cleBSN17

When I say "remediate" I just mean reading the rationales and going over any content I didn't understand. I definitely agree that it's important to read the rationales for both missed and correct answers (it helped me to strengthen my answer selecting skills and review content). There were times I would read rationales and think, "ok? this isn't even a complete thought..." but others that would really hone in on specific content and really help. If there was a content issue that I REALLY wasn't getting and it kept coming up in Kaplan questions (for me, my weakness was endocrine system...) - I would read that section in a textbook/notes. I have the Kaplan NCLEX prepardness book and Kaplan Basics - but I found those to only be helpful when it came to charts...it was written in an "outline" style so it didn't get into much detail. I wouldn't get too discouraged with your score. I found when I would catch myself doing that, I would stress out more. I would just keep up on your questions. Practice, practice, PRACTICE is what helped me. Sometimes I would score a 68%, sometimes I would get a 49%. But I kept on with the practice questions. Also, I think a big mistake I made at first was trying to go over TOO much content at once. You can't possibily study every single disease, body system, and know every medication. I tried to study like that in addition to practice questions and it drove me CRAZY. By practicing questions, you will be able to tell what areas are your strong areas (so DON'T study that content) and your weak area (the content you NEED to study). Then go from there. When you come across a question and you miss it due to a content issue - go back and look over that information right after you finish the practice test. I found it you push it back and "save it for later" - you end up with a long list of content you need to look over at the end of the day. Hope this helps! Best of luck!!!

I just wanted to post this as a way to boost morale for those using Kaplan to prep for the NCLEX. I took my test in June 2017. I ONLY used Kaplan to prep for it and at times I felt really prepared, but others I felt discouraged with my low scores. I was starting to doubt myself if I was going to pass. I didn't know how my low scores would relate to the actual NCLEX-world. But, my school paid for Kaplan and I didn't want to put more money towards a private-study session - so it's what I stuck with! I have to say, I was not expecting to pass in 75 questions. But immediately after I submitted my 75th answer - the test shut off! It was nerve wracking to say the least. But honestly, I feel like Kaplan really prepared me. When I sat down to test, it really felt like I was just taking another question Trainer. My scores (from the Q-bank, sample tests, Trainers) ranged from about 55%-68%. I did all of the questions in the Q-bank (as well as the sample tests and trainers). The important thing I needed to remind myself was to try my hardest, but not get discouraged with the score. There were times I tried sooo hard and only got a 59%... I just wanted to post something to give those using Kaplan to prep for the test a little extra hope :) Try hard, remediate missed questions!!! (I felt like this helped the MOST - i could see what the question was asking, you learn little NCLEX "tricks" and content review). You got this!!!

A few things I would consider: - What type of orientation will you have for the different units? - What kind of patient population do you think you'd work best in? ICU you will have a lower amount of patients since they're critical as opposed to a med-surg/tele your patient load could be 4-6 at a time. Not saying one is more superior, but where do you best see yourself? I'm also a new nurse (starting in the ICU this summer). What helped me to decide was that I can complete a nurse residency program to help me transition into the role, and because I know I work best with 1-2 critical patients. I had an internship, clinical rotation, and practicum all in the ICU setting so it's how my time management skills are already set up. But think about what you can best see yourself in! I absolutely LOVED labor & delivery and NICU but knew it was not something I should go into right out of college. I think something general like an ICU or med-surg (even ED) would be good experience, but it's also all in the orientation you receive that best helps you with the transition.