IceStar817

The PVT worked for me. I failed NCLEX-RN twice and each time it let me register again. The 3rd time, I got the "good pop-up" and I found that I passed after paying for the quick results.

Ty all and good luck for those taking the NCLEX soon! You will feel nervous and anxious when the test date draws near, but remember to breathe, focus, and tell yourself that this test aint nothing but a chicken wing (believe you can conquer it is what I'm getting at.. ). My other tips.. Don't go into the testing center with a headache and don't expect for the computer to shut off at 75 questions. You will get frustrated if you have a headache or think that the computer will shut off at 75 questions. It's really a good idea to think that if you're still getting questions than it means you're still in the game. I will continue to check this thread for any questions.

Many people including myself would say just do the questions and skip the case studies. I believe it goes up to page 87 before it hits the case studies. I just read through and did all the topics/chapters in one setting without following along in my review book. Be sure to read the rationales.

Aniya05, thanks for asking that question. Many people that are waiting to take the NCLEX for the first time would probably want to know how the questions will be worded or look like..The Kaplan question trainer questions are worded very,very similar to the NCLEX. It's just that their questions and answer choices are probably at a higher level thinking. So if you want to know how the NCLEX questions will look like when you sit for the exam, kaplan question trainers is probably the one I would look at. I completed only about a half on Trainer 1 and skimmed through the rest of Trainers 2-7. I think answering any type of questions for the NCLEX is considered to be NCLEX style as long as you're learning the content and reviewing the rationales. But if you want to look for questions that are worded or look like the actual NCLEX, I would definitely look at Kaplan Question Trainers 1-7 and PDA book as they seem to be very, very similar to the NCLEX in terms of how the questions are formatted.

Ty oztizz184, I believe the computer shut off at 103 questions, maybe 30 SATA, 2 math, 3 pics, no audio, the rest were mostly priority, delegation, assignment questions, infection control. Didn't sleep at all the night before as I was cramming.. I am a crammer .. Was feeling tired about 2 hrs before the test, so I took a power nap in my car at the testing site and woke up about 30 min prior to the test to review only the nclex review sheet and lab values.

