TisTastyTea

Are you comfortable with NCLEX style questions? Hopefully, your school used them throughout your education. If you are experienced with those questions, I recommend that you buy/download the Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN 5e; it has 4435 questions. I also bought the book (1000+ pages) and only used it to brush up on the endocrine system. Do ~100-200 questions per day. Even if you think you know nothing about the subject in a question, try to answer it using any knowledge that might be related to it. After that, read the rationale and, if needed, brush-up/learn about the subject. Three weeks is a lot of time. I gave myself a month after I got my ATT and ended up studying 4 days prior to my test. Out of 38 students, only 2 from my class failed (but they were struggling throughout the program). The NCLEX questions in Saunders were very similar to the real questions.

Planned to study at least 3 hours everyday for 1 month; ended up doing questions for 1-2 hours/day 4 days before the test. Passed at 75. I think the best way to study is by doing questions with rationales.

I did some questions, worked out, walked my dog, and played SWTOR.

Do some questions in your weakest subject; mine was the endocrine system. My test was in the afternoon, so I did some questions the morning of the test. After that, I played Star Wars the Old Republic for a few hours on my sith juggernaut. Passed at 75. The test environment was tense. They take 3 palm scans on each hand, an index finger print, and a picture. This does not help if you're trying to maintain your calm. Thankfully, they give you a brief tutorial on how to take the NCLEX at your testing station computer to calm you down somewhat. I asked the positive forces of the universe to aid me. Also, the PVT worked for me, but I waited until the next evening to check. Remain calm.

I think that's a good way to study. My plan was to study for 40 hours and do 4000 questions like my school suggested. I started studying 4 days before the test and did an average of 150 questions per day, including the day of the test. I used the Saunders computer test bank with rationales and the review book. If I felt I needed reinforcement in a subject, I read parts of the chapter that were relevant to my needs (mostly signs and symptoms, lab values for diseases). I studied 1-2 hours a day, which is obviously not what my school suggested. The NCLEX used the same style of questions I had been answering for 4 semesters. Some people say the NCLEX is like no test you've taken before. If you're school used NCLEX style questions, the NCLEX is like every test you've taken before. However, the test environment was stressful and clouded my mind for a few minutes. Luckily, you get a short tutorial on your computer at your test station, which helps you acclimate to the testing environment. I took the test at 1330 and ended at 1440. Passed at 75 questions.

I took the test February 6th and saw my license on the BRN license verification site on March 2nd. I passed at 75 questions. I didn't have a rigid study plan. I did ~800 questions from the Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination 5th edition computer test bank 4 days before the test. I did all subject areas, but not all the questions. I selected a 4-6 topics and did those questions until I noticed the same topics being addressed. The rationales are excellent. Also, these questions alerted me to some serious sloppy reading (e.g., not noticing the needs reinforcement/further teaching type phrases). Overall, the questions were an excellent review. I felt totally comfortable and confident during the test. You can gauge how you're doing while you test. If you answer ~5 multiple choice questions and then get a SATA, you're doing well because you were able to answer all the low to medium level questions. All SATA questions are regarded as high-level (I had 16 SATA). There were only 2 questions I smiled at because they were simply recall (these are not good to get because you have not been able to answer the mid-high level questions). Long multiple choice questions with answers that are sentences are the good mid-levels to get; priority questions are also mid-level. Once the test determines you have answered enough mid to high level questions, you will no longer be asked anything on that subject. I had all topic areas. Here is an example of how much the test varies from individual to individual. These reports are from my study group during school: Student 1: Passed with 75 Questions - Mostly disease management and medications with 10 SATA; no math Student 2: Passed with 77 Questions - Bit of everything with 12 SATA; 1 math Student 3: Failed with 84 Questions - Mostly unfamiliar medications and unfamiliar diseases with 2 SATA ; 1 math Student 4: Passed with 95 Questions - Bit of everything with 14 SATA (more psych than expected); 1 math Me: Passed with 75 Questions - Bit of everything with 16 SATA (more peds and OB than expected); 1 math Some people report studying 8 hours a day for 2 months while some report not studying at all.

