OMG I don't know where to start so I'll start by saying I PASSED! I guess the 3rd time is really a charm. I just took my exam this past friday 08/08/08 (wow I never realized all those '08's LOL) and just found out today I passed. For almost a year, I have read post after post of how others have passed and prayed and hoped that one day I would be able to say the same. There were times where I felt maybe I would never be able to say the same. If you read my previous posts you'll know why I really had to pass this time around. The other 2x I didn't finish my exam (finished in the 200s), this time my computer shut off at 75qs after less than 2 hours with a 15 min break. I have really bad test anxiety but I wasn't going to let it get the best of me this time around. I worked too damn hard and sacrificed toooooo much time to have to go in and take it again. In NJ if you fail 3x you have to take a remedial class before you can sit for the 4th time so I had a lot of weight on my shoulders. As I was taking the test the questions seemed easy and although I felt like I was taking my time the answers came to me. I didn't want to tell anyone this before I got my results LOL.
I graduated last may with honors so it was a low blow and reality check when those who didn't do as well in nursing school passed on their first try and I didn't. Another low blow was hearing about students who just graduated this may pass and I was yet to do so. NCLEX doesn't care how you did it school. I never let how I did in school determine my study plan because I studied hard the first time yet I didn't pass (I cried for 3 hrs straight) and the second attempt I cried for a few days. For a little over a year, my family has gone on the NCLEX-RN rollercoaster with me and hurt and worried for me because I was so stressed.
I studied everyday, worked less than 15 hrs a month, couldn't contribute financially, and watched my mom work from 7am-7pm and then leave to go back to work on the same day from 11pm-6:30am. She did that 4 days a week for a few months and it hurt me so bad. I worked so hard for this and I cherish it and I can't wait to go help others. I want to say thanks to allnurses because it kept me motivated, thanks to everyone who replied to my posts, and thank you sooooo much Suzanne. I completed part one of your plan but didn't get to finish part 2. Part one was so good that I was already starting to think like a nurse :-)
Here's my advice:
1) Suzanne's plan (Saunders Review)
2) P & D book---this is how NCLEX wants you to think
3) Questions (make sure to review rationales to right and wrong answers)
***I wrote rationales on a notebook but I didn't get a chance to review them, please make sure to review your notes***
4) Lippincott Q &A book
5) Lots of questions
Congrats to the new RNs and for the soon to be RNs don't EVER give up, you came too far to give up now. You can do it, if you have any questions PM me and I'll get back to you. Good luck :redbeathe
I worked so hard for this and I cherish it and I can't wait to go help others. I want to say thanks to allnurses because it kept me motivated, thanks to everyone who replied to my posts, and thank you sooooo much Suzanne. I completed part one of your plan but didn't get to finish part 2. Part one was so good that I was already starting to think like a nurse :-)