How to Review for NCLEX-RN

     

   Things I did to review for NCLEX-RN that might help you pass the exam

        So you're halfway there on your journey to become US-RN. Before you proceed on sitting down for the exam, ask yourself these questions same way as I did:

        "When am I  gonna take the exam?"

        "What review materials should I use?"

"When am I  gonna take the exam?"

• First things first, what is the current status of your NCLEX-RN application? You can't book your exam on Pearson View if you don't have your Eligibility letter coming from the Board of Nursing you applied to.

• Once you got your Eligibility letter, sign in to your Pearson View account and check for the available examination dates. Then assess yourself if between this day up to your exam date, is enough for you to pass the exam. Don't book your exam yet. Just take note of the specific date you want to sit for exam.

• With that said, it's better if you print a calendar were you can write and erase notes for each day. That calendar will serve as your guide for what you were about to study and also for quick glance of your timeline.

• Here is an example of my study schedule. I gotta admit myself, I want everything organize. I also use colored ballpoint-pens. So I can easily distinguish what am I looking for. I categorize my notes according to body systems or major subjects. For example, I used red ball-pen only for my notes on Cardiovascular and Respiratory systems. Green for Gastrointestinal etc. It's up to you on what color you can easily recognize your calendar and notes.

• So, if you're asking how to categorize your studies into major subjects, we will discuss that later on. You can also use your phone as your calendar. But for me, I find it hard to edit, at the same time mobile phones are distraction for me even when I scheduled my apps on disabled mode on a specific time. It is best to delete your social media apps and games that might cause distraction.

• Once you're almost halfway done on your review materials, that is the best time to schedule your exam. If you didn't make it to the exam date that you first note, that is fine. If that date also got fully booked, that is also totally fine. Why? Because if you already book that date earlier, for sure you're gonna keep rescheduling it for like up to five times because your not ready. Lol! (Based on my experience). But it is totally up to you. If you don't want to lose that date, book it. It really depends on your self-assessment. Currently, rescheduling the exam is free. Just do reschedule one business day ahead of your exam date.

"What review materials should I use?"

• Based on my experience, one review material is not enough for me, unless you are a fresh grad Nursing. 

• I tried a review class in the Philippines, it didn't worked for me. Although I learned a lot, met new friends and our instructors are really amazing. But I guess within one month of in-person class, It's all jammed up on my mind and I can't organize the lessons enough as they are fast paced teaching. Aside from me being a slow learner, it's been 4 years since I sat down in a class room. That cost me Php 26,000. Without our rent and daily food expenses in Manila.

• I also purchased Kaplan online class. It comes with scheduled online class that you're gonna attend to and also some notes to study. I find that the "decision tree" helped me on answering practice questions, but not all questions can use that method. It didn't worked for me because I need a content that doesn't get me bored and I want some pictures or illustrations so I can visualize stuffs. That cost me $399.

• Then, my workmate who is also reviewing for NCLEX advised me to use Saunders. It helped me a lot, as they categorize the subjects under units which you can easily focus onto. At the same time it is colored and has pictures and illustrations which I don't easily get bored. I finished the book cover to cover. In order for me to that, it took me 2 months. The 8th edition costs $50 today.

• As I'm laying my foundation with the help of Saunders, I also purchased UWorld NCLEX-RN. Since Saunders is divided into major topics, I answered UWorld questions with the same topics that I red from the Saunders book. So how does it work? UWorld is a review material specializes on Qbank. They have thousand of practice questions and you can pick according to the subject or mix questions with any other subjects. Questions can be numbered up to 75 depends on a subject, can be with a timer according to the number of your questions. The best thing about UWorld is their rationale! I mean it. They explain it clear and crisp direct to the point. Right and wrong answer choices also have explanation, sometimes with illustrations. The interface looks like NCLEX exam and it is available on your app/play store for download on your phone or tablet. They also have different question types. You will learn to love SATA. Your money is well spent here! I purchased 60 day access for $159. The cheapest is the 30 day access for $129.

Excuse for my long nail. Lol!

