PayitForwardHolistic

I used Kaplan as it was provided through my school. I tried to make the decision tree work for me but I found it to be pretty useless overall. The only portion I used on the NCLEX-RN was eliminating options that were "psychosocial." In my opinion, Saunders strategies were far more useful.

Congratz to you as well Chandraon2011. I saw your post asking for prayers only a few days before my post. Your post was part of my inspiration to ask the AN community for prayers.

Completely agree!

LOL Bounce on! Keep the blood moving and pumpin' up your brain! It worked for me :)

Thank you ChazzW. Reading AN NCLEX discussion board is how I started each day as I prepared for my exam. Success stories from previous repeat test takers really helped keep me motivated and get my head in the game before delving into practicing endless NCLEX questions.

You can do this! I am not 100% about anything r/t the pn exam...but to strengthen your approach and understanding/stratagy on how to answer SATA, I would strongly recommend using Saunders and NCLEX 4000 or 3500 online (they had very if not identical questions in each program). I'm a list maker, so any and every SATA I ever came across I added it to my notes. For Example: Developing a SECURITY Plan, a RN must consider whichFactors? When developing a security plan for a pediatric unit,the nurse should consider the identification of neonates, infants, toddlers,children, and adolescents; the facility's physical layout; available resources to obtain and maintain thesecurity plan methods for educating staff.

I'll be praying for you Angel. You can do this! I agree with Sasha RN to read every question. On my exam, there were countless times where I saved myself from answering incorrectly (the 2nd best answer) by taking a moment to re-read the question to make sure I was answering exactly what it was asking. I don't 100% agree with ppl who say the test isn't hard. I took it 3x, passed on the 3rd attempt. on my last attempt I finished with 76 questions and I still thought the exam was hard... BUT really, in regards to difficulty of the exam I think it is MOST IMPORTANT to remember EVERYONE's exam is different! When you go in there, free your mind of any concern about the question's lvl or difficulty. On both my 1st and 2nd attempt I was stressing(and/or paying too much attention to) the type of questions I was getting. On my 3rd attempt, I obviously recognized the type of question I was on; but regardless of its form I stayed focused to that question. (don't expect for the exam to shut off after #75) In my opinion, the best thing I did on my 3rd attempt was going in there expecting all 265 questions...it helped me to really keep my head in the game. Stay focused, pray often, and stay positive.

https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/kaplan-trainer-5-a-663869.html Found this question in an older post... I think the following user summed it up pretty well

I received a PM from someone who couldn't find my EKG post... so I wanted to go ahead and re-share it here for everyone. This is the ONLY EKG reference I used, and it definitely came in handy on my big day https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/ekg-interpretation-903835.html

Thank u Hadassah. I actually miss studying for the NCLEX. What's wrong with me lol.

Hi again, I just wanted to add something now that all the anxiety and anticipation is over. First, let me say having strangers become family through God was truly another blessing from Him. A week ago today, I continually read your posts of encouragement and prayers. Because (not to make assumptions) but I think most fear or have anxiety regardless of how they felt the test went. One of my biggest concerns is that I felt I did well. Over the past year, I have read countless posts of those who passed the beast state that they felt they failed. In my opinion, my optimism scared more than if I were being pessimistic. Before I found God and even after I did, I always expected the worst. So, for me to expect the best was something new for me. As I read your posts, I prayed that God was speaking through each of you... This truly gave me strength. As it turns out, I believe God did in fact speak through you. I just wanted to take a moment and again thank you all for you support. My journey to become a nurse has been in His hands all the way through. Even when I did not know that He was working. Having failed 2 previous attempts, I CONSTANTLY reminded myself that is it all in Gods hands. I saw a post on here, where someone commented on my 2nd post being a "testimony." That was truly inspirational to me and really supported my faith. Of course, I am not proud to say I failed twice, but I am however blessed that it did not happen without reason. I am blown away by the number of hits my OP received. For all of you who are going to re-take the test, please know we are all here for you. I am simply so grateful for the AN community and wanted all of you to know how much I appreciate you.

