Travelling before or after NCLEX

Published

Hi there,

I finish nursing school in December and am trying to decide if I should go to Europe to travel in January before studying for and writing my NCLEX, or if I should get my NCLEX over with and then go to Europe in April. Does anyone have any experience or opinions on this? It is much appreciated.

Thanks!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

People who delay taking their NCLEX have lower pass rates than people who stay focused after graduation and take them within a month or so. I advise you to stay in "school mode" until after you have passed your "final" exam to become an RN. Don't take the chance of getting distracted and hurting your chances of passing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.

Why are the options only January or April? I'd take NCLEX as soon as possible after graduation. I took mine 2-3 weeks later and still spent the whole summer traveling before I started working. You could presumably take NCLEX in January and then still go to Europe later in January, no? Personally I don't think I'd choose Europe as a destination in January, that's what the southern hemisphere is for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

Take the NCLEX right away, then you can enjoy your vacation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU.

If you go on vacation before taking that test I guarantee you won't enjoy it. Take the test before and feel the relief of being DONE plus enjoy your vacation!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA.

I agree with others about taking the NCLEX first. I had a buddy backpacked in Europe for 3 weeks before taking the NCLEX. He passed.

Me, on the other hand, will be going on a cruise this week for 2 weeks. If I had gone before taking the NCLEX, I wouldn't have fully enjoyed because I'd be worrying about the NCLEX lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

I waited about three months between graduation date and NCLEX date, I had to go to a family reunion, and a beach trip. I just brought my study books with me and reviewed questions upon questions upon questions. It was quite relxing on the beach with my flashcards in hand. I passed on the first time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just wanted to say to anyone reading this that you don't always have to listen to the fear! I took a 2 month break and visited family halfway around the world once I graduated. Just returned, studied for exactly 3 weeks, took my NCLEX and passed the first time!! I spent so much time worrying about my decision and letting the anxiety I felt from my peers/teachers/Kaplan terrify me that I was making a bad choice. I hardly studied at all while I was there and just enjoyed spending time with the people I loved. I think the impact it had on my mental health gave me the energy to just focus and go in confidently when I took the exam. Not saying you should slack off and not study, but just saying don't panic! Sometimes you gotta do things your own way and not worry about what everyone tells you you SHOULD be doing. Just because some people fail multiple times, doesn't necessarily mean you will. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion