when to take the N-Clex

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I am graduating in December! :) Does anyone have any suggestions for how long to wait to take the N-Clex? Is it better to take it right away (although I do not feel ready) or study as long as possible? Any suggestions for how to go about preparing?

Thanks,

Bea

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

I took my NCLEX as soon as I could (graduated in mid-December, took test early January). This way everything was fresh in my mind. I studied using the NCLEX study guides, which worked well for me. I also reviewed key study cards I had made (dosage calc, lab values, et.). Passed on the first try with a minimum number of questions.

Good luck!

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I'd recommend taking a class like kaplan and then writing NCLEX soon after!! I knew of many students that waited and waited and waited before they wrote---and by that time they could have failed and re-did the exam a few times,lol Most NEVER feels ready to write the exam! Study hard and write as soon as you can

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I too didn't waste any time, I graduated in Aug. and took end of Sept, 2 days after i rec'd my ATT

Passed first time, Although I don't think you ever truely feel ready

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I graduated in late May and didn't take it until mid-July. I waited for 2 reasons: 1- they didn't have an earlier spot when I scheduled it and 2 - I didn't take any review so I just studied off the Kaplan book I got from Barnes and Noble so I gave myself a LITTLE more time to study it and do questions. I passed the NCLEX the first time with the minimum amount of questions. Thank goodness because I delivered my little girl a week or two later, lol!!

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Specializes in CCRN, House Sup, CCT, Unit Director, ICU.

Graduated May 14, received ATT May 20, took NCLEX May 24.

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Take it as soon as you can! We had an awesome review course by F&S. My best friend in nursing and I stayed at a hotel in the city our test was and we had a pool. We enjoyed the sun the day before our exam when we got to the hotel and that night we ate at a restaurant by the river and went shopping :). DO NOT STUDY the night before. I promise it will only make you more nervous and increase anxiety. Relax the night before with lavender candles and bubble bath from b&bw. It is hard to explain but the questions they ask is really nothing you can study the night before. It tests your knowledge you have gained throughout the program, cramming will not help. I passed the first time with minimal number of questions, so did my friend!

There is also a trick you can do after you take it to find out if you passed without having to wait the full 2 days! :)

GOOD LUCK! :)

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Yeah? and that trick is..............????? lol

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Set your appointment at a time frame that seems reasonable for your need to prepare. If you think you need a lot of work, give yourself longer. Most people give themselves from three weeks to three months. You are the best person to determine which time frame will be best for you.

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