• When I purchased UWorld, I'm almost done on my Saunders book. Instead of going back to the previous topics in Saunders that I already forgot, I purchased Hurst online review. Hurst review is a content review with QBanks. What I love about Hurst is their Video lectures categorized into major topics. After you purchased their course, they will send you a book. This book is divided into major topics same as the online videos. It is fill in the blank-book that when watching video lecture, you need to follow and write the word they said from the lecture intended for the blank spaces. When I didn't hear clearly, I just rewind the video for a bit, unlike on in-person class which mostly fast paced teaching. Video lectures are fun and easily understandable so as the lecturer and I never get bored with each lecture. Hurst also have a QBank but for me, I prefer the QBank of UWorld for practice questions. What's best on Hurst is their video lectures with the fill-in-the blanks book. For me, Hurst UWorld combo will help you pass the NCLEX alone. I spent $199 for the Hurst online course. (Video lectures, book and QBank included)

I also used colored book marks for easy access on each subjects. (OCD strikes again)

• So after I'm done with the video lecture on Hurst, for example Cardiovascular lecture. I will open my UWorld account and answer questions under the subject of Cardiovascular. For me it's better to fully understand one subject before you proceed to another. Because after you're done with every subjects, you will mix all the questions like the real nclex exam. Then I slowly increase the number of my questions up to 75. Then later on, 75 mixed questions plus with timer. You need to get used to the real NCLEX exam. It's better when you mimic the nclex environment as well. While answering QBanks from UWorld, you shouldn't be eating or drinking. No distractions and noise.

        "So what is the best review material?"

                    For content:                       Saunders or Hurst

                    For practice questions:     UWorld

        "What is the best combination?"

                    Hurst + UWorld      or      Saunders + UWorld

        

        PLEASE READ "NOTE TO SELF" BELOW, BEFORE YOU PICK REVIEW MATERIALS!

  *** Repetition is the key

• Now that you knew which material that suites you best, you will encounter normal lab values along your review process. Normal lab values are not all the same and varies each textbooks. But stick to the lab values you will encounter on your chosen review material. Also, you tend to memorize them if you always see them. By placing these normal lab values next to your computer, it will help you remember them as each day goes by because you always see them.

Color coded pens helps you distinguish the normal values under which subject. For example, Blood Values like RBC, WBC and Platelets is mostly under Cardio, I used red pen for Cardio lecture so red pen is the best color for this normal values (OCD hits again) 

• Every morning, I'm used to checking my phone then glance to my social media apps. Since I already deleted those apps that distracts me, I want something that I can glance on bed before rising. Then my American friend an RN for years, suggested me to create these Flash cards. Don't get me wrong. I already have my notes on my notebook at the same time the summary on Hurst book is really helpful. I was hesitant at first, but I gave it a try. What I did, is I only wrote those notes that I always having hard time to remember. Also, the notes that I always encounter from one subject to another.

Still color coded. As you can see I used pink pen for Maternal.With some drawing. Lol!
I do have hard time in Maternal Nursing, so majority of my cards made for that subject.

  *** Exam day

• They always suggest that, don't review anymore the day before your exam date. And that's what I did. I just relaxed my mind and body. I just watched TV, but my social media and games are still deleted. I just want to chill. Then eat good and healthy foods, a day before your exam, so your tummy is along with you up to your exam day.
• Plan your travel/commute ahead and make a time allotment for sudden traffic jam. 
• Prepare your ID's or Passport, make sure they're still valid. There is a thorough details on your ATT for further instructions. If you're going to use your Passport, make sure you have your signature printed. And if you have fancy passport casing, remove it. They only need the passport itself not any accessories you put into it.
• Wear comfortable clothes, because sometimes it is cold inside. You can bring jacket specially in cold weather/season. They have lockers available on the reception where you can keep your belongings. They also have water dispenser available with disposable cups for heavy drinkers.
• PRAY and TRUST YOURSELF!

  *** Note to self

• Every human being is unique and you know that. What worked for me, might not work for you. Vice versa. I just shared the stuffs that helped me passed my NCLEX-RN test. It is up to you, what or which idea you will grasp from what I shared here. Make an extensive research and ask your trusted friends what worked or what is working for them to pass the exam. Then decide for yourself with all your mind and heart.                You can do this! BREAK A LEG!

