My NCLEX Experience and Preparation
This is a blog post I have been meaning to write for...well, the past three years, basically since I started my first RN job.
I still remember walking in to take NCLEX like it was yesterday. That feeling that I was taking the biggest test of my life loomed over me like a black sky before a thunderstorm.
I graduated from my nursing program on May 13th, 2016.
I took my NCLEX in the afternoon on June 23rd, 2016 and got my results on June 24th, 2016.
Since I didn't get my ATT (authorization to test) until almost two weeks after graduation, I decided that I was going to give myself 1 week off of doing anything NCLEX-related. So for that first week after graduation, I read for fun, relaxed, worked out, and enjoyed my free time.
My study plan consisted of 5 blocks of 90 minutes of studying and questions on my days off, and 1 90 minute block of studying on the days I worked as well as doing questions from an app on my phone while I was at work if I could.
The review book I used was the Saunders NCLEX - RN Examination, which was recommended by my program and utilized the whole time I was in nursing school. It comes with an online access code for more questions which is really handy once you've done all the questions in the book.
I also used the RNtertainment Board Game for when B was helping me study.
Another resource to utilize is the NCSBN website. They have the test plans on there as well as the candidate bulletin and a guide on what to expect on test day.
Something I used not only to study for NCLEX but also throughout nursing school was NRSNG. This was created by Jon Haws, a critical care RN who wanted to help nursing student succeed in nursing school. When I used this, it was free and now has a price tag of $39/month or $82 for 18 months. I loved watching and listening to the lectures because it gave me another way to absorb and understand the material that wasn't just sitting in a classroom. It looks like they also have tons of NCLEX prep material now, which they didn't have in 2016. Definitely an option to look into!
My tips for NCLEX:
I graduated from my nursing program on May 13th, 2016.
I took my NCLEX in the afternoon on June 23rd, 2016 and got my results on June 24th, 2016.
Since I didn't get my ATT (authorization to test) until almost two weeks after graduation, I decided that I was going to give myself 1 week off of doing anything NCLEX-related. So for that first week after graduation, I read for fun, relaxed, worked out, and enjoyed my free time.
My study plan consisted of 5 blocks of 90 minutes of studying and questions on my days off, and 1 90 minute block of studying on the days I worked as well as doing questions from an app on my phone while I was at work if I could.
The review book I used was the Saunders NCLEX - RN Examination, which was recommended by my program and utilized the whole time I was in nursing school. It comes with an online access code for more questions which is really handy once you've done all the questions in the book.
I also used the RNtertainment Board Game for when B was helping me study.
Another resource to utilize is the NCSBN website. They have the test plans on there as well as the candidate bulletin and a guide on what to expect on test day.
Something I used not only to study for NCLEX but also throughout nursing school was NRSNG. This was created by Jon Haws, a critical care RN who wanted to help nursing student succeed in nursing school. When I used this, it was free and now has a price tag of $39/month or $82 for 18 months. I loved watching and listening to the lectures because it gave me another way to absorb and understand the material that wasn't just sitting in a classroom. It looks like they also have tons of NCLEX prep material now, which they didn't have in 2016. Definitely an option to look into!
My tips for NCLEX:
- Write out a study plan. Get a good planner or a big-ass calendar and block out your study time. Treat your blocks like a job - you have to do them, they are your #1 priority.
- In between your study blocks, make sure that you go outside and get some fresh air. Go to the gym and get a workout in. Exercising helps your mind recover and keeps your body healthy.
- Stay hydrated and nourished. Drink lots of water and load up on healthy snacks - my favorites for when I'm studying are trail mix with cranberries, cheese/sausage/crackers, carrots and peppers with hummus, and...Sour Patch Watermelons. :)
- Get a solid 8 hours of sleep every night. Sleep recharges your brain, and you're gonna need it when you're taking the biggest test of your life.
- Try to schedule your exam for the morning. That way you aren't sitting around all day like an anxious wet blanket.
- The night before your exam, stop studying around 5 pm. Eat a good dinner and make sure you get a good night's sleep.
- Don't do any questions or studying the day of your exam. If you don't know it by now, you don't know it.
- Be confident in your answer choices. And remember, if you're getting a lot of "select all that apply", you're in good shape!
- Do not try to do the "Pearson VUE Trick" where you try to register for the exam again and see if it lets you to see if you passed or failed. Nowadays, people usually have their results within 24 hours. Go home and do anything you can to distract yourself.
And remember, getting 75 questions or 265 questions has no bearing on how capable you are of being a nurse!
When you get your licensure information, celebrate your heart out!
Welcome to the profession!