After shutting out distractions and really focusing on studying for the test, I ended up buying alot of NCLEX review materials, so I had the following: NCSBN online review course (5 wks) Content isn't great, very hard to learn from but the questions were NCLEX type questions. I would purchase this if you're only needing questions to study from and not for content review. Kaplan - The RN Course Book: Preparation for the NCLEX-RN Examination 15th edition No online review course, just the book from amazon.com. Must have for content if you don't have time to study, minimum time needed to read over this book is about 1 wk. Only thing about this book is that it may not have all the info you need and there are no NCLEX practice questions in this book. Probably contains about 50-60% info you would need to study for the NCLEX. You would have to purchase the online Kaplan review course for the questions or just use questions from another source. For more information download the official allnurses® NCLEX Study Guide: Expert Insights to Help You Pass the NCLEX ebook... allnurses® Ebooks Library Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination 5th edition. Good review book, I just feel like it's too showy and has more info than you actually need to study for. Questions to me are okay but appears to be easy. Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment (PDA) by LaCharity 2nd edition Very important, must review for questions. I feel like this book helped me the most to prepare for the NCLEX style questions, especially for those priority, delegation, assignment type questions in which I saw alot when I sat for my 3 NCLEX attempts. Kaplan NCLEX-RN: Strategies, Practice, and Review 2011-2012 book I read through this book cover to cover but I don't think it helped me at all. Good book for questions only. Exam Cram NCLEX-RN 3rd edition You can actually skim through this book in about 2-3 hrs. It basically tells you the info you need to know for the NCLEX. Only thing, is it's a small book and the info is probably only 30% from what you would see from a Saunders's or Maryann. Good book for questions, as they are NCLEX style questions. Maryann Hogan Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN:Reviews and Rationales 2nd edition Must have for content and similar NCLEX type questions if you have time to study, minimum time needed to review this whole book is about 1 month, to me this is the best review book for the NCLEX-RN. The content is cut and dry, which was good for me. NCLEX 4000 Good for questions or alternative type questions, I didn't use it as much or maybe hardly at all. Kaplan Questions Trainers 1-7 from this website Questions are way harder than NCLEX, I would probably use this if I need questions to study. Lab Values Very important, must review right before you sit for NCLEX. Thank you for whoever posted this: LabValues[1]NCLEX review2.docx Yes, I used/reviewed them all. Some people say do as much questions as you can and others have said to study mostly content. It's really up to you on how you study. You must have the knowledge/content to answer NCLEX style questions. In addition, answering NCLEX style questions such as the ones in PDA book helps you to understand why you would choose this answer over the other. That's also important because it helps you to figure out what the questions are actually asking. You probably hear people say to review rationales all the time, well yes review them! It will tell you why you would choose this answer over the other, etc. Doing questions and reviewing the rationales to me is like reviewing content as well. For me, I mostly study content and used the questions from the book (end of chapter quizzes or the comprehensive test at the end of the book, no other review materials used for practicing NCLEX style questions). I think I ended up only studying a total of 500 questions or less from all of my 3 attempts at NCLEX-RN. You're probably thinking, why didn't I practice more questions, well I just ran out of time so I decided to review content more. And also, I did not get to finish reviewing any review books. Saunders was just too showy and hard to follow for me so I probably only read through 2-3 chapters and was like alright no more Saunders. Kaplan, the book has good straightforward info in ADPIE (assessment, diag, planning, etc) format. I probably ended up only using it for 5 chapters and switched bc I found out that Maryann book was better suited for me. The Maryann book I think I only studied through 50% of the book bc my NCLEX date was near so I didn't get to finish. I did finish the PDA and Kaplan strategies book as they were quick reads. It seems that if you're doing well during your exam, you would see more SATA questions. There will be lots of priority, delegation, assignment type questions so PDA is the best book for it. I would say that if you're pressed for time and only have about 1-2 week to study I would stick with the: Kaplan RN Course Book 15th edition, the lab value sheet I attached, the review sheet I attached, and PDA book. The Kaplan book is like a shortened version of Saunders's and/or Maryann Hogan. It seems to have about 60% of the materials you would see from either Saunders's or Maryann Hogan. Very good if you're very pressed for time. I would say that if you have about 1 month or more to study, I would use: Maryann Hogan 2nd edition book, the lab value sheet I attached, the review sheet I attached, and PDA book. The Hogan book is by far better than the Saunders and/or Kaplan RN course book. It even has NCLEX highlights, which highlights info in the chapter that is most commonly asked on the NCLEX-RN. Even if you don't have time to read through the whole book, review the NCLEX highlights in this book is probably enough. In addition, the questions in this book (end of chapter quizzes and comprehensive test is the most similar type questions you will see on the NCLEX). Hopefully, this helps those who have lots of NCLEX review materials and can't decide on which one to study on or for those who are deciding on what review material to buy for the NCLEX-RN. Good luck to everyone taking the NCLEX, if I can pass it without practicing lots of questions and reviewing all the content, you can too! NCLEX-Study-Guide-Must-READ-before-test.pdf LabValues[1]NCLEX review2.docx

Thanks for the comments everyone. I will definitely look into getting the CNA certification first.

Unfortunately i failed out of a BSN program but i am looking to go back in to perhaps an ADN program and work my way back to attain the bachelor's degree. I am confident that i will become a nurse and will be the best nurse i can be someday. I want to gain more experience as a PCT. My question is that if i failed out of a nursing program, would looking for a PCT position be out of the question until i get in another program?

Thank you all for the advice and comments! Yes, I've been deciding on trying the 2 year program route and work my way back up to get my bachelor's (RN-BSN bridge program). Yes, I will not give up my dreams and hopes of becoming a nurse. The past couple of days have been rough on me, but I'm slowly dusting it off and trying to get back on my feet. Best regards, Joe