Of course, anytime!

hi Amy, I had other study guides but I hardly looked at them, I found creating and recreating personal study guides helped me the most. For Ex: as I answered thousands of questions I took note of when "calling the physician" would be the correct answer...Or for certain positions, I would create a list.... Like for Left lateral trendelenburg (For air embolism in pt receiving TPN) or High Fowlers (eating, NTG insertion, pt experiencing possible autonomic dysreflexia) I get bored very easily when studying, so the entire experience had to be active. I am not one who can just sit and stare at notes... even in school, I had to re-write my own notes, color coordinate them, and organize all the info in ways that made sense to me. The only info I did use from the study guide on AN was Transmission based precautions.... Oh and I saw an awesome one from a recent passer for vaccines.. 2 mo: HH-DIP (HIb, HepB, DTAP, IPV, PCV) 4 mo: H-DIP (Hib, DTap, IPV, PCV) 6 mo: HH-DIP FLU ( Hib, Hep B, IPV, PCV, Flu vaccine, starts now, give annually) 12 mo: H- MVP (Hib, MMR, Varicella, PCV) Also for EKG's If you visit my profile on AN---> activity--> You'll see a thread for "EKG Interpretation"... I used this packet to study ekgs for the nclex.

The ONLY thing that matters about Passing the NCLEX-RN... is.. PASSING the NCLEX-RN! I speak to you after 2 previous failures. And now that I have passed on the 3rd attempt, I can truly say, how many times it takes you doesn't matter one bit! So what if you can't say, " I passed the first time with only 75 Questions." (To those of of you who achieved this, congrats to to you!! You are an inspiration.) But to those who, like me, can not say they have achieved the above, KNOW THE PASS in the end is All that matters!! A little bit about me: I took FOREVER to get through Nursing school. I put myself through school, without support from my family. I will say that in doing so, I found my new family. So if you are also someone starting or continuing this journey on your own, it can be done. I graduated with honors and earned a few 4.0's in there. Still, I did NOT pass the NCLEX the first time. Nor did I pass the 2nd time. But I DID pass the 3rd time! Below I hope to share the highlights of my journey. And please, if you have more questions comment away. :) The incredible is never the impossible; The possible is never as incredible." -PayitForwardHolistic 1st Time: I did the WORST thing I could have possibly done. I listened to classmates who made me believe "I just graduated from nursing school, I either know it or I don't."Well, $200 gone, I Failed and was left feeling like a pile of poo, Feelings of "I am a failure, I know nothing." I fell into a deep depression. And you know what this did for me? Nothing. I lost myself for a bit. I was forced to continue forward. The force came from my BF and financial constraints. So going into my... 2nd time: I got a job. While it was nice to have a lil income, the job distracted me from studying and preparing for my future. I again was kinda forced to schedule the next available test. so 46 days later I once again entered Pearsonvue testing center. To prepare for the 2nd attempt, I did about half of the QBank on Kaplan and QTrainer 1-4. From the CPRs from the first 2 attempts, I really felt like testing strategies was my weak point. Of course there is no way to know everything there is to know for the NCLEX RN. So to prepare for my 3rd attempt. I used Saunders 6th ed online software. I LOVED this bc it allowed me to complete all the questions but have the questions presented to me focusing on the testing strategies. For example, the "Comparable or alike items." I also did every possible alternate format NCLEX questions I could find. Which Thank GOD! Bc on my 3rd attempt was almost all alternate format questions. Seriously, out of my 76 questions, I had maybe 7-10 old school MC's questions. Kaplan definitely helped me to prepare for those 7-10 questions. But I must say, that Saunders also helped me on those 7-10 questions. For the alternate format questions... I Completed ALLL alt format questions available on NCLEX 4000, and did a few from the NCLEX 3500... Only bc I noticed they are pretty identical to those provided on the NCLEX 4000 CD... (if that makes any sense). Also, in my last day of prepI did Kaplan's NCLEX Test 4... which was all alt form questions. So if you have time to dedicate some time to this, i recommend it, but if you don't have access to Kaplan, it is not a must. In regards to Kaplan: I completed 100% of the QBANK with only a 52% overall. I have extreme testing anxiety and was actually in the process of getting accommodations, but it was taking forever so on whim I paid pearsonvue. Throughout my BF was kinda pushy to take the next available test. But unlike my first 2 attempts I didn't listen to him. Instead I stood up for myself and said "Listen, this is my 3rd attempt. IF I fail, I have to go back to school and that will be even more of a financial drain that if I wait another 2-3 weeks to take this bad boy" Luckily (and unexpectedly, he heard me and supported me). I also did not wish to take the test on the weekend. The first attempt was on a Saturday and the 2nd time was on a Friday. Not gonna lie, I was feeling superstitious to take it on the weekend. So Instead I scheduled for the first monday avail at 2pm. I am not a morning person,I never have been. LOL to be honest I am a straight grump at 8am. up until the Friday before, I was checking pearsonvue to see if maybe a Tuesday or wends slot opened... So yes, I was still in a state of panic, despite all of the preparation I had put into this attempt. The morning of the exam, I woke up and felt "pumped!" After I posted on AN "Please PRAY... I Failed...BUT" I was gathering my things (lunch,ID) and had a panic attack. My BF Said "Do you know your stuff, are you gonna pass!?" I whimpered and all I could say confidently is "It's in God's hands." So I calmed down for a few minutes and Had my BF drive me to the testing center. Before getting out of the car I again swelled in tears and my BF asked me the same question... and I said, "There is nothing more I could have done to prepare." To see how exam day went, kindly visit here OH 1 more thing about how I prepared for my 3rd attempt. Rather than "test" myself on how well I knew lab values, I had post-it notes on my computer which listed the values. As i did thousands of practice NCLEX questions I referenced these values... I figured whats the point of stressing myself out and wasting time worrying "what are those ranges again??" Instead, in having them readily available I focused on understanding WHY the values would be significant. So say, all 4 answer choices presented me with abnormal lab values, I wasn't focused on how out of range they were, but instead was more focused on which abnormal value was of a biggest concern. (The point was not to just memorize the numbers, but rather understand them) And on exam day, at the top of my board I wrote "I will pass the NCLEX-RN. I Will be a Registered Nurse, BC I Will HELP Ppl" & "Jeremiah 29.11"

