Preparing for the NCLEX

As I reflect on my senior year of nursing school, there was a lot of angst and stress surrounding the NCLEX exam. I had been told that statistically those who take the exam close after graduation perform the best, so I scheduled my exam about a week after graduation.
It was the culmination of four years of undergraduate studies. I was required to purchase the ATI program for school, so that was my first step in studying.
There were only certain ATI tests we were required to complete for classes, but I took advantage of all of the exams offered, completing and reviewing each one at least once. This allowed me to identify areas of study that I needed to review more.
One of the most helpful things I did to prepare for the NCLEX was attend a Mark Klimek two-day review course. Several of my classmates split a hotel room in Springfield and attended the class together. The course was an excellent way to identify important elements from each course and commit them to memory. It also provided us with two review books, which we could study afterward.
Once I had completed the Mark Klimek NCLEX review and identified the areas I needed to improve on the most, I settled into a booth at Panera day after day and reviewed lessons, notes, and resources. The day before I took the exam, I did not study. I gave myself a full day of rest and relaxation in preparation. I made sure my mind and body were well nourished and rested before the exam.
I took the exam on a Friday, meaning I would have to wait the whole weekend before finding out my results. My exam shut off after 75 questions. I think that everyone that experiences this thinks they failed. I was devastated- I thought, “gee, it only took 75 questions to prove I’m stupid.” In retrospect, this was my test anxiety speaking. I ate my feelings when I got home, crushing an entire Dutch apple pie over the next day. As Monday arrived and I emerged out of my shame-filled cocoon, I received my results. I passed. I was an RN!
I learned a lot from the experience of preparing for and taking the NCLEX- not just not to eat a whole pie for three meals a day. Don’t do it. My test anxiety had been my nemesis for so long. Later into my nursing career, as I prepared for the CCRN certification exam, I was able to combat my anxiety. Sitting in the exam room, I was able to refocus myself. Just tell yourself, “I’ve put in years of study for this- I’ve done the time, I know what I’m doing.” These positive affirmations were crucial to my success in the CCRN examination.
In a little over a year, I’ll be preparing for the APRN boards exams. Will I be scared? Of course. Will I be prepared? You betcha. I’ll be well rested going into the exam, having given my brain rest after reviewing coursework. Will I eat an entire pie afterward? NO!
If I can leave you with anything, it’s that you’ve got this. You put in the time- just sit back, relax, and breath. You’ve got it!

Kate Best is a 2015 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Nursing.