out there who have yet to take their NCLEX exam. I took mine on 2/13/12 and after 75 questions and only an hour of logged time my computer shut off. I was in such a daze during the test. I can hardly remember it and I know that I was past the point of caring, which isn't good but I wanted it to be over with! I did the Pearson Vue trick and it worked!! I looked online 2 days later (today) at the Boards of Nursing site and was able to look up my license number. I didn't even do quick results because they are available yet.
The past couple of weeks before my test was the worst anxiety and hopelessness I have ever endured. My emotions were up and down. I waited two months after graduation to take it because I was worried I wasn't ready. During those 2 months, I studied but not like I should have. I knew I didn't study enought but I just kept putting it off. I rented 3 NCLEX study books for fear that I needed a variety to keep me sharp. One book I didn't even look at. Waste of money.
Let me give you all a bit of history of myself, I feel that it will help someone who struggles with confidence and is a self-doubter and constant worrier. I am a great student, I get great grades and I am pretty intelligent. Says everyone I know, in my eyes, I could always do better, and I don't see myself as the capable person my family and friends do. I would suggest to someone who is like me, to give yourself a break. Stop being so hard on yourself because if you had gotten through your nursing program, you are good enough and you are obviously a smart cookie!
Now, I will get into the specifics of my test because that is all I cared about when I was looking on these forums.
I had several SATA questions. (THIS IS A GOOD SIGN , BUT I HATE THEM).
Several OB. ( I did not study one bit of OB, but I did well in that portion during school).
A few meds
No dosage calc.
Several general med-surg, perioperative questions
Several diet/nutrition questions
A few diabetes questions
Other: can't remember
Don't focus so much on reviewing content. Just do practice questions every day. Do 100 a day and it will benefit more than anything.
Mostly, I would focus on reviews that help you with interpreting the questions. You have a great foundation of knowledge that will help you find the correct answer even if you do not know the answer based on whether you read the question correctly.
Focus on ABC's
Assessment first, then you Implement, then Evaluate
Never select an answer that isn't nursing... don't refer to dietary, almost always notify phsyician isn't correct. They want to know what you as the nurse are going to do.
Follow Maslow's Hierarchy: (Pain for the NCLEX = psychosocial.)
Focus on wording : ex. need further teaching = answer is the one that is incorrect
Reword the question. Ex. (taken from Kaplan review book)
A contruction worker is admitted to the hospital for treatment of active tuberculosis (TB). The nurse teaches the client about TB. Which of the following statements by the client indicates to the nurse that further teaching is necessary?
Reworded: What is incorrect information about TB?
Turn SATA's into True/False - Take each given answer and turn the question into a true false statement.
BOOKS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:
Saunders Comprehensive Review Book - use the CD for questions... great book!
Kaplan Review Book - Great for learning test-taking strategies and components of the exam.
Stick with one book and see it through!!!! Don't rent/buy 3 books like I did. Waste of money.
Some of you may read this and go good for you. You were able to do it, I may not be. That is exactly how I felt when reading these forums. You can do it. If I can do it then you definitely can do it. Pray. Pray to God to help you through this difficult time.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
IKnowYouRider
68 Posts
Took the exam today and got the 'good' PVT result. Also, I had tons of SATA questions on a 75 question exam. So, assuming I passed, I have to say this:
Your professors know what they're teaching.
Before taking the exam I was fearful that the exam would have tons of stuff I had never even heard of -- not true. The stuff you see on the exam is the stuff you've been studying for two years.
During the whole exam there was only one word I had no clue what it was (multigated acquisition scan?), but even then I was able to come up with a 50/50 guess. Just stay calm.
If you've been doing practice questions, the questions on the exam will seem familiar -- promise. (I used Lipincott)
Anyway, stay cool-headed and try to exercise/meditate the night before or morning of the exam, it helped me quite a bit.