It's a class specifically for nursing students. I also had a one-on-one meeting with the student retention nurse and she told me which subject material (i.e. powerpoint, text, ATI, etc) to concentrate on for each instructor; we have 3 instructors, each one teaching a different topic (pediatrics, obstetrics, and medical-surgical). I studied as if I was in the last half of 1st semester. . . NOT GOOD. So, I'm not doing that anymore. I've done nothing but study all day now. I don't feel overwhelmed by the course material, but I do feel stressed about what I need to accomplish in order to pass. When I enter the final with an ~85%, I'll feel much better. Just 12 more weeks.

My first test was an epic fail (70%). My program requires a 78% average in order to pass the semester. I earned an A in first semester (92%), so this has negatively affected me in a most severe fashion. I've seen our retention specialist and have begun attending a study skills class . . . but, I still feel quite nervous most of the day. Has anyone had a similar experience? And if so, do you know of any tips to overcome this suppressing cloud of fear, stress, and doubt? I have isolated factors outside of my preparation for the test, which was a bit lacking; so, I do have some definite changes planned.

I just started this week, which was the most academically intense week of my life. So far, we have lost 2 students. I think our retention is ~80%. Our school is exceptionally organized; we have a detailed semester schedule with major events in bold, ~65 pages of objectives, all clinical paperwork is stored in plastic paper holders on a large board. However, one of our instructors took an anonymous tally of student who felt behind and their stress level. She said most students felt behind and had an average stress level of 7 out of 10. I study everyday for 5-8 hours on weekdays. This weekend I have spent 12 hours in my family office. I also exercise at least 30 minutes a day as well as maintain a healthy diet. We're using Potter and Parry as our main book; that book sucks a whole lot. Thankfully, we have ATI books, detailed power-points from the teachers, and completed objectives. We have a unified class, and have assigned each person 1-2 objectives. P&P is filled with irrelevant information relative to our class, contains unnecessary sections of A&P, and is generally wordy. I think having a class that is comfortable with each other and actively shares study strategies is incredibly helpful in maintaining morale. Another nice aspect is the mentor program. A second semester volunteer student is assigned 2 students to mentor. They're a great source of info. I feel optimistic and comfortable in my ability to complete this program. Unlike Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the nursing material is not conceptually complex; it's simply tons of information.

What about a PDA? I'm definitely getting one, but I can't decide which type. This site http://www.hsl.virginia.edu/portal/sonursing/son_mobile.cfm suggested the ipod touch. Since those are well-priced, I might buy one. Does anyone have experience with using one for nursing applications?

Thanks for all the information. I haven't taken a medical terminology course, so I downloaded "Medical Terminology An Illustrated Guide" and read the first 30 of the 744 pages; seems like a nice self-study book.

Hi, I've been accepted into the Merced College nursing program and want to prepare myself for the type of studying required. Would studying from an NCLEX study guide be appropriate before schooling begins? I have 2 months before classes start and want to prepare myself as best I can. My Bio/Organic Chem and Cellular/Molecular Bio classes both emphasized critical thinking and the tests reflected that emphasis (I received high B's, ~88%, in each class). From what I've read, the NCLEX is mostly critical thinking. I'll be living alone in Merced, CA with nothing to concern myself with other than schooling. I just need some tips on what to expect and how to deal with studying, assuming that the school conforms to the rigorous standards of other nursing schools. Thanks.

I got an 89. One problem with the book is that it doesn't cover some odd science questions.

I used the official ATI study guide available here: http://www.atitesting.com/onlinestore/ShoppingCart.aspx# Did you use the Evolve Reach Admission Assessment Exam Review by HESI?

Hi, I've already taken the TEAS test and plan to take the Evolve Reach A2 test soon. The TEAS test review study guide was excellent and prepared me well. However, I can't find an Evolve study guide that has received great reviews. If the TEAS test is similar to the A2, I'll just use the TEAS guide. Anyone suggestions?