What I did to pass the NCLEX-RN

Published Oct 18, 2016

29 Posts

I was incredibly nervous to take the NCLEX because I received my ATT 3.5 months after I graduated nursing school. The wait was frustrating, to say the least. I somehow convinced myself to avoid studying until I got the ATT. And once I got the PearsonVUE email, I knew it was time to buckle down and get my head in the game.

I used a few resources to help prepare for the NCLEX-RN examination.

1. U-World, a question bank of almost 2000 questions.

2. An online Hurst Review course.

3. Saunder's Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN

I thought Hurst Review's online course was really great. For $300, they provide videos of core content and an interactive worksheets (that you have to download and print) for each video. I watched 2-3 videos each day, and they recommend watching all the videos within a 2-3 week timeframe. I chose to purchase the online course because I know my study habits. The classroom setting isn't the best environment for me, and I figured I could watch the videos at my own pace (re-watch and re-wind is also an advantage).

Hurst also provides Q-Review 6 practice tests. The tests are TOUGH. I didn't even complete all of them because they were so difficult, and my score kept getting worse with each subsequent practice test. Each test is out of 125 questions, and the most "common score among NCLEX-passers was 85/125" according to the Hurst people. To be honest, I didn't score any higher than 68/125, which was super discouraging.

When I wasn't using Hurst, I was answering U-World questions online. The more practice questions you take, the better. I probably answered about 1300 questions before taking the NCLEX. I liked U-World because each "exam" or "quiz" you take is totally customizable. You can choose what topics you want to review, the number of questions you want each time you want to quiz yourself. You can take notes and bookmark specific questions. It's pretty awesome. I was averaging around 65% for each little quiz or exam I took. I ended up performing well into the 78th percentile. The average percentile on U-World was 48th. This eased my anxiety a bit.

I actually purchased the Sunder's book while I was still in nursing school, but used it mostly for reference. Although, I did review the sections on the topics I felty shaky on like cardio, mental health, peds, and maternal health. The book contains A LOT of content, which can be distracting.

I studied for a good two and a half weeks for about 5-6 hours a day before taking the exam. I frequented Starbucks because there are usually other students studying too, and that always motivates me to study. When the day finally came, I ate a light breakfast (because I get the nervous poops) and tried to relax as much as possible. I didn't study at all the day before, so I was tempted to look at notes and review random facts the day of the exam. Surprisingly, I resisted and Ubered to the testing center with a clear head.

After what seemed like 50 select all that apply questions and 28 other random ones, my exam shut off at 78 questions. I didn't know what to think or how to cope with the possibility of failing. I couldn't eat or sleep the two days post-exam. I was constantly checking the website for any of sign that I passed (or failed). Honestly, I didn't know what to look for.

Exactly 38 hours after I ended my exam, I saw my name with a license number on the DCA BreEZe website. I PASSED! That's pretty much all I did to pass the NCLEX-RN.

My Timeline:

June 12 - Graduated nursing school

June 16 - Submitted application for licensure by examination to the CA BRN

September 24 - ATT from PearsonVUE

October 12 - NCLEX-RN Exam!!!

October 14 - Received my RN license

Key Points:

1. Hurst was helpful, especially for review of core content.

2. U-World was more helpful in terms of practicing NCLEX-style questions.

3. Practice makes perfect.

4. Take your time and don't forget to BREATHE during the test.