Passed 2nd time with 265 Q!

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Hello everyone,

I wanted to share my personal experience with the NLCEX and what I did to prepare!

I graduated in December of 2015 with my BSN, my college required us to take the Virtual ATI for 12 weeks or until we got a Greenlight from our virtual coach. I took a few weeks off from studying after graduation since nursing isn't easy and I just needed to relax before I jumped into studying for the NCLEX. I will honestly say I didn't take studying very seriously like I should have and didn't put in the required amount of hours like everyone say's you should. I also didn't use the ATI like I was supposed to. I would log on once a week and do some content then take an assessment and score below 60% then I wouldn't go back and review it like I was supposed to. I also at that point went ahead and scheduled to take the exam which was a huge mistake on my end since I was not ready on any level. I didn't use any other outside material other than this ATI book we got during school, which had a ton of great information in it but there was no way you could memorize word for word. The day came for me to take the exam and I got there before 8am since that was the time I was scheduled for. I got in and started the exam 30 minutes early which was great in my opinion. I got 75 questions and left in less than 2 hours! I felt great since I thought the exam content was pretty easy and not that hard compared to what I was hearing. I didn't want to do the Pearson "trick" since I didn't want to jinx it but I came under pressure and I did it anyway. I did NOT get the good pop up that everyone that passes does and at that point I am freaking out since I have no clue if I passed or not. Then the dreaded morning came where I logged on and saw the big FAIL next my name. I was so sad but at the same time mad since I didn't take the exam seriously like I should have. I cried a bit and then I got my stuff together and told myself I would study much harder and longer next time.

The second time around I took about 3 months to study and I used Hurst review as my main study tool along with the Lacharity book! these products were so helpful and I honestly don't think I would have passed without them! I also went ahead and renewed my ATI code since I thought the assessments were very helpful and I really wanted to get the Greenlight before I sat for this exam the 2nd time. I was very glad I did the ATI content since my scores had improved significantly compared to the first time. I was extremely close to getting the Greenlight, my final score was 2 points from the Greenlight and I figured I didn't want to waste more time by re taking everything so I told my coach when I was taking the exam and I just prayed I pass the NCLEX since I was already 5 months in and didn't' want to lose more time. My NCLEX exam was at 2pm this time which was great since I wouldn't run into traffic and I felt more confident going in. I kept praying the whole time I wouldn't stop at 75 and I went all the way up to 265! I finished 4.5 hours later. I walked out of the room feeling scared and worried since I didn't know how well I did. I wait for 2 days and when I logged into Pearson 48 hours later I had PASSED!

To pass this exam you really have to STUDY, STUDY, STUDY! I think for me my content area was very weak and that's why I did poorly. I really recommend Hurst review over Kaplan any day. My nursing school friend took Kaplan and she failed the first time. Her second attempt she used Hurst and passed! To all the future nurses out there that haven't passed the first time or are about to sit for the exam Good luck and believe in yourself! and most important practice content and the different types of problems!

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Hi @Ndogra1530!

Thank you for sharing your experience! My school requires me to take Virtual ATI and get the "green light" to take the NCLEX as well. On the ATI website, it showed that we'd have 12 week access. However, can we take it faster/on our own pace if we desired? Or did we need to take the full 12 weeks in order to get the "green light"? Thank you in advance! :)

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Hey! If you get a Greenlight before 12 weeks that is fine too! You can go fast or slow. I know for a fact I didn't go all the way up to 12 weeks. I would recommend getting a Greenlight sooner than later! Also talk to your virtual coach and discuss with them when you want to take the exam. They will help you make a schedule so your on track. Hope this all helps!

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Thank you for replying so fast! :D Oh, that's great to hear! My school requires us to get the "green light" before graduating and I have to take my NCLEX before October. So I really can't take it for a full 12 weeks.. hoping I can take to my virtual ATI coach and discuss my situation with them. Thank you!!

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Oh man! That's so stressful when your college requires it before graduation. Mines wasn't like that. I am glad I was able to help you! í ½í¸Š If you have any more questions please don't hesitate.

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