Retaking Nclex RN after being out of school for 2 years!!

[mzkatlb, ASN, RN]

I'm about to retake the Nclex-RN after being out of school for 2 years. My mom died 4 months before I graduated in Sept 2013. That devastated my life but I was able to plan her funeral and still push through finishing school. I didnt take the test right after graduating. I think I went through a depression for about 6 months after graduating because I didnt really get a chance to grieve after her passing. I took the Nclex in Oct 2014 didnt pass. I was too afraid to take it again without an refresher course. Everybody kept recommending the Kaplan review but I couldnt afford the $500. I currently work as a PCT in the only level one trauma hospital in my state. I have 3 school age kids so it's been difficult. Few months ago a relative who is also of RN in offered to pay for the Kaplan review. I completed the Kaplan review in Sept which I loved the Kaplan review. Now I'm about to scheduled my date but I haven't decided if I should take before or after the holidays. I also saw available days to schedule on Saturdays as well. I just wanted to get others opinion does it make difference on taking on the weekdays vs weekends. I'm thinking it would be less of a crowd on a Saturday and that's what my gut is telling me. I know for sure when I do schedule my date. I'm not telling anyone not my Dad or my husband because I dont need any negative energy. My Dad keeps asking me when I'm taking my test. I just going to do it. I live in Alabam by the way and the closest testing center to me in is Hoover, AL. Does anyone know about the testing facility in Decatur, AL?

[ontnursec]

First, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine loosing someone close to me like that during the stress of school. I can understand how failing the first time got you worried, plus having a job and three kids doesn't make things easier.

Its really good you did the review course. I kind of put things off for a while after finishing school and didn't write mine until Nov, and I graduated in June. I found I just had to force myself to schedule it, and then with that deadline approaching, studying was easier for me. Are you still studying? Being out of school for a while, I'd try reading a text book to brush up on your content, Saunders is very comprehensive. Also, the book Prioritization, Delegation and Management is great.

Also try to be answering questions, get an app or try the UWorld free trial.

As for scheduling, I found in my area, writing in Nov was not very busy (grads are writing around grad time, in the summer and late winter after the holidays). So writing before the holidays will likely be less busy, but again, this is my area and my experience.

I wish you well!

[NaijaPrincess15]

Dont get discouraged! For me kaplans strategy book and lippincott prepu saved me. the prepu questions are very similar to the actual NCLEX!!

[mzkatlb, ASN, RN]

Thanks for your suggestions!!! I'm just now seeing this!! I will be taking it next month. I using the Kaplan Review book. I also still have access to ATI, so I used that and Saunders review questions from CD to practice questions.