rt2rn1965

Hi I also think the ATI CDs are not really useful. I did however use the Virtual ATI to help me prepare for the NCLEX. I also used Saunders, Nursing Made Simple, and Kaplan's Guide to the NCLEX to prepare. I took the exam on the 27th, still waiting to hear... Carmen :typing

Hi; I used a combination of Nursing Made Simple (book and CD) along with Saunders (book and CD). I also signed up for the Virtual ATI review (online review course). I found NMS to be helpful, but I must admit Saunders does have more complex questions (level 2 and 3 in the NCLEX I would say). I think the more questions, from a variety of sources that you do, the better. I just took the NCLEX on the 27th and it shut off at 75. I too live in CA so the wait is horrible. Take care

I did well in school but found it difficult to deal with test taking stress, so I used a combination of self study aids. I went through the ATI NCLEX prep course and supplemented that with Saunders, Nursing Made Easy NCLEX review, and Kaplan's How to take the NCLEX. My rationale being that the more I prepared the less likely it would be for nerves to get the best of me. It worked somewhat, I did remain focused on the exam but still left feeling like I was going to throw up and like my brain was mush. I had a total of 75 questions and I'm now waiting for my results. Carmen BTW some of my classmated did take the Kaplan review. It worked for them, too expensive for me :typing

Thanks for the info. I did check this AM. It was updated as of yesterday it said. Where are you? CA? I am not sure if you mentioned it along the way or not (I have been reading many different posts and posters :) ) Anyway, if you are in CA, have you found out your results and if so in what relation to your exam date?

God do I agree with you guys!! Obviously the technology is there.. why then do they play with test takers like that? I have no clue. My friend had to wait almost 4 weeks!!! In CA they will not release results until the BRN receives all transcripts from the school. We graduated on December 21st. She took the NCLEX 3 weeks later and had to wait until the BRN received the transcripts to just find out if she passed!!! I mean really, couldn't they just have posted pass ot fail after she finished the test and then waited to give her the license??? It makes no sense to me. And then the rest of us.. they obvioulsly have the transcripts and stuff so why have us wait!! I may have to wait until Monday or Tuesday for my results since I took the exam on Wednesday.. and CA is definitely slow...:sasq:

I am also in the same boat with you guys. I also had about the same makeup of the question array. I also talked to a classmate of mine after the test (she took and passed the exam in January). She said it sounded close to what she had. I wouldn't worry about it, I am thinking positive thoughts for all of us. BTW, I too felt sick and well.. lost after the test. I am still, I would say, dumb founded right now. I think it's normal after a test like that and is in no way indicative of failing it. Everyone I have spoken to had the same reaction after the test and all except for one passed. HAng in there. We'll all pass, just wait and see. Carmen PS Can I just say that the fact that CA makes us wait so long makes me just sick; we are supposed to be at the forefront in technology and stuff out here. We should be able to find out immediately I think. Oh well, just had to vent.

:paw:I was literally sick when I left the testing center and shaking. If I would have had an emesis basin I think it would have been all over. After the exam I went shopping to take my mind off the test, and then I went to eat in this cool little restaurant; I felt better after that until I got home and started to think about the results and stuff; then I went through panic tachycardia.. I have never taken an exam or test of any sort that did that to me.. It feels as though it was not meant to test what you know but how well you can handle being broken down psychologically and intellectually. If I pass I can honestly say I over studied for the test. I had 75 questions. I am waiting to see my name posted in the BRN - CA website. I am so spent, I honestly feel like I had a brain dump yesterday out of sheer stress. Carmen

I took the test in CA yesterday, the 27th. How long does it take to find out? Have any of you CA takers found out yet? I am hoping for before the weekend.. maybe too much.. well, I too felt like the stuff I studied was not at all covered. For example, I spent so much time on ABGs and shock states.. I don't think I saw one question. And the developmental milestones (not one!!) and the stuff that was on the test was so out there.. I just don't know.. Anxiously waiting, Carmen

I took my exam yesterday; in CA. I am going nuts waiting. Trying to stay busy. Anyway, I got about 3-4 SATA, I think 3-4 med calcs. also fill in the blanks (for awhile I thought I forgot my conversion factors, kept getting the same format), a few prioritizing care (I think about 4), some delegation ( I think about 3), a few peds (1 or 2), some endocrine (4-5), no hot spots or list in order that I remember. My test shut off at 75 Carmen :paw:

WOW!! that was fast! Congratulations!!! I just took it this morning; arghhh now I know how you felt when you wrote your original post! I was nearly a nervous wreck going in, perturbed through it, and nearly nauseaus afterwards. I am finally home and I feel a little bit less frantic and anxious. Hopefully my results will come back quickly too. It shut off at 75 for me too!! Carmen :bowingpur:yeah:

Hi, I graduated in December of 07. I went into nursing as a second career (I am an (Xray tech) anyway, I knew I wanted to work in the ED from the first day of nursing school. When I graduated, I walked in to human resources and asked if I could please make an appointment with the critical care nursing director to discuss my prospects. I went to the interview with a second copy of my resume, letters or recommendation, and definitely wearing a suit! I found out after I got hired in the ED that he was impressed not only with my resume but with my professionalism. He hired me and designated me as a preceptee in the ED along with at least 2 other nurses at all times. I started on the 13th of february and all is going well. He has also provided me with information regarding upcoming trauma prep courses, PALS, and information on further certification. I am also going to work up in MedSurg for a month and then also in the ICU for a while as well. My plan is to apply to an ED nursing program as a new grad if at all possible in the fall of 08. If that is not possible at least I will be looking to work in another ED with perhaps different opportunities to learn. So, it pays to be proactive but also definitely professional in bearing and in dress. Good luck Carmen:paw:

Hi, I have read in this website and also heard from friends who just took the NCLEX that alot of people who passed only had 75 questions too. So, I wouldn't worry about the number of questions you had. I am taking my test tomorrow morning and I am so freaked out that I'll be glad to just get some sleep tonite. I don't know what I'm gonna do to relax in the next few days until the results are posted. I am in CA, and from what I've heard it takes 48 to 72 hours so it could be friday or monday until I find out I guess. Hang in there, we'll both find out soon enough. Oh, and btw if you happen to think of it send good vibes my way tomorrow. Good luck and take care, Carmen :paw:

I take the NCLEX tomorrow morning and I am seriously starting to freak out. I was doing okay, I mean I have been preparing since last summer off and on while in school as a senior; and then seriously once I graduated in December. I used ATI, Saunders, and Kaplan's NCLEX tips book. The ATI comprehensive predictor I took placed me in the 98th percentile for passing the NCLEX, I used it in order to focus my study plan once school was over. Then, I signed up for the ATI prep course, and also used Saunders and Nursing Made Simple as supplemental study aids. In the ATI courses I have been averaging 65% up to 76%, with Saunders the quizzes and tests have been in the 70% range. I have done all I can to prepare, yet I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. All my classmates so far have passed, there were 15 of us who graduated in December (fast trackers). I guess part of my anxiety right now is that I just don't want to be the only one who failed. Especially considering I did great in school, and all who know me are certain I'll pass... it just makes it worse in a way, I am so afraid of letting everyone down and of having spent so much time in studying for naught; that it is driving me nuts!!! I hope I can settle down enough to get some sleep tonite. If you read this in time tomorrow morning (27th) won't you please send some good vibes my way?? I'd really appreciate it. Carmen :paw: