KimmyKat45

Some programs have very high NCLEX pass rates, and I believe this has a direct correlation with pass/fail rates. If a RN program is easier, then this is often reflected in lower school NCLEX rates. In my program usually about 1/4 does not make it through the first semester. After the first semester the retention rate is much higher. The program is hard, but my school has had a 97-100% pass rate for quite some time, while others in my state are at 70%. Some students have too many outside commitments that interfere with the time that our program demands. Our instructors recommend only working very part time at the most. Those of us with families and children have great support systems. While some lack the drive, for the most part we all have had a long road just to get this far and are working our tails off. Most states publish the NCLEX pass/fail rates by school and the data is pretty interesting. Kimmy Kat

I would agree with the previous poster. The summer session is abbreviated and therefore the information is crammed into a shorter time frame. The three classes you are contemplating are all tough classes and will require a lot of time. I would ask yourself a few questions before you decide. 1. Are you working in the summer? 2. What other commitments do you have? (husband, kids, house) 3. If you are overwhelmed with the load can you drop one during the add/drop period? 4. How important is it that you get great grades in these classes? Would you be happy to get a B/C in them, or is it imperative you get an A in them all? Good luck with your decision! KimmyKat

Thank you all for the GREAT comments and tips! The exam is done and I'm pretty sure I scored a solid B. The key to my success was taking my time, circling the key words, and crossing out the obvious incorrect answers. When I had completed the exam I had time to go back over each question to be sure I read everything correctly, and also to double check my answers. Wearing earplugs was super helpful as well. It doesnt matter if you are the last one done, use every available second. The NCLEX style question practice is a MUST for anyone who is yet to have their first exam. The best part is.....it will never be my first nursing exam again~~! KimmyKat

If it has been a while since you have taken dosage I would suggest reviewing your textbook from that class. We have these type of questions on all our exams, as well as having to pass a test in our first fundamentals class. Many of my classmates had taken dosage a long time ago and needed the refresher. Good Luck~~~! KimmyKat

I'm a first year student in an ADN program, and we have our first exam coming up soon (Nclex style). I've read the tips, practiced questions in my review books, and I've read and reread all the material. I feel confident that I know the material and I have prepared myself well.....but I'd love to hear from people who have already taken the first exam. Was it more difficult than you thought? How did you do? Any additional tips? Thanks in advance! KimmyKat