OnTrek

I'm not sure if this answers your question or not...but... The test asks you questions from each of the client needs areas. As you answer each question it will attempt to determine your knowledge level. As long as your overall score for the questions you answer is above the passing level - you will pass. It does not matter if all the questions you got wrong were from one area or scattered among all the areas.

When I was talking with one of the employees during the break they said they did not recieve the results - that they just administer the test. I went to a small testing center where everyone was very friendly and helpful

I just finished nursing school and have been working as an LPN while studying for my RN boards. I left a career where I made more money than I will as an RN. But I have enjoyed my new career as a nurse so much more than I ever enjoyed my career in resorts. The process has been very humbling - going from a career where you are comfortable and are the authority on most subjects to being the novice that knows virtually nothing. But working with the people has been so rewarding and fun - It is worth it. Take a deep breath and take the plunge. There are always student grants, and loans. Apply for every piece of financial assistance you can and you can always pay the money back later. I've survived on very little these last few years (had 2 pairs of shoes fall appart on the same day - guess it's time for a job so I can buy new shoes). But It is amazing what you really can live without. And help comes from the most amazing places. My best friend sent me a check out of the blue - saying I was an inspiration to her. An ex-boyfirend also sent a check out of the blue saying he admired what I was doing and that he knew I needed to spoil myself on a splurge. You will be amazed at what happens when you follow your heart and let the rough edges just sort themselves out. It has been an amazing, frustrating, and humbling journey. And I wouldn't change it for the world. As the saying goes - It's about the journey not the destination. I was completely debt free when I started nursing school. I'm now $30,000+ in debt (including the medical bills from an urgent unexpected surgery with no insurance) and I couldn't be happier. Good Luck!

The general thought I heard in my 2 year program is that a 4 year program is good if you are looking to advance into a supervisory level - otherwise a 2 year program is the same. Yet - I've interviewed at some hospitals that stated they were requiring all of their nurses to complete their BSN within 3 years of hiring. Whether that is a trend that hospitals are wanting their staff to all be BSNs in the future - I don't know - and I don't know how realistic it would be considering the "nursing shortage".

College admission processes appear to be rather bogus but I'm sure they have a reason for their madness. And once the class is picked I'm sure you will hear all the negatives about why this person should have been picked over that person. My college went on a points system based on completed pre-reqs and coursework, an "interview" that was more like a 3 minute presentation in front of your competing classmates, and an essay. I felt it in no way represented who was going to be the better nurse. Hang in there and keep your spirits up. :-)

I applied to 6 and got accepted to 1. It is especially tough since different schools have different pre-req requirements. But it only takes one acceptance letter!

Memorize lab values and what they mean. This will help you when you do get into nursing school. I agree with MedicalNerd - take other classes and keep your knowledge base growing

I really liked organic chemistry too - I found it more interesting and found I used it the most during my nursing school career.

Online classes, just like on campus classes, depend on the teacher. Some online classes are much harder and the instructor piles on the work and others are a cakewalk. While I was doing my pre-reqs I was taking around 22 credits a term and able to pull straight A's. But I didn't work and don't have kids - and all I did was study. It is all in what you are able to do with your own schedule and class load. My advice is if you have never gone to college don't take too much at once - start out with a normal load and then next term add classes if you feel you can handle it. Better to not take too many classes and feel you can handle more than to take too many classes and struggle through them. Pre-Reqs are very important to your nursing school success. Things like A&P and Chemistry - you not only need to pass but you need to FULLY understand them to be successful in nursing school. So be sure you aren't taking too many classes when you are taking those - they are really important in the future. Good luck

I'm 38 years old and just finished nursing school. I also just took the NCLEX and failed. But you know what - I'm still going on. Nursing school has been a tough road - the toughest road I've ever been on. MUCH tougher than I ever thought it would be 4 years ago. But when I'm actually practicing the art of nursing - I can't imagine being anywhere else. I absolutely love it. So I'm going on and taking the NCLEX again. If you REALLY want to be a nurse - you won't let something like money stand in your way - put it in perspective - it is ONLY money. Bills will get paid some way. And the kids won't be wearing the newest clothes. But when the end goal is happiness - don't let anything like money stand in your way.

Just finished nursing school and there is no way I would work during it. I was able to be a straight A student in my Pre-Reqs while carrying 22 credits a term. My nursing school wrapped up all classes (Pathophys, Pharm, Clinicals, Skills lab, etc) all into one 9 credit class and everyone had a tough time keeping up. -- If you don't have to work - don't do it.

I too recently took the test and failed. I am in the process of researching how I want to proceed and am trying to decide if I should spend $500 on Kaplan or go with Suzanne's plan. Here's to a successful 2nd try for both of us! Would love to hear everyone's thoughts on Suzanne's plan and Kaplan

Congrats to you!

My best nursing school friend and I were never able to study together - we had very different learning styles and even though we tried repeatedly to study together - it just never worked for us. Yet we remained very close friends. Each person has to do what is right for them to succeed. Nursing school is hard enough without making it any harder by studying with someone who doesn't work for you. Be open honest and move on!