Tips before nclex

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!