This is how I prepared for my NCLEX-RN Exam. :)

[purplechicxiii]

First of all, thank you so much for all your support and prayers. I will keep you posted. I tried it again last night and this morning and yet it still on hold. But I'm keeping the Faith. I'm trying to relax myself now, I think I deserve it. Lol Anyway, here's how I reviewed:

Pre-review phase: Since I'm a batch 2008 graduate and I failed my 1st try, I did some self-examination if I can still remember book-based nursing practices - in which I can honestly tell, I cannot anymore. Lols. So, I did some research first on how I'm gonna review this time, believing I had to do EXTRA EFFORT and HAD TO DO IT DIFFERENTLY this time, to hopefully pass (and yes which AN goes in. I'm a member of this forum since 2009 I think but wasn't very active then). And this is what I got:

-If you're a fresh grad, you can skip on just doing the questions and just look/brush up on those areas you have trouble answering. I did nail my Philippine local boards first time when I took it 2 months after graduation. And basically just went to answering lots and lots of practice exams provided by my review center back then.

-But if you are not, I think you must do the content first. Study like you never knew Nursing. Plus, we all knew NCLEX exams are book-based, based on ideal concepts, and not what we mostly see in our real world practice.

-Doing a self-review need not to be perfect. What do I mean by this, it's a trial and error, see what can actually help you/see what works for you best. You can read and consider other's review styles, but you can be the only one who will know which can work for you. It's YOUR EXAM anyway, so take charge, there's no right or wrong resources. But make sure you make a realistic study sched, you don't overwhelm yourself, it doesn't mean that others used like 10 different books, and you should do it also in order to pass. There are some people who only stick to 1 resource and can actually made it. Remember nursing goals should be SMART (Systematic, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bounded, meaning you have to set your schedule, Plan ahead!). Since we all want to be nurses, let's act like one even if we are still going to be one.

-Study the way you want it! I studied quietly with water, snacks and coffee beside me, mostly in the evening until 3am or so (I'm a late-night person. I also studied that way ever since I was in elementary :). I take some time off when my head can't take it anymore. If I don't get to finish my study goals for the day, I just move it to another day. I think I won't fully absorb anything I try to understand if I'm already tired/hungry/stressed. I will just be wasting my time if I force myself. Also, I take some time to release my stress, I sing and dance or I watch my missed Grey's Anatomy and Pretty Little Liars episodes. See a movie, play temple run, see my friends once in a while, whatever I want to do at that certain moment. After all, I'm a person w/ social and leisure needs too. It doesn't change even if I'm studying for a major exam.

-Have respect for the exam but don't let it conquer you!

-For internationally-educated nurses like me, take time to understand those English words you are not familiar with. Even a single word in the question can change the whole thing, isn't it? Let's admit it that English isn't our 1^st or native language, so anything foreign should be fully understood.

Phase 1: December 2011 - February 20, 2012

SAUNDER'S 5^th ED COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW BOOK AND CD - I basically reviewed for the first 3 units (Nursing Issues, Nursing Science and the Fundamentals) and of course made a few flashcards (lab values, formulas, common nursing interventions, etc) for the whole month of December. I was busy on some personal errands on that time too coz I'm working on my documents and for my dad and aunt, plus the holidays. But I made sure I answered every chapter review questions and review all the rationales (whether I got it right or wrong). Then last January 6, I did the 75-item pretest and got 64%, and it generated a 1 ½ month Study Plan for me. Of course, I already crossed out those topics I'm done with. The study plan wants me to start Pedia first, then Maternity, then MS, then Pharma, then Psych. I actually relied on this one, coz I know for myself that Peds were my weakness and Psych was my strength. So, I was thinking that somehow Saunders Pretest did notice that. Lol. Plus, I don't have an idea on how to breakdown the units and chapters of that big book! It was really overwhelming! I also listened to the 3 audio reviews found in the CD.

