Hi!
I am an Australian nurse, and I am about to gradute to become an RN... My plan is to get my US registration in 12 months time. I am wondering if anyone can give me some tips on where I should get good experience in order to pass the NCLEX exam?
I have had a bit of experience everywhere.. but naturally, I am freaking out.
Cheers!
Fiona
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September 27th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Try to checkout that website http://NurseReview.org they have tons of stuff that will help you pass. Practice Questions, Tips, Strategies, How to apply, etc..
September 28th, 2007 at 8:44 am
I graduated from Nursing School in May, and took the N-Clex exam in May. I found the Kaplan Review class to be very helpful. When you enroll in the class you are able to access online resources. I thought the audio content review was very good. Good luck!!
September 28th, 2007 at 11:02 am
There are many resources for NCLEX review–workshops, books, CDs, online resources, and more. As you prepare for test-taking, think about your learning style as you choose your resource materials. For example, if you learn best by hearing and seeing, an onsite NCLEX review would be good to include in your preparation plan. Also you should consider CDs that include visual as well as audio teaching approaches. Be sure to practice sample test questions so that you are comfortable with the types of questions that will be asked.
You also asked about experience. Although I have know idea of what your specialty is, I would suggest that you consider a medical-surgical setting. Ideally you can find a unit where you can care for a variety of patients so that you can be exposed to the care of and clinical decision making for patients with various types of disorders. For example a GI unit that cares for patients with GI, pancreas, and liver disorders would give you a broader understanding of patient care in general than a unit who only served patients having bariatric surgery. Look for some variety in your clinical experience. And use those clinical experiences to understand more about caring for those patients (diagnostics, treatments, nursing interventions, etc.). Best wishes!
September 28th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
I am not a “new” nurse but a well seasoned one of 10 plus years. Perhaps some things have changed but when I prepared for the NCLEX I used a computer program that worked just like the NCLEX exam given on the computer. When you got an answer wrong it would tutor you on the answer and why it was the answer. I kept practicing every day and it even helped me study for exams in nursing school because the topics were right on.
End result, it took me 30 minutes to take the NCLEX. I thought I failed because the computer turned off so quickly and classmates told me horror stories of it taking them 4 hours to take and others who took less than an hour with it shutting failed. I passed first time around.
I also study for ACLS testing and cardiac rhtyms that way now. Just works really well for me so I recommend it to all.
Good luck all you future RNs out there!
September 30th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
I took the Kaplan review course which involves some classroom time with topics on how to troubleshoot questions and some key words to look for. It’s a little expensive, but well worth it. You get access to some computer tests that really help out also and you can take the tests over as many times as you like and you get different questions. Definately worth a shot!
Good Luck! And remember, you got past the hard part (school). Even if you don’t pass the first time you always have another chance!
October 3rd, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Fiona,
I didn’t take any classes. I reviewed my last two nursing courses, for me it was “Concepts of Clinical Nursing I and II.” I felt as if most of the questions on the NCLEX were critical thinking and were not “cut and dry” answers; needing a broad knowledge of nursing altogether.
Fortunately, I passed on the first try at it. I guess my thoughts of “read the question carefully, develop YOUR OWN answer BEFORE seeing the test’s answers, seeing the teat’s answers, elimination, and going with my first instinct paid off.
Best of luck to you. You got through nursing school for a reason… you should do just fine on the NCLEX!
October 3rd, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Fiona, I am an Aussie nurse working in USA. I took the NCLEX not long after I graduated from university which probably helped since the information was still fresh in my mind. I went through an agency to get a job and green card etc in the US. The agency gave me a book and some study materials which I went through before I sat the NCLEX. I found this really helped me especially in the paediatric/maternal sections which we didn’t do a lot of at university. My advice if you are doing it on your own, get an NCLEX book and review the topics. The book has sample Q&A too. Just practice answering the questions. I wouldn’t pay for classes unless you are really struggling. GOOD LUCK!!
October 17th, 2007 at 4:13 am
I too had the same problem when I took the nclex. I had to take it 3 times!
Here is my story:
http://caring4you.net/advice.html
I have some FREE resources that you can use for resources:
NCLEX Forum:
http://anneliesern.proboards38.com/index.cgi
NCLEX Questions:
http://caring4you.net/tests.html
I would suggest you buy my CD’s”
http://caring4you.net/Shop
The problem with all these review books and courses is that they do not focus on delegation and prioritization enough. The nclex has changed in the wake of 9/11 and these two concepts are tested very heavily. I saw a weakness in these areas and this is why I made my 6 CD’s
My Seminar is definately a need for you. But may I also suggest some must need books.
NCLEX – PN 250 New format Questions. Click on the link on my site:
http://caring4you.net/lpnnclex.html
NCLEX – RN 250 New format Questions. Click on the link on my site:
http://caring4you.net/nclex.html
I absolutely think that Lippincott’s NCLEX Review is great. It has 3000 questions with answers and rationale and it is divided into the 9 systems.
My friend, I am extremely passionate about helping people pass their nclex and I would not steer you wrong. My site is updated daily. I trust by now you found the FREE nclex questions on my site:
http://caring4you.net/tests.html
And I update my NCLEX Series every month so I am really on top of the NCLEX. My series use to sell for $199.00 but I lowered the price simply because I care for students, I care for people.
You don’t have to buy the books new on Amazon. People are selling them used just be sure you get the latest edition. I would do 150 questions a day and if you buy my series I will walk you through how to study.
Good luck and God bless you.
annelieseRN