Preparing for NCLEX while working as a GN

Nurses New Nurse

Published

Specializes in Transitional ICU, Neuro/Trauma ICU.

Hi all,

For the GNs who worked after graduation and took the NCLEX before the end of their training/orientation and passed it the first time --- how was your experience like when preparing for this critical exam while working? Any advice on time management, stress management? Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTAC, Homehealth, Hospice Case Manager.

I started working 2 weeks after pinning & it was hard to work & study. I was learning so many new things on the job and, of course, being tired didn't help. On work days I got up extra early & did practice questions before work because I knew I'd be too tired after...for me, studying when I'm tired is a waste of time. On days off I did between 150-200 questions a day (sometimes more depending on how I felt) with breaks about every hour or so. All total I did between 2500-3000 questions in 8 weeks...I really didn't keep a good count on that. As for stress management all I can say is just try to stay focused on your studying & not the exam itself. Easier said than done! :wink2: Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Transitional ICU, Neuro/Trauma ICU.

Thanks for the advice!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I graduated in May, got married and went on a honeymoon in early June, started work at the end of June, and took NCLEX in July.

I did not attend a review course, and never cracked a book prior to NCLEX.

I passed with a very comfortable margin.

I'm not suggesting my method to anyone else, but posted primarily to say that in my opinion, working as a GN IS the BEST possible preparation for NCLEX. That, combined with taking the exam ASAP after graduation, would be my suggestion.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

Jolie did you take HESI? and if so what did you get on it if you dont mind my asking.

I got a 1049 which according to HESI means I will likely pass NCLEX, but I am going to study anyway.

Sweetooth

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
Jolie did you take HESI? and if so what did you get on it if you dont mind my asking.

I got a 1049 which according to HESI means I will likely pass NCLEX, but I am going to study anyway.

Sweetooth

No HESI for me. It was not used by my school at the time, and I don't even know if it existed then.

Again, I don't advocate not studying, but I do firmly believe that professional experience and a quick lag time to taking NCLEX are important factors in being well-prepared for the exam.

Also, my school specifically DID NOT give "NCLEX-type" tests as part of our curriculum. We were required to take essay and fill-in the blank-type tests, because they require a higher level of learning than tests aimed at prompting the taker to recall or recognize the correct answer. No true-false, no fill in the blank with word choices, etc. There must be some validity to their teaching method, as they have had a 96-100% pass rate every semester for years!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I feel very lucky, i just got hired and this particular hospital offers PAID NCLEX review for 8 hrs a day x 4 days, which is the start of our 1st week of orientation to this facility.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
I feel very lucky, i just got hired and this particular hospital offers PAID NCLEX review for 8 hrs a day x 4 days, which is the start of our 1st week of orientation to this facility.

That is great!!!

I am interviewing soon for a GN position. They offer a free review course (not paid) and a reimbursement if you take Kaplan.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

hi there! need some advice..

i am about to start my work on july or aug.. im planning to take NCLEX also this year.. so im wondering if i can manage working and preparing for NCLEX considering the loads of patients in PGH... help! anyone who have the same situation as i have?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I see WORKING as a nurse as an NCLEX review that you get paid to attend, don't you? Lots of places spend a lot of time with their new hires, orienting them to their policies, procedures and protocols. Everytime you look up a med, a disease process, a lab result, etc you are reviewing for the NCLEX.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
I see WORKING as a nurse as an NCLEX review that you get paid to attend, don't you? Lots of places spend a lot of time with their new hires, orienting them to their policies, procedures and protocols. Everytime you look up a med, a disease process, a lab result, etc you are reviewing for the NCLEX.

Not necessarily. The REAL world and the NCLEX world are 2 different worlds ;)

But I do think it does more good than not. I am going to work as a GN as well before sitting for boards.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S/Ortho/Bari/ED.

The only problem with working before NCLEX is that you only have that 90 day window to get your license. (At least here in my state) I didn't even get my ATT until 8 weeks after graduation and I didn't get a test date until after my 90 days was up, so I couldn't work after the 90 days until I passed the test.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment