manoagirl

I took the NCLEX last October and cried all the way home..thinking I had failed. I did the try to register when I got home and got the "cannot register at this time" message and knew I had passed. Talk about relief. That was the HARDEST test I have ever taken. I studied the Kaplan decision tree course and method. It was OK. I'm sure it helped. But, I still felt like every question was unknowable. I think I was just too nervous, and couldn't calm down. I'm finishing up my first year in the Masters Nursing program at UH Manoa in Honolulu, currently, in their FNP track. Now, that's hard. I'm sure I could re-take the NCLEX now and ace it. Looking backwards, without all the pressure to get my RN before beginning my Fall MSN classes (which I was already registered for), I think I would have done better. Anyway, the pressure makes this test unusually hard...but, I don't think it is as hard as I remember it. Good luck to you all and relax and think clearly...you only have to answer 75 correctly and you're done...so, take your time.

Wait a minute....you began your NP career at 60? Ok..that's the best news yet. I graduated from nursing school over 60...for all those out there that think life isn't constantly renewing itself...60 is glorious! I already have an RN job, love life, and can't wait for all the new information to begin again. I plan on opening my own business when I graduate as an FNP. I have tons of business experience and successes, so this should be exciting. Any advice?

Loved your NP description! I'm 3 semesters from my FNP graduation..then sit for accreditation. I would like your input on whether or not a board cert. is really necessary? Does it translate to better jobs and salary? I'm a newly passed RN in a Masters program at Univ. Hawaii...with a new dream job in Dermatology. Just started and already know this is my life. That's where I'm headed as an NP. Not primary care. Learned to never work in a hospital during my clinical rotations. Not interested at all. Love to hear more about your work/speciality...what state do you pactice? Aloha!

Here in Hawaii, the PVT works every time. Usually within two hours post test. The test is graded immediately, so by the time you drive home, and go back online, you should be able to see the 'good' verbiage re "this candidate has previously passed this exam..." I passed this monster early October, and I'm still shaking from the experience. I recommend anyone about to take this to TAKE YOUR TIME on every question...do the decision tree, even though it looks like the questions are not decision tree questions....they still need assessment/implementation eval, patient safety before anything, chain of command and delegation discernment, and with meds, know your endings and what class of meds they belong to...look for patterns in the topic and eliminate your answers...do NOT pick your answers first...absolutely do not do this...eliminate, eliminate, eliminate,and and ask yourself if the answer makes sense to the topic. This is a seriously critical thinking type test. At the end, you will feel like you failed. But, if you studied and took the nclex class online or in person..you will pass. if you just walk in there and take the test without studying nclex review...you might fail. this is an nclex style exam...the questions are not like those in school. so, know your nclex. practice your questions, take those long tests. it will work.

Yes...you passed. that is what all 'passers' get when they try to re-register for nclex after taking it.

I'm shocked that you are putting yourself at risk like this. Quit this job and report the abuse immediately to your nursing association in your area. In my opinion This is actionable misuse of staff. And, it puts your patients in harms way if you are not performing at optimum. Why are you doing this? Hourly, you would be making the same amount of money if you worked in a regular 8 hour non-nuring job. Try a clinic or doctors office with regular hours. We teach people how to treat us...and, you are teaching this employer that you don't have an 'off' switch. Take action and do your best elsewhere.

Hello, Kudos to you for keeping your dream alive by DOING it. I just graduated 2 weeks ago from the MEPN program at University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Nursing. I'm 61 years old. I started doing my prerequisites at age 59. It is never too late, if you are committed to staying through this program. It is hard, and it is nothing but work, work, work, and you feel like you are stupid and never going to catch on. Just stay with it. Keep studying. Don't waste time. Personally, I feel that a 2 year program would have made more sense for me, but I got accepted, so I just jumped in. There is a difference between learning at this age, and younger. It is harder. But, it is also not impossible. I'm not sure a community college will accept older students over younger students for nursing, but go ahead and try. Make sure you have all the necessary classes and great grades. Write a compelling and truthful letter of admission. My advice is to take a basic chemistry class, and A & P, and Microbiology classes before you get into nursing school. You will look better and go faster. You will also have a MUCH easier time in school. If you can get a Pharmocology as well, you will REALLY charge ahead. These were the toughest classes to handle. I think you have to have one Math (Statistics) as well. Chip away at it and just do it. I'm studying for my NCLEX-RN at the moment, and I'm still floored that I've made it this far. It's a fabulous life, go for it!