PDA BOOK BY LACHARITY 2^nd ED - I had the 1^st ed too when I tried for my 1^st try, but did only 2-3 chapters and actually regretted it! So I made a pact to myself that I have to finish all 18 chapters. This is how I do it:

Example: Review Cardio and Cardio meds from Saunders, answered the chapter review questions, then answered the Saunders CD questions focusing on Cardio, for 100-item exam mode. Reviewed all the Rationales and once I'm done, will answer and rationalize Cardio part of PDA - Until I finished the whole Saunders and PDA (excluding the case reviews) last Feb 20.

I got this mnemonic from somewhere here in AN and just add things I've encountered throughout my practice questions from PDA and other sources. https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/assignment-delagation-mnemonics-607605.html

Phase 2: Feb 20 - March 8, 2012

KAPLAN STRATEGIES 2011-2012: I already read the 1^st part last December 2011, but I reread it again before I took the CD questions, got 68% for 180 items. I wasn't able to do the 265-item book questions though. The questions are much harder than Saunders but I think it will really build up your Critical Thinking Skills. Kaplan would like you to think and act like a licensed nurse on the day of your nclex exam - ready for any type of questions/situations, may it be easy or hard. One important thing about it: You will get lots of strategies but you should not memorize them, apply them when you answer your practice questions and it will be really helpful.

DAVIS PHARM SECTION & MOSBY'S PHARM MEMORY NOTES: To push pharm concepts more onto my head lols. The Davis Pharm Section is summarized and the Mosby's is those with visuals.

NCLEX-3500/4000: I somehow used them once in a while, especially the 3500 which gave a very good review for the Alternate-Format Type of Questions. I also did the Saunders SATA, audio, video and ordered response question a week before my exam date.

KAPLAN QTRAINERS: I only did the 1^st 3 qtrainers but I highly recommend these, they're straightforward just like the actual exam.

EXAM-CRAM: Did few questions once in a while and carry the book whenever I had to go somewhere, trying to answer it while in the bus, train, etc.

ATI RN MENTOR IPHONE APP: I also did some questions in here whenever I can while I'm falling in line in the bank, waiting for someone, before I went to sleep, etc. The rationales are really straightforward.

FEUER AUDIO REVIEWS: Listened few MS and peds topics whenever I'm doing the laundry or eating.

NCSBN 3-WEEK QBANK: I just started w/ it last Feb 21, got a score of 58% on the diagnostic test for 150 items. I just skim through most of the content review, trying to find additional info which I got a lot. But I did all the 20-item posttest questions plus the Qbank 1-6. My scores ranges from 55-100. But I don't rely much on the scores, but it can be very depressing when I get 2 consecutive 50's. But I take that as a challenge to do more. I go back to the content which I think I need more review. But I just hate it when it does have some technical difficulties. So to not frustrate myself, I did answer some of my resources while waiting for the site to be back again.

AN STUDY GUIDE & MY FLASHCARDS: I studied them for 2 days before my exam. I also devised my own mnemonics for myself - which I think is more helpful coz I can remember them best. I also got some mnemonics in here but I verify the info first before I use them.

INFECTION CONTROL MNEMONICS: https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/infection-control-mnemonics-299890.html

RANDOM MNEMONIC THREAD FROM AN: https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/mnemonics-memory-aids-146408.html

HOW TO PASS NCLEX TIPS: http://www.wikihow.com/Pass-the-NCLEX-RN-Exam Got it few days before the exam. I hope I had it before. Lols

A few inspiring success NCLEX stories from AN users as well. Giving me the will not to give up and be more courageous in passing it:

https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/its-official-im-542909.html

https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/my-nclex-journey-676658.html

https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/how-i-passed-554943.html

https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/all-nclex-takers-629777.html

LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST:

Prayer, Faith in Him and to yourself as well. I kept on thinking that I did my best and let Him do the rest. "Seek and you shall find, ask and you shall receive." Before I went to bed the night before, I prayed the rosary, and talked to Him asking for guidance that He may never leave by my side as I take it. I also asked for the help of my mom who's with Him since 1992. I am sure she also would like me to pass this exam as well. I also prayed after I went through the tutorial and everytime I get a SATA, until I had #75. Here's a prayer that was given to me by my aunt:

Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino for students

"O humble Saint Joseph of Cupertino, singularly favored by God in the difficulties of study and the worries of examinations, implore the Holy Spirit to enlighten my mind and aid my memory in the search of His truth and wisdom. Help me especially in the decisive moments of examination, protecting me from that forgetfulness and disturbing anxiety which often accompany them, so that I may grow in knowledge, love, and service of God from whom flows that wisdom which leads to eternal life. Amen."