Hello all i need some advice, I'm currently enrolled in a 4 yr nursing program in Texas. I'm in my third semester out of 4. I was a semester away from graduating with a BSN degree. This semester consisted of a full semester of critical care, half sem of pedi and half of OB. I just found out that i failed my OB course because of my OB HESI (final) exam . I failed another nursing course during my first semester. Our program has a policy that if you fail any two nursing courses, you are out of the program. So that was it for me. I feel like i let myself and my family down. I'm truly disappointed but i know i have to keep my head up and progress on. I've attended all the lectures, studied hard for this HESI exam, and really enjoyed clinical this semester for OB. I was told that i may even get the OB clinical award for this semester. Now all of my hard work is gone down the drain and i'm stuck on where to go from here. I still believe that nursing is where my passion lies and i truly want to become a nurse someday. I'm really disappointed in myself and felt like i don't know where it went all wrong. At this point, I'm starting to look forward and move on. I would like to ask if anyone out there know if a 2 or another 4 yr nursing program would accept the credits i received from my 4 yr program even though i failed twice? How does that work? I'm hoping to apply to a different program, whether it's a 2 or 4yr degree program. It's spring break and the faculties are off, so i'm hoping to set up an appointment with them after we return from the break. I would appreciate any advice or information on how to apply to a different program. Best regards, Joe

i agree with work experience is the key...

goopsy take a look at ur mail. but the short answer is yes they will teach you guys how to perform all the required checkoff skills. I will most likely not look over this thread as much anymore, so any questions you guys have please mail me through my private message box and ill do my best to answer your questions, with any personal opinions i may offer =). icestar817

you will get a packet in the mail once you mail in your acceptance letters. the packet contains tons of information about orientation and required things you must do and etc. The faculty at uta uses hp ipaq 210. Most students use an itouch or an iphone (but if you have camera capability, you must cover it during clinicals). U get a SD memory card if your pda is a PC/palm. You get a code if you have an itouch/iphone. These cards and codes is for mosby's drug reference, guides, dictionary, etc\. for when you go look up meds on your patient when you are giving it for your meds checkoff. Altogether, i would say one would probably need to spend about ohhhh let's say roughly $1700 prior to jr 1 semester. i didnt include stethoscope ($40-$190). Most students use the littman classic II SE. In my opinion, i wouldnt waste my money on buying a good one til after graduation or something. There's a $10 one at the uta bookstore that works fine also. You will need to do a blood pressure checkoff in assessment lab with an electronic hand dummy.. you measure for sys/dias BP and confirm the BP by auscultating with ur steth.

thanks you guys.. i hope u get in ayeisha, hope u guys will enjoy your first semester at uta as i have so far. so far this semester its been so much fun. at first, u will be overwhelmed with info. but after you hone in on ur skills and retain the information, its pretty much on your own at the hospital. you get to give meds with your nurse after you pass ur medication checkoff with your clinical instructor; i passed mine last week. Before you get to give meds (PO, IV, injections), you must pass this math test, which in my opinion was pretty easy although some didnt make the required 90% grade in the class to pass for giving medications. the first semester is really basic: 3 classes, assessment, foundations, and promotions. assessment is where you practice all ur basic assessment of patients (checking them head-to-toe). foundations (is by far the hardest class this semester, this is where studying nclex style questions will help), promotions in my opinion is an easy class lol, its pretty much common sense in that class. There will be 3 skills checkoff this semester; foley cather insertion (male or female), nasal gastric tube insertion, and sterile wound dressing. I've been hearing that they may add another class next semester: geriatrics because there are alot of old patients in the hospitals and that's who you will mostly see when u go to clinicals. Overall, prepare yourselves with a bombardment of info and printing of papers (utilize the LRC). The first month of nursing school will be a bit rough, my sleeping schedule was really whacky then. It has calmed down a bit for me now, thank goodness. um, and prepare to buy alot of stuff for nursing school, especially books (total cost $1200, comes in a bundle), stethoscope, lab kit for the smart hospital ($150), PDA to bring to clinicals to look up patient's medication, have to take a CPR class at UTA ($20?), getting all of the required immunizations and turning it in, buying scrubs with a patch sewed on ur left side (u will need to wear it for assessment and foundations lab.. so you might need to buy 2 sets bc u will need to wear it twice each week), white closed toe shoes, ah theres alot more lol.... if you guys have questions just ask. I hope im not already piling things on u guys but i hope u take the info i've said as a guidance. And after orientation, you will get to choose ur clinical site. It's random, but they want you to chooose ur top 10 or 11 sites that you prefer. I may have missed some information but thats all i can think of right now as i have clinicals tomorrow and i will be getting to go to OR yayyy.. hope i see something cool in there. For jr 1, you will not get to play with the dummies as much with the exception of the 3 skills checkoff i mentioned, i think you will get to see the dummies cry, sweat, etc when you get into jr2 thru sr2. You will meet alot of interesting folks, a good thing to do is set up a study group, bc it will help tremendously when studying for an exam. The instructors for jr 1 uses webct ALOT, so make sure to check it!! (it will be alot of postings, but check it, there will be pertinent information regarding to exams, etc.) icestar817

congrats you guys! i havent been on here for awhile and im happy to hear the good news.. if you live far, they will probably take 2-3 days depending where you live to get the letter.

lol yeah the one with the metal rod sticking through his face... i always play with that mask when im at the smart hospital. i wanted to use that for halloween haha.

