Study
I started studying at the beginning of my senior year. I worked as a PCA and would often get floated to sit. Sometimes I'd be sitting for 12 hours straight. If you're sitting for the pleasantly confused patient, take advantage of it. I always brought a review book to work with me in case I got floated to sit. At the end of the shift, I was always surprised with how much studying I was able to get done. Sometimes I could even entertain the patient by having them quiz me on the review questions. This isn't always appropriate, but for some patients, it really works!
Get review books/programs that work for you. I loved Lippincott's Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN, ATI practice questions (in the books and online), and Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment: Practice Exercises for the NCLEX Examination.
Take a NCLEX seminar/class
I took the 3-day ATI review course through my school, and I honestly wasn't too impressed. I really did like their practice questions though. If you live in Ohio, you HAVE to take Mark Klimek's NCLEX Review. His course was AMAZING and so worth it. He has so many tips and tricks to remember things that most people try to memorize. His methods definitely helped me on more than a few questions on the NCLEX. Classes are held in Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati. The cost is $295 and includes an outline book and question book. You can also go back free of charge as long as you have kept your receipt and emailed them in advance. It's very worth it.
Prepare
I honestly disagree with many bloggers that say to study 8 hours a day. How the heck can anyone do that? That is way too much. After awhile, all the information will blur together and you won't even know what you're studying. I only studied 2 hours or less each day for a month after I got my ATT number. Before that, I just did practice questions for half an hour at a time whenever I could. Find a quiet place where you won't be distracted, and take breaks! I would only let myself study for 30 minutes at a time. Every 30 minutes, I would take a 10 minute break.
Don't spend too much time on content. Know your pharm and patho, but other than that, I would mainly just do practice questions.
Read everything this website says. It will help you know what to do before, during, and after the exam.
Remain calm
I had a great experience at the testing center. The proctors knew we were all nervous, and they were so nice. Use the soundproof headphones. Otherwise, all you will hear is clicking. That sound can be very distracting. If you don't know an answer right away, think through it. You have plenty of time to take this test, and you can even take breaks if needed. If you still don't know the answer, try to narrow it down and then go with your gut.
Get those results
It took me two days to get my results, and it was the longest two days of my life. I definitely recommend going out with your nursing school friends for a few drinks during this time. You earned it, and there's no use in spending that time home alone and worried sick. Check the board's website before you pay for the quick results, because they may already be on there.
If you didn't pass, it's not the end of the world. I know many great nurses that didn't pass the first time. Try to figure out what you can do better and get a tutor! You will pass with hard work and studying! I know it :)
Best of luck on the NCLEX! You're going to kill it.
Until next time,
Jennie
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