So how long did you study before taking the NCLEX?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 17, 2006

I took my NCLEX over 2 months after completing my nursing program, but not by choice.

Most people know that obtaining initial licensure in California takes forever. I completed school October 14 and my paperwork was sent to the state that same day. I received my authorization to test on November 21 and finally tested on December 28. Overall the process took over 2 months, but I would have taken it immediately if possible.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · May 17, 2006

Dont expect to get through that whole book. Use it as a study guide and mix it up a bit between computer programs and the book. Use a separate piece of paper to mark your answers to the questions in the book so you can reuse the tests if needed. A lot of the computer programs that come with the books will mix up the questions for you so no two tests seem to be the same. One day use the book and one day use the computer tests. And dont forget to READ the study tips/test taking strategies in the front of the book if nothing else.

Ive always encouraged new grads to take the NCLEX asap after graduation. Make your appointment as soon as you get your ATT and use that amount of time to study. If you are able to take it BEFORE the baby comes all the better. You wont have anything else on your mind when testing. It wont ever be as fresh in your mind as it is as soon as you graduate. Ive also found that most people who think they want to take time to study, dont study with the committment they thought they would have much past a couple months.

landonsles · May 17, 2006

:yeahthat:

I would highly encourage you to take the NCLEX before the baby if at all possible. I, too, am due in June (6/22 to be exact, but babies are never "exact" LOL) and I have scheduled my test for next Thursday 5/25.

Also--since this is your first baby, you do not know how you are going to feel, or even how your baby is going to be temperment wise. You may end up not even wanting or being able to prepare to take it as soon as you'd like.

Hebrews 13:5 · May 17, 2006

...IvoryLena, I would schedule it ASAP if I were in your shoes....Landonsles is right and you probably won't need to read everything in that Saunders book having just graduated. I know my weak areas and that's where I've focused on.I mean I'm not wasting my time on what I already know very well. However, there's no harm in taking your time before scheduling it when you feel you are much more ready.Don't rush...Graduated last week and couldn't believe my eyes today when I opened my email and saw my ATT. My school didn't waste time in sending our info. at all. I scheduled it immediately for June, 13th. I've been studying since the begining of the semester and happened to have taken my Hesi exit last week with a score of over a thousand. I have taken my Kaplan class last month and just doing their Q bank right now. I feel I'm so ready to take this thing and forget all about it!......:heartbeat

MrsCannibal · May 19, 2006

I totally agree with the above posts...don't wait until after your baby comes (congrats by the way! :wink2: ). First of all, I just had my daughter March 9th, and I was pretty much a zombie for the last part of school...secondly, I graduated May 9th, got my ATT the 12th, and tested the 17th (found out I passed the 18th, woohoo!). At my school, we were told over and over that it is better to test asap. I think that you will be better off testing while you are still sharp from school and not waking up every 1 1/2 hours all night long with a newborn. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

Ruylupez · May 20, 2006

I took the NCLEX about 3 months after graduation and didn't even study all that much between graduation and taking the test.

Just over 50 days later I took it for the second time with a LOT of study time during those 50 days. I just found out today I passed :)

RoxannMM · May 20, 2006

I am scared to take my NCLEX as well. It has been hard talking to everyone because everyone has there own opinion on when to take it. I graduated last weekend and spent this whole last week taking the KAPLAN NCELX REVIEW. Does any one have any opinion about their own Kaplan experience and if it helped with the Nclex test?

Thank You:thankya:

blueiwahine · May 30, 2006

Took about 3 weeks to study for NCLEX, after passing HESI.

DONN · Jun 3, 2006

Didnt touch a book the first month after graduating then hit it hard for 3 months and took the NCLEX in Dec.. Did about 8000 questions prior to taking the test from about 5 difference source books. I had the Saunders also, thought it was crap. I like books with questions only. If I want to review I have plenty of expensive reference books that I will probably never use again......

crzmomof3boys · Jun 5, 2006

Well I grad on 5/20 and started to study about 1 week later, I use Davis, Lippincott, Mosby, and Kaplin. I am taking the boards on the 21st of June. And everyday I do these questions I feel I dont know anything.... help.

lunakat · Jun 5, 2006

crzmomof3boys I know how you feel. Every time I even think about boards I get a little panicked. I have 4 books to study from and a couple of programs. I feel like all I am doing is studying. Hopefully it will payoff. But even though I do all these questions I still feel like I don't know anything either...