Tips before nclex

[nurseangela1023]

I failed my nclex the first time I took it and I was devastated. In school I was in the top 10% of my class and graduated with high honors, blah blah blah....I honestly think that I took the test for granted. I used a book by the Princton Review, I recommend that you do NOT purchase this book.

So, to prepare for my test for the second time, I purchased a saunders q & a book and mosbys flashcards, both which were awesome. If I had to choose one over the other I would pick the saunders, b/c it tells you how to answer questions even if you dont know the answers. I dont think this test is about what you know, or how much you study, its just based on three important things: 1) The ability to pick the right answer (if you know it or dont), 2) Confidence level (you need to psych yourself up, just like runners do before a marathon, say, "I'm gonna pass this test..." 3) I dont know if any of you are religous out there, but I prayed so hard, every day till the day of the test, I had my family pray, and I said the "Mother of Perpetual Help" prayer, and I truly believe that this was the main reason I passed. You need to ask God for his favor.

Another tip is that when you are taking the test and you are offered a break - take it!!! I cant emphasize this enough. The first time i took the test i didnt take breaks and had 265 questions and i just couldnt even think past 150. Your brain needs a break no matter if you do or not. Do not let the # of questions bother you. I had 220 last time, and i walked out of the test crying. But I passed!! Its a good thing if the computer shuts off and you know the last question. Some say its a myth, but i dont think so, Because why would they give you additional questions, if it knows you failed?

Anyways, good luck out there to you future RN's, I know you can do it! Hope this helped. Let me know if you have questions!

[NurseNicoleRN]

GOOD POST FOR 2ND TIME TEST TAKERS!!!! GLAD U PASSED..... TOOK IT TWICE TOO WISH I WOULD HAVE SEEN URE THREAD BEFORE I TOOK A SECOND TIME )

[tryinrealhard]

You know I just finished my first 265 q test, and my brain is n-um-b, fried, gone.

I figered it'd be good practice to prepare myself and go in ready to tackle 265. But halfway thru I found myself slowing down, reading the choices without understanding, even not registering some parts of the question(eg. affected limb , no wait it said unaffected, completely overlooked the "un" part)

I took breaks, caffeine, even a 5-min deep breathing break didn't really help. I had to check myself constantly not to just click an answer but give my100% to each question. Imagine tacking 265 in the center without practice, it wouldnot know what to do. Atleast now I know what to expect or do I.

Any tips on how you guys are preparing for the 6 hr test (you know just in case).

I'll attempt atleast one more 265q test before the real deal.

And ofcourse, very important factor-pray and as Angela said-Confidence level (you need to psych yourself up, just like runners do before a marathon, say, "I'm gonna pass this test..."

I should probably buy mosbys CAT, they say its a confidence booster, giving you passing %, etc.

[suzanne4, RN]

Stick with Saunders and get all of the questions done.............