By: N’tina K., RN

I began studying right after the 2 day review class provided by the college by
doing NCLEX test questions, but I did not seriously open my notes until I actually had
a date. Clearance for the date took nearly a month. I scheduled it for
approximately a month after I received clearance. I studied by going back to my
earlier notebooks and reviewing my notes. I believe my notes were thorough as
many of them were worked on and some were actual transcriptions from the
Instructors. I studied a different class every 3-4 days. I put in about 6-8 hours
a day I reviewed it 2-3 times until I felt satisfied that I was clear on it.

Surprisingly, after reviewing I finally understood things that I did not
understand previously. So I had a good handle on things that were previously
confusing to me and felt confident if asked those questions that I would be able
to supply the correct responses.

Regarding the test and scheduling; A lot of my fellow students were talking
about taking their exam in White Plains. The times that the website provided
were near impossible for me. I would have to awaken at 4:00 am in order to
arrive 1/2 hour before the exam time of 7:30 am provided there wasn’t any
traffic on the Tappan Zee bridge coming from Rockland. I would not have gotten a
good night sleep worrying that I would be late and then forfeit my time slot or
if I did make it I would be a nut case by the time I got there and would forget
everything. I chose a better time at a better place. I decided on Lyndhurst, NJ
which is really listed as Newark but is closer to my home and only 1-2 miles
difference from White Plains. My time slot as I recall was 1:30. That gave enough time to have a good night sleep, and a proper lunch before  embarking on the 20-30 minute drive and be there early.

I was expecting a really large exam hall. When I arrived I was surprised to see a small office in an office building. Other people were also testing at the same time but they did not look like Nurses to be. My assessment was correct. The test center also tested for
other licenses. I was really worried about having all my papers in order. The
receptionist was really nice and comforting but she confused me and I thought I
had forgotten something sending me into a near panic. You need to bring the
paperwork that you received in the mail, or what you down loaded – the
confirmation letter –  as well as 2 forms of photo ID. In the end I was okay but
it is good to verify exactly what you need and put it all into a folder. I
brought a lot of snacks thinking I was going to be there all day. They give you
a locker to store your things.

The testing was comfortable. I was placed in front of a computer in a cubicle. I
was given verbal instruction by the proctor as well as an additional tutorial on
the computer. I was also given a marker slate for calculations and for mind
dumping – i.e. things you have memorized which you are concerned
about forgetting.

The questions I received were multiple choice, multiple
multiples and fill ins. It also included calculations which for some reason I
was having difficulty with even though on my last calculation exam I scored a
95%. It could be dealing with the slate board and the computer calculator – I am
not really sure but I do think that is why I was given approx. 81 questions. The
majority of the content of the questions were on infectious control and
priority. I had to have a solid knowledge base in order to get them right.

I feel the way that I studied was the correct way for this. Instead of focusing on
questions I studied content. As my experience from doing questions prior to
school exams it is helpful to get your brain working but it is so much more
important to know the content. The NCLEX exam itself was easier than any Nursing
School exam but most likely the questions were harder than the review books.

In conclusion, chose a test center that works with your natural schedule, study
the content by reviewing your own notes, make sure that you are prepared
physically, mentally and emotionally.

Good luck to all,
N’tina