GOD IS AWESOME!! Suzanne4 is great! And Allnurses rocks!! I couldn't have done this without the faith, strength and encouragement that I received from all of these sources during this very trying time for me.
I graduated in '99. Failed in '00 and my life took a whole new direction with a family to take care of and moving overseas with my military husband. I put my needs and dreams on hold for a long time.
Last June, I began the NCLEX journey. I followed Suzanne's plan for the most part. But there was a time when my application was in limbo and I had to fill the time with other sources before I could start on step 2. I did the NCSBN 5 wk. course, read the Priority, Delegation, and Assignment book by LaCharity, and finished off with Kaplan. The Kaplan strategies were confusing to me and I did not use them but their Q-trainers and Q-bank really helped me. Their Q's were harder than Saunders so my 50-60% scores were scaring me. I went in having scored a 59% on QT #7.
Anyways, test date arrived. I felt ready but scared that I wouldn't pass. I had made up 8 years in about 10 months...and reading about new grads. failing really scared me. But I went in, determined to do my best. It was really hard to concentrate when I could hear my heart beating against the earplugs.
My test ended in 75 Q's. I smiled out of pure relief. I didn't think I had passed especially after getting hit with 15 SATA's, and a load of infection control questions. But I was glad it was over.
Just checked the CA BRN right now, actually 5 times, just to make sure I was reading it correctly. I'm in Tokyo and my family is asleep...but I had to share with my Allnurses family!
For any of you preparing to test...you will pass! Best of luck and I'll be happy to answer any questions.
That is so wonderful......I'm inspired by your story just because it is so similar to mine. it gives me hope.....
I am in Europe right now, graduated long time ago and I just ordered my books and I am getting ready to start preparing for nclex.....
I'm scared, excited, can't wait to start......., SCARED(like hell).....
Thank you for your story, it will help me focus and keep up with my dreams.....
Thank you, thank you....wish me luck.
All the best to you RN!!!!!!
Thank you and Good luck to you!!
A year ago, I came to this forum seeking advice and encouragement. I was happy to learn that there were others out there who had been out of school for a long time and had passed the NCLEX. Their stories were truly inspiring to me too. If I hadn't read their stories, I don't think I would have ever taken that first step.
It won't be easy but believe in yourself and you will be victorious!!
I do not know if you still go on here but I was wondering if you can help me out a bit. I went on to see if Suzanne still gives her study plan out but she has decided to take a break and does not give it anymore. Do you think you can give me some pointers on how to study. After another year of doing nothing, I have studied for the past 3 weeks in hopes that in Sept. I will be taking the NCLEX.
There are tons of posts in this forum that give pointers on how to study. Basically you get a review book, Saunders Comprehensive Review is recommended, then map out a study plan on a calendar, and get started. Answer as many questions as possible and study the rationales. If you can afford it and feel you need a review course, then take one, but most people do fine on their own. Good luck.
I do not know if you still go on here but I was wondering if you can help me out a bit. I went on to see if Suzanne still gives her study plan out but she has decided to take a break and does not give it anymore. Do you think you can give me some pointers on how to study. After another year of doing nothing, I have studied for the past 3 weeks in hopes that in Sept. I will be taking the NCLEX.
thank you in advance.
SAUNDERS!!! Definitely read through that. I took tons of notes on what I thought was important. Do the tests at the end of each ch. and read/understand the rationales. READ SAUNDERS, special attention to pgs 180-182 Infection control, 3rd edition.
I read the Priority, Delegation and Assignment book by LaCharity. That helped me with prioritization.
I used the Kaplan Qbank for questions. You'll want to do at least 100 Q's a day.
Practice "select all that apply", I got a lot of questions on that.
PM me if you need any more help. I have some notes that I wouldn't mind sharing with you.
It's been a little over a year since I passed and I now have a wonderful job that I love. All those wasted years putting the test off...thinking I couldn't pass. It took a lot of hard work and dedication on my part, but you can do this too.
Thank you. I 'm glad you are liking the nursing career now.
Does is pay off to sign up for the NCSBN online review? I have the Saunders and that is what I have been reading.
Thank you for the positive thoughts.
Oh yeah, I forgot about the NCSBN. I worked through that too after I read Saunders. It was a good review having just read up on everything. It's not expensive and it gives you questions too. They seemed easier than the Kaplan Q's. NCLEX Q's are VERY similar to Kaplan.
I haven't been on here in a long time, and it was very encouraging to read your post about being successful after 8 years since you graduated. My story is very similar to yours. I am also a military wife, graduated in '99, and failed the boards 3 times. Of course, life took over with having kids, being a stay at home mom, and many transfers all at the same time. I have been trying to get back into studying for the NCLEX. It is hard at times, because I don't know where to begin. I have some really good resources so far. I am going to try to find a book on priority type questions, because I heard that could be a good amount of type of questions you can get. If you have any advice, or notes you can pass on I would apperciate it. I know God has a plan for me, and I am meant to be a nurse. I feel it is finally my time, especially since my youngest is in first grade now.:) Thanks again. Michelle
suzanne4, RN
26,410 Posts
You just brought tears to my eyes as well. I know how hard that you have worked to get to this point. And glad that I could be a part of it.
Congratulations to you as you embark on your new career.:nuke: