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Discussion

Taking time off for NCLEX?

Hello there everyone! I am graduating in May with an ADN. I have been told by my work (blessedly) to take all the time off I need to study for NCLEX. I know the hospital I work for pays for the Kaplan review and included in my tuition is another review course. How long would you recommend, and what specifically did you guys to do help you prepare for the NCLEX? Thanks for your responses!

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    I studied part time for about 3 months, but I graduated in another country, 12 years beforehand so I needed that long. If you just finished a program, I would think about a month would be all you need.

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    I graduated in Dec. 2009 and took the NCLEX 30 days later; I suggest getting it done sooner than later. My reasoning was that I wasn't going to learn anymore by waiting longer - I worried that my knowledge base/recall would decrease with the passing days. I did a 30 day online NCLEX review program through NCSBN (The National Council of State Boards of Nursing), it cost about $70. I also was motivated to get it done early because of my new grad. job that started beginning of February - I had to take and pass the test before my first day. On a side note I did read a recent article written by Janet Boivin, RNtitled, "Difficulty of NCLEX to be Increased" , this new form of the NCLEX will take effect April 1st, 2010; the last time the NCLEX was adjusted was in 2007. This may put a new 'spin' on taking the test. Here is the webpage from nurses.com if you'd like to read the article:

    http://news.nurse.com/article/20100315/NATIONAL01/103150001/-1/frontpage.

    Good Luck!

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    Thanks for your responses. I have seen that article; unfortunately it will affect me no matter how soon I take it because I graduate in May. Thank you for the recommendation of the online course; I think I will look into that.

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    While your job is being nice in letting you have the time, I would not go too far with that. No more than two weeks off, like a two week vacation. If you take the time off from work, it draws attention to the test date and then I would be getting nervous because the employer will be having (I presume) expectations to pass the test.

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    If you are doing well in school and practicing NCLEX questions every week you shouldn't have to take any time off to prepare for the exam.

    Practice 100-200 NCLEX questions a week out of Saunders or other NCLEX book and you'll be good to go when the exam comes up.

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    • Experts

    I took about 6 weeks, mostly because I had family obligations right after graduation as well as addressing some health issues. I definitely wouldn't wait too long to take it, partly because the info is fresh in your brain when you just finish school, and partly because the longer you postpone the test the more nervous you will get about it (IMO). I used Kaplan; I also made a study plan for those six weeks and kept to it...most of the time :)

    The best thing I did to study for it was answering at least 50 NCLEX questions every single day.

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    I took a week off. Well, sort of. I did the Hurst review and I believe it was 3 days? Maybe it was 4 days, I cannot remember. So I was there Mon-Wed/Thur. Then I took Thur/Fri off work to study + I had the weekend. I took my NCLEX on Monday morning. Passed the first time. I honestly did not study a lot. I went to the review, read over a few areas of difficulty for me, and went into it with a positive attitude.

    Good luck to you!

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    • Experts

    I did both my LPN and RN 3 weeks after graduation without taking any time off from work. I figured I had been preparing the entire time I was in school so I was ready to roll. I'd rather take time off for a fun vacation after passing NCLEX. Good luck!

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    I took a 1 week review offered by my school and then sat for the test about 3 weeks after I graduated. Had done NCLEX questions (about 50-100) a day throughout nursing school since it helped me do well on all of my nursing tests. Had 75 questions and was done in 45 minutes. Take it as soon as possible!

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    Have you been offered a graduate nurse position? If so, I would take time off for the review courses and otherwise work as a GN. There is no better preparation for NCLEX, IMO, than working as a professional nurse. If that is an option, I would go for it!

    Best of luck to you.

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    I studied dilgently for about 8 weeks. During that time I did not have a job or any other obligations. My nursing program (accelerated BSN) encourages us to take the NCLEX within 3 months of graduation. Passed on try #1. Did Kaplan, studied from Saunders and Lippincott books and cds as well. Good luck!

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