Hi All, I Still have not received my official letter from my BON... and I didn't pay for quick results... BUT I do have my name on my states BON with my RN#... I PASSED~~ YAY!!! TY everyone for your support. I will be posting my story sometime tomorrow.But Please feel free to continue posting here and i will reply as well. I couldn't have done this without all your support and prayers!! TY each so much.

Hi everyone, No, I haven't done the trick and I am not going to. I'd rather have all this be 100%. In the previous two attempts I received mail from my BON within 3 business days after testing. I have been checking the BON and nrsys for my name. I had a friend who tested in the same state as me and her name went up the next day after she passed....Soo now I am lil nervous that I didn't pass bc my name isn't up yet. I was searching the web and AN forever last night trying to read stories about ppl who passed and/or who failed with 76 questions. I Know we are all different and every test is different. (I Hate CAT P.S.) But 76 seems like such a weird number to fail at.

Congratulations Memi RN

Thank you AngelAsherah! My feeling is in and out... Mainly I am really pumped... but I then I have a moment where I become worried and find myself thinking "what-if"... **Side note to all who read my long ramble..sorry for all the typos. I blame the adrenaline:yes:

WHOOT Whoot!! I couldn't wait to get home to let anyone who saw my OP that I finished with time to spare. Holy WOW!! Pass or Fail... I am finally gonna say this publicly. This was my 3rd attempt! In the previous 2 attempts... The first time I 100% knew I ran out of time...but held on to a lot of hope that some miracle would happened and I would add to the VERY SMALL % of those who pass on the R-O-O-T rule. 2nd time: I honestly was not sure if I finished the exam when the screen went blue or if I ran out of time. *Of note (bc I searched everywhere in the past).... ---1st attempt (100% knew I ran out of time, bc I got a lil' window pop-up that said time expired,exam ended) This pop was clear as day bc it popped up while I was working on a question. And I had to click "end" or maybe it said "ok" before my screen turned blue and then brought me to the exit survey questions. ---2nd attempt: I had just finished a question. Screen went blue at the exact same time the lil pop-up window appeared... I did NOT have to click anything on the lil window before I was presented with the exit survey. For the record this was AWEFUL bc I truly did not know if I ROOT or if I literally finished in the nick of time...and too be honest I still couldn't say for sure if I failed bc the computer calculated confidently that I had passed or failed at the moment.... or if once again this failed result was determined using the R-O-O-T rule... On today's exam, I went in there 100% prepared to use all 6 hours and all 265 questions, and TRULY I PRAYED so much for the endurance to keep my head in the game and asked God to please at least let me answer all 265 questions with at least 3 minutes to spare. I Really wanted to know that I did or did not fall into the R-O-O-T rule. So at question 30-34 (somewhere in there) I got a pop up for the scheduled first break. So 2 hours already gone and at least 230 questions to go. I raised my hand and took my break. (I was dancing in my chair I had to pee so bad lol)... Went on my break at some of my tuna sandwich (and saved a few bites for my next break). Drank some Gatorade and OJ and took a few bites of a CLIF bar. All the while, I was dancing (literally) trying to keep my self pumped up and determined. I went back to my lil' test cube and was presented with a new question... ANXIETY kicked in as I looked at that darn timer. I quickly shook it off, took my hand off of the mouse, sat back in my chair and prayed...Opened my eyes, grabbed my lil' marker and wrote "FAITH" at the top of my board, circled it, and then as I put my hand back on the mouse I thought to myself, "Alright God, we got this! Questions came