I am living proof that all the myths of the NCLEX are just that.....myths. I tested my second time on Thursday. I was really confident when I took the test and I just knew that it was going to shut off at 75 questions. However, once I hit the parking lot I realized that the test was too easy which was not a good sign. So the next 48 hours were spent believing that I had bombed the test because I left feeling good initially and that I thought the questions were too easy. Well I passed and this morning my license number is on the state board of nursing. Please believe me when I tell you that you can and will accomplish this. Do not ever give up even if you don't accomplish the first time. This is a dragon that can be slain.
My first test I read Princeton review, Kaplan strategies, and Saunders 4th edition. I read these all cover to cover and took all the in book tests and practice sessions. However, I did not spend enough time answering questions and figuring out how to critically think through them. I had all 265 questions and it took me just two minutes shy of the full six hours. It was a horrible experience. But I had to shake it off because I had to conquer round two.
The second time I used Kaplan online complete. I did not have enough time for Susan's plan as I was running out of time before I had to reapply and register with the state. My stated allowed me test within two weeks of my expiration date which I did by just one day. This still gave me two months to study. I read the Kaplan course book, watched all the content videos while I followed along in the course book and took notes, then I watched all the classroom question videos. When I watched these videos I would pause the question after it was read and answer it for myself and then unpause to see if my thinking was correct. After that I had two weeks before test date and went by Kaplan's two week plan. I did around 150 questions a day and trainers 4-7. In areas I was weak I spend a little time watching content videos again. These questions are great practice and I believe the reason I had confidence this go round and was able to pass.
Feeling confident is a major thing that will enable you to breath through and think about each question on your NCLEX. If you start stressing close your eyes, relax and envision yourself as a nurse. YOU CAN DO THIS. I don't know if Kaplan's questions were just worse, they gave me the test for dummies, or it was all just content I knew well but I passed.
