Prettybrowngirl

It was a total of 10 years to actually get through all the pre-reqs and to get into nursing school. Once I was actually in my nursing program there was nothing that I would allow to stop me after I went through so much to be there in the first place! So glad to inspire others--I'm just paying it forward.

@nursel56, RNsRWe, Cookie.monstar Thanks so much! I'm still pinching myself in disbelief hahaha--and I'm still looking myself up on the Board's website thinking "it really does say Registered Nurse."

I focused my content studies mostly on M/S, making sure to cover the main systems like CV, Endocrine, Resp. I reviewed the main stuff in Psych (disorders, coping mechanisms, meds), I did a thorough review of OB because that was not a favorite of mine, and finally just breezed through Peds. My NCLEX was M/S heavy! I did only study for 3 weeks. The weekend before my test I started panicking thinking it wasn't enough time, I'm not ready, my practice scores aren't good enough, etc.--STOP!! Take a deep breath. Find your chill. You got this. Honestly, I just graduated in May and if after another 3 weeks reviewing I still didn't know, well there wasn't much else I could do. Seems like you might have already taken the NCLEX by now since I'm a few days late responding. I'd love to know how it went for you. I'm sure you're fine!

Thank you and yes it's amazing how relieved I feel! I have my life back lol. Happy studying for your upcoming NCLEX test. I'm sure you'll be successful--I'll look for your "I passed!" post. :)

Thanks so much! No I'm in AZ. I took the test yesterday morning at 8. My license status was updated by 11 am today to "passed NCLEX RN". I had an active official license before 3 pm today :-)).

This was a battle I fought for over 10 years with lots of starts and stops, but I got confirmation this morning that I officially passed the NCLEX-RN and I'm on cloud 9! My test shut off at 75 and I was a nervous wreck! No one could convince me that I passed. I did the PVT like 10 mins after my test, when it said "Delivery successful" and got the good pop-up. That did not help ease my anxiety at all. Needless to say, my worry was for nothing (thankfully) and I wanted to share what I did to pass. I've did so much lurking on here to see how to approach studying for the NCLEX. IMO you honestly need to know your personal strengths/weaknesses and how you learn best. Some people do great with just doing questions and reading the rationales, others need more content review. I actually had very good grades throughout nursing school and finished in the top 5 of my class (as I was told by one of my professors). For me, I felt a good content review was my comfort zone. I studied for about 3 weeks before testing. I used the Saunders 5th ed NCLEX book and that was for me a HUGE help. There were only 3 questions I was absolutely sure of on the entire NCLEX and I remembered reading the topics in the Saunders book. I spent time reviewing every system. My reasoning was that I was not only studying to pass the NCLEX, but making sure I would be starting my nursing career with a good knowledge base. The Priority and Delegation book was another big help. I did nearly all 18 chapters. It helped with solidifying how to delegate and helped with the who to see first questions. I have an amazing friend who gave me access to their Kaplan and NCSBN. I wasn't a big fan of Kaplan. I only did Q-bank questions a few times--my scores were as low as 53% and up to 78%. The NCSBN has a fairly good basic content systems review. I felt that the question bank really challenged me and taught me how to better answer the higher level NCLEX questions. I barely ever got the recommended 75% on NCSBN; I averaged between 65-70% and felt frustrated often at my scores. I wrote a study plan out and stuck to it. As has been said so many times, do lots of questions and read rationales even on those you get right. I also learned not to get so hung up on my scores on practice questions. The NCLEX, to me, was like nothing I can even describe. The questions were so far out there. I feel that having a firm grasp on the content, along with the practice I got with answering higher level questions and alternate format questions really helped me pass. To me it came down to knowing your stuff along with using strategy and good clinical judgement to get to the right answer. BTW, I sat for the NCLEX being a nice, big 8 months pregnant lol. I mentally prepared for 265 questions; I studied 8+ hrs a day with the hope of doing only 75. My hard work payed off. I hope someone finds my experience useful, much the same as so many here did for me. All the best to everyone studying for and preparing to take the NCLEX!

I took AP 1 in another state and got credit for it. They had me re-take AP 2 because it was only 3 credits and Maricopa colleges require 4 credits. I took it online at Phoenix College. It was tough and the only reason I got a B was because I'd taken it before. I learned a lot though. I don't have any recommendations and I'd say the online A&P will require you to be really disciplined.

Thank goodness I don't have midterm exams :-/. I'm on a MUCH needed spring break! This semester is flying isn't it? Hope that holds true for the rest of our programs :-). I hope you and all the other LPN--->RN students are hanging in there. A few more weeks to go and this semester is ovah! Take care and wishing everyone well.

Our grades are not posted yet, but I think I did well. We had a two part exam on respiratory and perioperative care. It was by far mostly situational questions. I really hate the select all that apply, but since they will be on the NCLEX I guess I have to get used to them :-). Have you gotten any specific info on how or what to study?

My first exam is tomorrow ?. I was really focused on patho, then two of my professors said there won't be any patho on the exams, just nursing interventions, teaching, patient safety, etc. That REALLY helped me and hopefully it'll pay off tomorrow. Anything in lecture that we were told we needed to know, I've given a lot of attention to also. Do you have a syllabus that outlines the main objectives? I'd definitely ask my professor too. Best wishes and happy studying! :-)

I'm finding the support here to be an amazing resource! You are totally right when you said that this is a small portion of my life. I keep thinking and saying the very same thing. When I think I can't do this, I start thinking about how I will feel if I don't do this. It would most likely be one of my biggest regrets, because I've wanted to be an RN for so long. Whether you work or not, where there's a will there is a way! I know of a lady that was newly divorced with 4 really young kids that put herself through a BSN program while working--because she had too and she wanted a better life for herself and her kids. We will both get through this. :-)

That's awesome! :-). Congrats on finishing the RN program and I'm more than sure you'll do just fine on the NCLEX! I'm now much more focused after getting past the first few days and learning more about my schedule and the syllabus. I'm in my zone now! I'm hoping the time flies by for me as it did for you. Your kind words are so appreciated! :-)

It really helps knowing that someone else is feeling the same way about doing the LPN-RN. We can absolutely do this! Kinda nice not to have clinicals for a semester huh? I wish you all the success with your program!

So glad to read this!! Really, really needed the encouragement.:-)