Worried About NCLEX exam in May 2010 - need advice!!

Katherined · Dec 28, 2009

I'm taking my NCLEX tomorrow. My school utilized ATI, and i know that they are starting to offer reviews. I took Kaplan and have found the QBANK and practice tests to be incredibly helpful.

Kaplan stresses that you shouldn't take more then 150 questions in a day or study more then 4 hours in one day. I absolutely LOVED the kaplan book that came with the class but i did have a girlfriend who bought it on half or ebay. Its called "the RN course book, preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination, 12th edition." Its set up in outline form and Kaplan says that if you are a new grad who has never taking the NCLEX that it is all you need to study with.

Set up your date quickly after you graduate, don't let more then a month or two pass because you want everything fresh in your brain.

Other then that, take a deep breath, remember that you have spent YEARS preparing for this one exam and chances are you are ready! Kaplan stresses critical thinking so if you feel this is a weakness consider spending the 500 dollars and just taking it, it is significantly improved my confidence. Plus, they have a money back guarantee if you fail soooooo.....

My kaplan instructor also CLEARLY stated that although it "gets harder" statistically it doesn't really affect the number of people who pass, if that makes you feel any better.

paacollins · Dec 28, 2009

I wouldn't panic over the "new" NCLEX. This test is upgraded every few years yet there are NO statistics that show less people are passing. I really doubt it is any harder than the one I just took this month. I think the test is altered in order to accommodate changes in the nursing such as new meds, new technology, etc.

Next, I absolutely would NOT start studying for the NCLEX until you graduate. You need to put everthing into studying for what you are going to be tested on now. Once you graduate, you can take a month, or several months if you need it, to study for the NCLEX.

Stop stressing; it will be okay. I was out of school for 18 months and I passed the NCLEX this month. It will be okay. :mad:

itsmejuli · Dec 28, 2009

I agree with the above poster who said to stop stressing now about your NCLEX in May.

I practiced NCLEX questions out of Saunders and Prentice Hall review books every week while I was in LPN school. I passed HESI with no problem and passed the NCLEX the first time.

I start the RN program in May, I just looked on Amazon and found the NCLEX review books I'll be buying. Look at this ISBN-13: 978-0135049075

mystic33 · Dec 28, 2009

Excellent info here, thank you so much!!! I already have that book so I will begin to look at it more closely.

I'm taking my NCLEX tomorrow. My school utilized ATI, and i know that they are starting to offer reviews. I took Kaplan and have found the QBANK and practice tests to be incredibly helpful.
Kaplan stresses that you shouldn't take more then 150 questions in a day or study more then 4 hours in one day. I absolutely LOVED the kaplan book that came with the class but i did have a girlfriend who bought it on half or ebay. Its called "the RN course book, preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination, 12th edition." Its set up in outline form and Kaplan says that if you are a new grad who has never taking the NCLEX that it is all you need to study with.
Set up your date quickly after you graduate, don't let more then a month or two pass because you want everything fresh in your brain.
Other then that, take a deep breath, remember that you have spent YEARS preparing for this one exam and chances are you are ready! Kaplan stresses critical thinking so if you feel this is a weakness consider spending the 500 dollars and just taking it, it is significantly improved my confidence. Plus, they have a money back guarantee if you fail soooooo.....
My kaplan instructor also CLEARLY stated that although it "gets harder" statistically it doesn't really affect the number of people who pass, if that makes you feel any better.

mystic33 · Dec 28, 2009

Awww, thanks for the feedback. It's just that when I hear stuff like case studies being added etc., and since we never did a lot of case studies in school, it made me nervous. I will take all your advice and not worry too much:yeah:.

I wouldn't panic over the "new" NCLEX. This test is upgraded every few years yet there are NO statistics that show less people are passing. I really doubt it is any harder than the one I just took this month. I think the test is altered in order to accommodate changes in the nursing such as new meds, new technology, etc.
Next, I absolutely would NOT start studying for the NCLEX until you graduate. You need to put everthing into studying for what you are going to be tested on now. Once you graduate, you can take a month, or several months if you need it, to study for the NCLEX.
Stop stressing; it will be okay. I was out of school for 18 months and I passed the NCLEX this month. It will be okay.

mystic33 · Dec 28, 2009

Congratulations on passing the NCLEX for the 1st time:yeah: :yeah: !! I will look into those books you recommended.

I agree with the above poster who said to stop stressing now about your NCLEX in May.
I practiced NCLEX questions out of Saunders and Prentice Hall review books every week while I was in LPN school. I passed HESI with no problem and passed the NCLEX the first time.
I start the RN program in May, I just looked on Amazon and found the NCLEX review books I'll be buying. Look at this ISBN-13: 978-0135049075

EDRN-2010 · Dec 29, 2009

I think that every exam you properly prepare for in nursing school will in turn be helping you prepare for the NCLEX. Do what you said, as far as NCLEX questions but gear it towards the info that will be on your nursing school exams.