klv5088

I'll share how exactly I used VATI, and hopefully it can be useful to you. For each category (fundamentals, pharm, med surg, etc.), I would first go over all the "learning activities". (Under the study plan, it says to spend only two hours on these- WRONG! Do not listen to this- This should be where the bulk of your studying takes place. I spent about two days on each of the categories learning activities. After I reviewed as best I could, I took the assessment for the category. From this, I would spend a whole day going over my focused review. Finally, I would once again go back to the learning activities that I felt were my weakest/that I missed. I repeated this exact same process until all of the categories were done. This took me about 7 weeks. I finally got my green light and took the NCLEX immediately. My biggest piece of advice would be to use these learning activities, and use them well! If content is your weakness, learn this information inside and out. Hope this was helpful :) Let me know if you have any more questions and GOODLUCK!

You will do wonderful! Please remember to remain positive and believe in yourself! Deep breaths! Let me know how it goes :) I will be praying for you and sending you positive thoughts!

I agree. Virtual ATI is wonderful if you are weak on content.

I focused on each category as I progressed through the 6 weeks. I did not look ahead or do any other subject when focusing on each one. This helped me remain focused and absorb the information. I agree, Virtual ATI is fabulous for content, but not so much questions. So if you are weak in content area, then Virtual ATI is absolutely for you.

I recommend Virtual ATI. I know many people have bashed it on here, but I strongly believe there is no way I would have passed without it! My school also utilized ATI, and I did terrible on the predictor. (Only a 72% chance of passing the NCLEX on first attempt). I knew for a fact I needed to spend the summer preparing well. I did virtual ATI and cannot say enough good things about it. For six weeks, this program completely changed the way I approached NCLEX style questions. This program got me from a 72% chance of passing NCLEX to a 99% chance of passing. I passed the NCLEX in 85 questions last week! Goodluck and stay positive:)

You need a 70% on the predictor (or 92% probability of passing NCLEX) to get the green light :)

I just recently passed the NCLEX in 85 questions, all thanks to Virtual ATI. So many people bash it, but I know for a FACT I would have never passed without it. Highly Highly recommend it:)

Hi Everyone! I have been following the NCLEX threads on AllNurses for months now in preparation for my test. Many of the posts have been encouraging to me and have helped me. I told myself that if I passed, I would share my story to act as an encouragement to others. So a little background. I went to a 4-year BSN program in Pennsylvania and was an average student, at best. I always felt I was much better in the clinical setting with hands on. I struggled with tests, but got through the program with a decent GPA. I knew that because test taking was my weakness, I needed to really spend the summer studying. I graduated in mid-May 2015. I took a week off to spend time with friends and family which I suggest! It is important to rest after a long finals week and graduation. After that week, I started to get down to business. My school did ATI and offered us the virtual ATI for free as a gift. I worked with a private tutor online (6 week program) which was both content based and NCLEX strategies. I was hesitant to putting all my time into this program because I read negative things about it on AllNurses, but ultimately decided to give it a try. For 6 weeks, I committed to this program and put all my time into it (I treated it like a full time job). I did anywhere from 4-8 hours a day, giving myself the weekends off. My coach worked with me and catered to my needs. She slowed (or progressed) the program speed in response to my assessment results. She was fabulous, and quite honestly, I do not think I would have passed without her. (Disclaimer: many people have said negative things about Virtual ATI, but I found it extremely helpful.. This is just my opinion) In addition to the Virtual ATI, I purchased the 1-month Kaplan Q-Bank ($50) and did questions when I had down time. I averaged about 40-50 a day (very low key, at night when I was getting ready for bed). I did this to ease my mind a little. So after about 2 months of studying, I got my ATT and my NCLEX date was set! I was scheduled for a Saturday morning at 9:45. The closest one to my home was an hour away, so I gave myself plenty of time to get there! The morning of, I felt to sick and nervous, but I forced myself to eat a large breakfast, full of protein! I absolutely recommend this! (Stay hydrated, as well!). I arrived at 9:00 in hopes of getting seated early. I ended up starting at 9:15. I am a christian and rely heavily on my prayer life, so after asking God for peace and courage to take on this exam, I began. My heart was pounding so hard, but I did my best to stay focused on the question in front of me. Time went so quickly! Before I knew it, I had reached 75 questions and was shaking as a clicked the "next" button. I was praying that it would shut off, but I ended up going to 76. I immediately knew I needed a break to calm myself down. I raised my hand and was escorted out to the bathroom. I again prayed, asking the Lord to help me with my nerves and keep my head clear. After a mini pep-talk in the mirror (don't laugh haha) I got back out there! After about 10 more minutes, my computer went blue! I was shocked and numb. I didn't know what to feel! It went to 85 questions. I had approximately 25 SATA, lots of meds (most I had never heard of), 1 exhibit, NO drag and drop, NO math and 1 hot spot. The rest were multiple choice. I sat in my car and cried because I felt like I didn't prove myself to the computer. I honestly didn't think I passed. There was a Marshall's/Home Goods in the same complex as Pearson Vue, so I decided to get my mind off of the exam before driving an hour back home by doing a little retail therapy. This helped to calm my nerves in preparation for my drive back home. I chose not to do the PVT because I have heard mixed reviews about it on AllNurses. Since I took my exam on Saturday morning, I knew that the quick results would not be available until Monday morning. The next 48 hours were excruciating. I kept my mind off of the NCLEX and spent time with my friends and family. On Monday morning, my hands were shaking so bad as I was logging onto the website to get my quick results. I clicked, and immediately saw the word "PASS"! I could not believe it. I felt so thankful and relieved. I am officially an RN and couldn't be happier! I know this was a long post, but I wanted to share my full story, because so many other stories on here have encouraged me along the way! YOU CAN DO IT! I passed in 85 questions and was not a strong test taker in school, so believe me. Keep the faith, think positively and work hard. You WILL be a nurse! Feel free to contact me for any more questions or if you need encouragement! :)

Can you also send me the 3 page medication guide? Thanks:) [email protected]

Congrats! That is so exciting! What would you say most of the questions were focused on? Fundamentals? Or more specific diseases and s/s? Also, what were the medication questions like? Common ones, or difficult rare ones? Any advice you have is greatly appreciated.. With my test date approaching, I am having a mild panic attack over here haha. Once again, Congrats! Go celebrate:)

Sending positive vibes your way, my friend :) Try the quick results to get a definite answer! Don't give up hope just yet until you see it in writing! I take my exam in a couple weeks. If you don't mind me asking, what was your exam made up of? Roughly how many meds, SATA, drag and drop, etc? Don't give up, keep pushing through!

I am just about wrapping up my fall semester of my senior year. I graduate in May and am starting to anticipate studying for my NCLEX. I am not a good test taker in the slightest. I am strong in clinical, and am much more confident about my nursing abilities with hands on demonstration. I suffer from test anxiety, and struggle when it comes to standardized tests. With that being said, I absolutely need to pass on the first try. I have a job lined up from my externship, and need to make sure I pass. Can anyone who recently took the exam (2013-2014) give me any advice what-so-ever? (what to expect, study strategies, etc.) I want to purchase a good review book over Christmas break, and have heard mixed reviews about Kaplan, Hurst, Saunders, etc. What worked best for all of you, and what do you recommend? Also, I struggle with SATA (Select All That Apply) questions. What is the technique to get really good at approaching these questions? Thank you very much. God Bless.