and went, I looked at the question counter at #66, and notes I had 3hours and 20-40 mins to complete all 265 questions... felt a lil' panicked and thought to myself maybe I'll finish at 75.. but then oh my Gosh, I don't want that I don't want to finish at 75 just to be done... (In the past 2 attempts, I prayed and prayed for the darn exam to end)...Anywho, I was on question 74 and I seriously sat there with answer already selected... my mind wondered as I tried to make another option work... Admittedly, I was procrasting, I wasn't ready for question number 75... On question 75, I felt like.... Hmmmm Lol I honestly can't even tell you how I felt...I guess mainly I recalling being a lil' nervous (a lot less anxiety than that of #74)... I hit submit and Got question #76.... God totally stepped in as at this moment, before even reading the question, I silently chuckled to myself, "Alright NCLEX you wanna challenge me with all 265 questions...BRING IT!! I looked at the answer and thought, seriously, I must be doing bad, the answer seemed so obvious...thinking to myself. "whatever, just answer the question...I will have many more questions to prove myself... Selected my answer and without any hesitation clicked submit, I did a lil bouncing in my chair.. Bring it NCLEX, Bring it!" In the midst of my bounce, the screen went straight BLUE!!! And there was no lil pop-up window!!... Thinking "What the heck are you serious, my computer glitched.... I looked back at the pearsonvue testing window (behind me), like UM can u come fix my computer.... Then the screen (still blue) said "processing or loading results"... My Hand still never lifted from the mouse, I sat there ( I don't think I was breathing, and a maybe some PVCs)... The exit survey popped up.... At this point I couldn't even read any other word than "NCLEX." and only bc it was in bold font LOL... As I checked out with pearsonvue, I was all bubbly and talkative.... I walked out and down the hall, (maybe 15 ft) before I stood at the top of the stairs, and then it hit me like a tidal wave. I fought the tears until I made it outside, where I sat on the bench, waiting for my boyfriend to come and pick me up. Let me tell you guys/gals... I BAWLED!! Like hard-core, body slouched over, head in my legs bawled!!! And all I could think was... " I don't think I failed." Cried harder and prayed harder... please Lord let this be true....after telling Him, repeatedly how much " I want this!" I simply prayed that he stay with me and guide me whatever the result may be...And whatever the result may be; If I failed, I know He will guide me; If I Passed I know He will guide me. Anywho... LOL sorry this is a long long reply but like I said I couldn't wait to get home and check AN to see & respond to anyone who prayed for me. Whatever the result, this is all for Him! I owe my life to Him!

I am heading to pearsonvue in T-20 minutes to go and defeat the beast! I plan to be there all 6 hours and all 265 questions. Lord willing, I will survive!!!

Hey such_sweet_sorrow, Wishing you luck and praying for you. I am also testing later today. If you get this in time, my advice is try not to worry about losing your job...Instead, remember every question is one step closer to achieving your dream!

Congratz to u!!! I am so happy God heard our prayers. I am retesting on Monday 3/24/14 at 2pm. I need all the prayers I can get. Plz keep us posted when u get the official result and be sure to share ur success story.

Nikkinisms--- Now that you have taken the NCLEX RN... How would you respond to your original post/question....

Sent a special prayer up for you and all others who are testing tomorrow. I am retesting VERY soon and God will get us through. I have this on a note card next to my study area:

Saunders NCLEX-RN Review I used Lewis for med-surg 1 and 2 (WOW, I can't believe its under $2.00 for a used copy!!) This book was my baby LOL Best Care-Plan Book (I've tried them all, this one will save you TONS of time for all care plans in NSG school)