NCLEX

Well, most of you don't know me, so I will introduce myself. Obviously my name is Ryan, I'm 23 years old, and I had Lap Band surgery on 3/15/05 (did this on spring break during nursing school). Well I just finished nursing school and am scheduled to take the state boards on September 26th. I am so nervous and I was wondering if anyone could give me any pointers. I would really apprecaite it. I already have a job in L&D (I did my practicum there and absolutely loved it), so any of the L&D nurses I would appreciate some insight on that as well. I am so excited to see that there is a message board on here especially for nurses, that I just found. Well I wish all of you continued success on your weight loss endeavors, whatever method you choose. Thank you in advance fo the support. Ryan 202/155/125-130

Hi, Ryan! Congratulations on your graduation and your new job. Boards weren't too bad, as I remember. Two days, and they let us off work to go. I know there are study books out there to get you in the rhythm of answering the questions correctly. If you did ok in school, you should pass state boards. Congrats on your weight loss, too. You will be at goal soon! Good luck, Jeanie DS 02/12/05

You probably have already been studying. A computer program with mock tests was the best study aide for me. I was overwhelmed with the task of studying everything that I learned in school, so I just did test after test. There are test taking hints that I found useful. Every question has 2 incorrect answers that you can discount immediately. Then you have to figure out which answer is the most correct. Look for words like always and never, because almost nothing is always or never, so these options are usually out. Most of all, go with your instincts and don't dwell on a question too long, you question your first instinct, and usually end up changing your mind to the wrong answer. Expect questions that relate to things that you have never heard of and don't let them freak you out. Lastly, relax. If you did ok in school and don't have a severe case of test anxiety, you will do fine. Good Luck!

Hello Ryan, I too, am a L&D nurse, I graduated from U of L in Louisville, KY in May of 1992. I originally started out as a critical care nurse, but for the past 4 yrs I've been practicing in labor hall. September 26, is fastly approaching and you will do fine with your board, just study some NCLEX books like Mosbys and Lipincott. I worked as a clinical instructor for a while and became friends with some of the professors who wrote board questions and thats what reference books that they suggested....but for Kentucky. Labor and Delivery is just a whole different world set aside from med-surg or emergency medicine isn't...mostly everything is joyable set aside from the pain, occassionally you do run across "life isn't fair things", stillbirth or IUFD. I am waiting for insurance approval to have a lap band done, hope you can keep in contact with me. How are you doing with your weight loss? website www.missyrn67@alltel.net. keep in touch, Melissa.

Hi Ryan, I graduated last May (2004) so the memory of taking boards is still pretty fresh in my mind. Basically it wasn't too bad, although I was convinced I'd failed. My computer cut off after 75 questions (it's done online and everyone's test is different -- it shuts off when it determines that your knowledge is good enough to pass) and I was CONVINCED that it meant that I'd failed. 75 questions is the minimum you can have, so actually I did very very well, but I was so nervous I nearly threw up when it was over, and spent days in emotional distress until I got my results. In retrospect, it was silly, but oh well. What I did to prepare was get some NCLEX prep audio tapes and listened to them in my car. They were an excellent review for me, and the guy who spoke was very interesting. I still listen to them, in fact! I also had those NCLEX cards with questions on one side, and answers on the other, with explanations as to why the answers were right or wrong. For many of us, it's not about what we know, but understanding the questions. Best of luck on the 26th! You'll do GREAT!!! Oh and I'm a mom baby nurse, too. Isn't it fun??? Vickie