I also had this line from my former MS professor which I really liked: "I'm getting better and better everyday, in every way."

Plus all the support I get from my family, lover, friends and from all of you here in AN. Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

[myphone]

Congratulations, New Here in AN. Really inspiring story

[purplechicxiii, BSN, RN]

Hi @purplechicxiii , your history really gives me hope.

I am an international nurse . I applied for the nclex rn twice. The first time oct 2011 and i didn't pass with 75 questions. I studied saunders, lacharity and kaplan 2011-2012. To be honest didn't do so much questions. My report was 3items from 8 near the passing level and the other 5 below the passing level. The second time feb 2012 i didn't pass either with 75 questions I studied hurst( which help me a lot and i love it) and nclex4000, and saunders cd. This time my report was 3 items below passing level, 4 near the passing level and 1 above the passing level.. I was really sad and fustrated I got schedule to give the exam again in april 25 but is hard for me to get back to fully study because i studied a lot and didn't go out for my second exam.. I wonder how many hours do you study per day, how did you study? For me it was too much to be just in the computer and still have 75 questions both times. .. Any advice?

Hi I'm very sorry, I just read your post. Anyway, I'm so sad to hear your story. But as what we all say, DON'T GIVE UP. Take a break and study again for the 3rd time, this is your destiny, to be a RN, so you must do everything to have it. :)

To answer your question, I studied mostly in the evenings until the next morning, I know it's weird but I study and learn that way, ever since i was in grade school. So, you must know which time of the day you learn best and study on those time/s. But don't forget to get breaks in between, I always make sure that I take study breaks whenever I feel tired or can't concentrate anymore, I watch movie/s, surf the net, download songs, whatever I felt like doing at that certain point of time. I also eat during my study time, coz our brain also needs to be fed so it can maximize its potentials. In total, I think I've answered 5000-8000 questions before I took my 2nd try.

I hope you will not lose hope and have the courage to try it all again. I'll pray for you. :)

[Kiwi82, BSN, RN]

i'm an international nurse also. i suggest that you set up a study plan. count how many days you have until your exam, divide your content into parts per day that you know for sure you can accomplish. stick to your study plan.

make time for questions. about 1-2 weeks before your exam just concentrate on doing practice tests and alternate format questions (use nclex 4000 for that and pda). the kaplan question trainers are very much like the nclex, harder even. google them and you will be able to find them (total of 7).

i used saunders for content, i highly recommend this book. it's a lot to digest but all of the information is in there. i would bother doing too many questions from them because they are not nclex type...except for the alternate format.

this is what i did, i studied for a little over a month...about 5 1/2 weeks around 5-6 hours a day. i was eating, breathing, and sleeping nclex. i dedicated that time only to nclex because i only had one choice: to pass. i did not want to go through it a second time...i gave myself one and only chance and i did it. so, you can, too.

there were days where i was so tired and fed up that i didn't study. i watched tv or did something else i liked, went out to grab fresh air...whatever. i took my exam on monday...saturday i went to my cousin's birthday party and had a great time (i couldn't keep my mind of nclex though). sunday i was determined to study but i did not have it in me. i just thought to myself..."i've been studying hard for so long (yes...those 5 weeks were like and eternity for me), i know what i know...threw everything to the side and relaxed. prayed that i could get a good night sleep and to say focused on the exam. my wishes were granted!

do not give up. think on how you studied and what you think you need to do to change your habits and what your weaknesses are. stick to your study schedule...you really have to discipline yourself. i know i did...staying at home and doing nothing but studying was major punishment for me...so i really had to force myself to study and stick to my plan.

best of luck to you!