That's good to hear goopsy, congrats!

It's a bit nostalgic reading these posts and how it reminded me of how i was in your "shoes". Just a word of encouragement, if you don't get an acceptance letter, please please don't let that make you give up becoming a nurse. Keep trying, keep motivated, keep working (retake classes to increase gpa then re-apply, etc.) because you WILL eventually be a nurse some day. Look at it as a small bump on the road, but there are plenty of alternatives to reach that dream goal of being a nurse. I know some people who were waitlisted and still got in on time b/c other students may have not met the requirements i stated in my previous post. Others may have taken the ADN route to get their BSN. Whatever you do, don't let a simple letter discourage you. If nursing is your dream, then keep at it and it will eventually come true. Hope to hear some good news soon =). The Smart Hospital is very fun and valuable to us students. They have ICU, ER, pedi, med/surge, and other rooms with high tech equipments and similar things to what we will see at a hospital setting. And you can take pictures in there too! If you're a facebook type person, you will want to take pictures when doing a foley catheter insertion on a male/female manikin during your jr 1 semester. Or when we give each other bed baths. Some of you will know what i mean.

Hey guys, my guess is that some people who were accepted but apparently may have not passed patho or pharm or any other prereq's that must be completed prior to the start of the semester, therefore may have not be able to start the program. Other assumptions could have been a criminal background. You must pay and submit a background check prior to the start of the program. Another guess is that they simply just went to a different school. I knew some people who went to orientation prior to the start of class but eventually dropped out bc they feel that nursing isn't just for them. You do get to see alot of amazing but sometimes "weird" things as you interact with real-life patients. As for the question whereas if there is any consequence if you get accepted but decide to leave uta for another school, my guess is that you'll just simply give up your spot for another student. There will be no consequences bc you havent turn in any paperwork or haven't attended the mandatory orientation. If you do go to the orientation but still decide to drop out of the program, Ms. Ashwill will be the one to talk to for that. There will be some paperwork done saying that you want to drop out etc.

Hi goopsy i sent you a pm. Misspink and goopsy, i wouldn't worry about your hesi scores. For those who don't know why they're accepting about 110 student now instead of the traditional 100 is because now they're doing the accelerated 1 yr BSN online program starting this fall. They will ask/select 10 students to participate in that program whereas the other 100 students can just stick with the traditional 2 yr route. They're only allowing additional 10 students to join if there's enough willing students that will do the accelerated online program. Let me know how things turn out for you guys! =)

Misspink86, as goopsy stated, i really think you have a very good chance. Looking back at the hesi a2 requirement on the uta.edu/nursing site, it states that for Spring 2010 applicants. I was mistaken in thinking that they're now using it as an admission criteria. Anyhow, I think they favor those students with high science gpa more so you seem to be in very good shape. Not to say that it's a guarantee that you will be accepted (i hope u do though!) but no doubt in my mind that you should definitely get an interview. Not only gpa's are considered a highly regarded aspect of the admission process but they also consider the interview process as an important part in determining their applicants in the selection process.

Thanks misspink86, i wish you the best of luck and hopefully you'll get in!! Unfortunately i don't remember exactly what i made on my hesi a2 since i took it so long ago and we didn't get a printout of our scores or anything but i think i remember my scoring range was from 75% to 90% on the categories on that test. I remember i did poorly on the vocab part (medical terminologies). Back when i took it, our hesi a2 scores weren't used for admission purposes but now they are.

Hey that's great news, congratz Ebouster!!

Thanks jackson, i will pm you if there's something in general about class/clinical that i'm confused about

Thanks jackson, RN! Congratz on finishing school, i'm excited for you haha!! I knew some of the girls that graduated from your class this year. I will definitely keep your words in mind when we start classes. Best regards