How I Passed the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) in 85 Questions
On May 23, 2023 I took my NCLEX.
In 1.5 hours, I passed in 85 questions.
Ever since I publicly announced graduating and passing my boards, I've surprisingly received a decent amount of messages asking what I did to prepare. And as I scroll through my socials and continue to get messages on passes and failures, I thought to write here than merely an Instagram post or video.
I've decided to break this up between two parts -
Before beginning, I'm cutting straight to the point because you're probably going to read and hear the same things over again. And will probably believe what you want to believe, but -- You will never actually feel 100% ready.
Trust me, I know. I know this because I felt the same way. Despite feeling inadequate and having the utmost feeling of imposter syndrome, I passed at the minimum amount of questions in about 1.5 hours. It went by so fast that I didn't even get to eat my snack.
Tips & Advice:
NCLEX Preparation Programs: Archer, UWorld, Kaplan, etc.
Although there are many different programs to choose from, I used Archer and I'm 100% glad I did. It was just like the Next Generation NCLEX in terms of how the questions are structured. Despite only using Archer, users of UWorld have reported that UWorld is more detailed compared to Archer questions. Depending on how you learn, I would give both a try, but the NGN questions were simple and straight to the point - just like Archer.
My ABSN program had us answering 800-1200 nursing questions a week for 10 weeks leading up to our Exit exam in a program called VATI which continued on after graduation. They also provided us with a mandatory review week aimed for exit preparation, but it was helpful with the NCLEX as well. Anything that will cater how you study and retain information is a program for you.
Time Management: Make time to study and take time to relax
To be honest, I didn’t study every day. I graduated back in April 2023 and I didn’t take my exam until late May so studying consistently was the last thing on my mind — Until 2 weeks prior.
Also, I was fully enjoying finally being out of nursing school and embracing the fact that I felt like I could finally breathe and that the world was my oyster without due dates. But with that said, it is still important to build time management skills if you have not already. At least look at some material once a day if your test is looking a bit away.
Take Readiness and CAT Exams: Helps you see where you stand in terms of passing the NCLEX
I started taking at least one readiness exam at the 2 week mark then at 1 week prior, I started taking 2-3, but always one in the morning close to the time of my actual exam.
Watch videos: Review concepts and information that you feel you need work on.
Personally, I can learn in a multitude of ways. But for concepts I could not fully grasp the first time around, I retained the information more hearing specific voices or watching specific videos.
Do not stop taking care of yourself: You got this far so why stop now?
Keep working out. Keep watching your comfort show. Keep eating healthy. Keep eating in general. Just because you have this huge exam at the end of your made up timeline does not give you the excuse to let yourself down. Sure, you’re cutting this and that out to give yourself “more” time to study, but let’s be honest. How much are you really going to retain and learn in the hour you gifted yourself for basic needs?
Let your brain soak. Let your brain build those neural connections.
When you let yourself down, now, how do you suppose the future you is going to take the very thing you’re dreading?
Know your stressors. Know your pre-exam scaries. Know what testing environment would benefit you the most.
My home is close to a good chunk of NCLEX testing locations. I live in the northern part of Los Angeles County. I took my exam in Orange County. Lake Forest to be exact and it was one of the best decisions I made.
There were 2 testing times for the locations near me. One in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Personally, I knew that if I booked the morning, I would have to wake up an hour or two earlier to make time to prep/self-soothe and fight the morning work rush. The afternoon would be no different, but I would sit in heightened anxiety and stress as an added bonus.
Taking my exam in Lake Forest, I stayed in Newport Beach the days prior leaving me with a later wake-up time and a 20 minute, traffic free drive in the morning. And a 20 minute drive, traffic free back.
My testing location was also smaller compared to the other ones I looked up and it was just what suited me best. Ample parking, no crowds, less noise, and most importantly, less external stressors for me.
Don’t take your exam on a Friday unless you love to wait, don’t care for your results, or are 100% confident you know you’re either passing or failing. - Simple, you will not get your results (officially) until the following Monday. If you know, you know.
What I Did The Days Leading to My NCLEX:
Despite enjoying my somewhat newfound freedom, there was a nagging feeling of being in limbo. I graduated, but I did not have the license to practice. The few days before my exam were nerve wracking. I felt like I couldn’t fully enjoy my time and I felt constantly on edge in fear that I did not know something. Regardless of the Archer exams telling me that I had a high chance of passing, I still felt like I was going to fail.
Funny enough, the biggest thing I did differently was hunker down a tad more than usual due to my increased levels of anxiety…
My plan was simple and thought out the day I had booked my testing date. I planned to take my exam away from everyone, everything, and not tell anyone, but one person when I was taking my exam. I told my family and my closest friends the week of but never the actual date and honestly, it helped take off a weight on my shoulders. The pressure to pass that very day was of course still there, but not for anyone but myself.
I stayed in Newport Beach for the 4 days preceding my exam. That weekend, I gave myself the strict schedule of eating breakfast, going to a pilates class, grabbing a coffee right after then going straight back to the house to study until sunset. After studying, I would try to decompress at least an hour or two before bed. I slept late, but not past midnight and I always woke up before 9. Ample time for sleep and my new yet temporary daily routine. And most importantly, I continued to allow myself to have breaks and the occassional release of stress/frustration rant. I don’t remember crying. But maybe I just blocked that out?
Archer and OneNote were my utmost best friends. They were on rotation. I used OneNote on the mini iPad and it saved me time, space, and paper. It worked great for me due to the simplicity. I would take the exams on Archer, and write notes on the information that I got wrong or felt like I needed more work on. I still look back on my notes when using the iPad and I am still so proud of myself to this day with the amount of studying I had committed myself to.
Most people would say to not study the day before your exam. I wanted to listen, but I took 2 of the Archer exams that day. I took one in the morning, close to my exact testing time and one in the afternoon, just to try to feel an ounce of confidence. That night, I remember being so high strung, but that is it.
The morning of my NCLEX, I cried on my drive to my testing location. I prayed so hard on my way there. I prayed in the waiting room, and I prayed on my way home. God blessed me that day. God blessed me with that weekend. It was exactly what I needed and more.
So, if you read to the end… You’re a star. You passed nursing school. You can pass the NCLEX.