[Dcmom]

hi purplechicxiii ive been reading your post and i admire how you did your second attempt on taking nclex you've inspired me to take it again soon.

[purplechicxiii, BSN, RN]

hi purplechicxiii ive been reading your post and i admire how you did your second attempt on taking nclex you've inspired me to take it again soon.

Thank you. :)

[Asteria]

HI purple :) ..Congratulations for passing the NCLEX-RN wish you Goodluck on your bright future ^.^

..I wanted to pass my nclex too I am going for my 3rd attempt ...

I have same book as you have the Saunders Comprehensive Review 5e , I have Priority,Delegation, and Assignment book by lacharity 2e and I bought 2 books from exam cram practice questions and Exam Cram nclex-rn 3e .

I was just wandering how did you manage doing the Saunders Comprehensive Review,.. did you reviewed per chapter?

per unit? or per topic (medsurg, pedia, maternal etc.) ..

and how many per day? for every chapter or every unit?

[faithhopelove]

Hello purplechicxiii.. thank you so much for your sharing here, very impressive and inspiring. Congratulations for passing the NCLex, you really deserved it. I'm a filipina too who is planning to take the NCLEX this year, I just passed the NLE last december 2011 and I haven''t started my application for the NCLEX.

[Dcmom]

thank you so much for sharing purplechicxiii you have such a generous heart thats why you deserve the best of both worlds! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[purplechicxiii, BSN, RN]

HI purple :) ..Congratulations for passing the NCLEX-RN wish you Goodluck on your bright future ^.^

..I wanted to pass my nclex too I am going for my 3rd attempt ...

I have same book as you have the Saunders Comprehensive Review 5e , I have Priority,Delegation, and Assignment book by lacharity 2e and I bought 2 books from exam cram practice questions and Exam Cram nclex-rn 3e .

I was just wandering how did you manage doing the Saunders Comprehensive Review,.. did you reviewed per chapter?

per unit? or per topic (medsurg, pedia, maternal etc.) ..

and how many per day? for every chapter or every unit?

Thank you! :) Well, I started the first 4 chapters of Saunders for 1 month since I wasn't reviewing constantly due to the holidays last December and then last January I took the 75-question diagnostic exam of Saunders CD then it generated a 1 1/2 month study calendar which I followed it ever since, until last half of Feb. When are you taking it again? don't lose hope. Just keep on studying and practice answering questions, making sure to study all rationales after; and pray pray pray. You can do this!! :) God bless you.

[purplechicxiii, BSN, RN]

Hello purplechicxiii.. thank you so much for your sharing here, very impressive and inspiring. Congratulations for passing the NCLex, you really deserved it. I'm a filipina too who is planning to take the NCLEX this year, I just passed the NLE last december 2011 and I haven''t started my application for the NCLEX.

Unsolicited advice, schedule first your nclex exam date so you can have your goals set. Of course you can start studying anytime, but it'll really help if you already have your target exam date. I've been reviewing religiously a year before I took my 1st exam, and failed. Maybe because I got too tired the time I've already scheduled my exam date. As most people say, the closer you review on your exam date, the easier it is for you to pass. Good luck and God bless you Kabayan.

[ladyliza]

Hello everyone, i'm so inspired by everyone's faith and support of each other. I have one more year of nursing school and i feel so stressed, i want to start my nclex review now .thanks so much and god bless!

[SENSUALBLISSINFL, BSN, RN]

I took the Exit (aka Hesi) exam last week. Our school uses the ATI, my exam gave a predictor that I had 95% chance that I will pass the NCLEX on the first attempt, but still I do not feel confident. I graduate at the end of this month with my ADN. I will do the ATI NCLEX Review and some Kaplan to assure me success, but after reading these posts, I am getting nervous as some of you are taking it for the second try. Is there anything in particular I should pay attention to? I am certainly aiming for passing on the first try and not pay again the almost $500 needed to take the NCLEX here in Florida. I work full time so I plan to take the NCLEX by the end of July. I welcome any advise and thoughts.

To those that will be taking it closer than I or awaiting to know if they have passed...good luck