To those scared about the NCLEX-PN

[lvlissl2ebecca]

I graduated from LPN school on June 16th, 2007. I had a little more to do to get my ATT than most, so I only tested last Thursday. To prepare, I used eriworld.com (preparation videos and practice exams). I also used a basic 2006 edition Nclex review book and CD. I spent no more than an hour a day studying to prevent overload and alot just because I was lazy and couldn't stand to look at another question after that.

I went in on Thursday scared to death. I could barely speak, my heart was pounding... and I held onto the mouse for dear life because my palms were so sweaty and I didn't want to make any mistakes. I saw the first question and thought What the hell! My panic set in and I was sure it would ruin the rest of the test, wether I knew the answers or not. I got to a conversion question.. putting oz into ml. I knew that! Yet, I answered both of them wrong as I realized a little too late. There were many sequencing questions. My exam CD never had those. The ones I had to sequence were things I've never heard of.. except one. So, I tried to use logic to put them in proper order. Many pharmacology questions about drugs I have never heard of. My best approach at that point in time was to use my learned test-taking skills, go with my gut, and use common sense, because Knowledge alone would not have cut it. Needless to say, once the test cut off at the 85th question I was relieved, not because I thought it was a good or bad sign, but because pass or fail, my hell was over for that moment. I jumped in my car and cried. I knew for sure, without a doubt, I had failed. I started to plan a new studying regimine and flashes of dissapointment from my family rang in my head. I spent the next two days depressed. I felt like I had waisted my whole year in school and all of that hard work. I kicked myself in the butt for not studying harder. All of this, before I even got my results. I prayed at night that a miracle happen.

I logged into pearsonvue and prepared for my fate with my credit card in my hand. The button stated "Your quick results are now available". I clicked, paid, and it popped up. Grade: Pass! I screamed, jumped, sighed, cried, and immediatley thanked the lord.

My point in all of this is to say that you will absolutely feel as if you have failed once you complete the exam. You will absolutely be scared to death going into it. You will kick yourself, and have doubts. My advice to you is have confidence. Even if you don't know the answer to the question, use common sense. Go with the first thing that sticks out after reading all of the options carefully, because that is your mind pulling it out of your subconsious. Use logic. Ask yourself questions but never ever read too much into the question or add details. Take the question at face value. And, please realise that pass or fail.. it's not the end of the world as you may think, and the good news is you can always try again. I wish luck to all who have yet to take their exam. I hope this has helped someone in some way.

[Maedele]

:balloons:CONGRATULATIONS :balloons:

Best wishes and success in your career as a nurse.

Maedele

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Congrats, new nurse!! I had a similar experience. I did recognize more drugs than not in retrospect, but, just the same, there were a few free standing meds with no disease process and of course, as far as I was concerned, the medication is prescribed for Martians. I also had 85 questions and thought I failed. I passed, am happy to put it behind me.

I have a friend that is very hesitant on taking NCLEX PN, and I am trying to tell her to get it overwith so she can move on or restudy. It is hard, but it has to be done at some point before a person loses steam.

[lvlissl2ebecca]

Yeah, it was deffiently one of the hardest moments of my life. The feeling now is bittersweet. I got over the hurdle, but I know I will be jumping them for the rest of my career as a nurse.

[DanisTeeta]

OMG----I just graduated the 9th and just got my ATT today and scheduled NCLEX for 9/17. I am sooooooooooooo nervous. Shaking, nauseas........wont be able to quit smoking now. How did u sleep leading up to the exam??????