How to apply NCLEX-RN for New York State as a Foreign Educated Nurse

The 7 DIY Steps on How to Apply for

NCLEX-RN in New York State

Photo from Flickr

- Hi fellow nurses! My name is Jeff. This is my road to become US-RN.

- I will share to you my experiences so we can fulfill our American Dreams together and I can be a part of your journey to success.

-  I started my application from March 2017 and took my NCLEX-RN examination March 2018.

(This includes my 1 month study on a review center)

- It took me 12 months for the whole process

- Total expenses (approx):            = (USD) $980

                                                       = (PHP) 51,012   ---In 2019 Rates

- This is the Do It Yourself process. Things you need to prepare: 

a. Computer, Printer, Typewriting or Bond paper, Pen

b. Credit Card (I don't have mine, so I asked my mom and my close friend to pay it for me as I will pay them thru debit card or cash)

c. Passport

d. Strength, Patience and Hope

Step 1:

Decide which US state

- There are 50 states in the United States of America and 5 major territories. Each has its own Board of Nursing. Each Board of Nursing has specific regulations and requirements when it comes to nurse practice like RN, LVN/LPN or NP.

 -So why New York?

* I chose New York state because of the location (I want cold climate and snow perhaps),

* At the same time my aunt who works as an RN in California suggested New York state because she has a close friend that can help me stay in her home,

* As of now they don't require SSN (Social Security Number) upon NCLEX application,

* And lastly there are no concurrency issues unlike some states.

Photo Credit from Kerririchardson.com

Step 2:

Create CGFNS account and accomplish Credential Verification Service (CVS) forms

- I call it the "Checker"

- CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) is an immigration nonprofit organization that assesses and validates our academic credentials (college transcript of records) and professional credentials (PRC license of the Philippines).

- CGFNS needs to assess and validate our credentials since we graduated nursing outside the United States.

- It is the longest part of the process, that's why you need to apply for this first before the other steps. It usually takes up to 1 year, but 8 months for me.

- CGFNS-CVS is specified only for New York state. Don't be confused with CGFNS-CES, which is for the other states.

- Go online, create an account, and pay $390. http://www.cgfns.org/services/authentication-and-verification/credential-verification-service-for-new-york-state/

After you open the link, click Apply on the upper part of the screen then create an account afterwards

- After creating an account, answer the series of questions and information that you need to fill-up online which will reflect to the 3 forms right after. Double check the data you provided before printing out the forms.

- The 3 forms are:

Authorization for Verification of Academic Records/Transcripts,

(this is the form that you allow CGFNS to validate your T.O.R from your school),

Authorization for Validation of Licensure/Registration

(this is the form that you allow CGFNS to validate your RN license from the authority, like PRC from Philippines)

Signed Notarized Application

(this is the form that shows most of your data, make sure you signed it with the same date as you notarized it. I got mine returned by CGFNS because the date I signed it and the date I notarized this form are not the same. Learn from my mistake to avoid any delays)

- Notarization cost me Php 450 or $8 less.

(but I made 2nd attempt, so I spend double for that amount.)

- When all is set, mail the 3 forms to P.O Box 8628, Philadelphia PA 19101-8628 USA

(send it through local post office as large courier companies like FedEx, DHL or UPS doesn't allow shipment to P.O Box. addresses) Cost me for about Php1000 or $20 less.

- Then to know what is the status of your credentials and forms, just login to your CGFNS account form time to time. I usually type CGFNS connect on the web browser, it will direct you to the login page. 

- On your account, under the Order requirements, then on the "Issued report" section, you should see the status mailed. Meaning, your credentials was sent to NYSED already. (Yehey!)

- But it takes a very long time. Depends on how your School and the License Authority (PRC from the Philippines) responds to send your credentials to CGFNS. This is the waiting game of the whole process.

- But, while waiting for that mailed status, you can proceed to step 3 now.

Step 3:

Start an application to NYSED

- I call it, the "Reviewer"

- NYSED (New York State Education Department) is the responsible for the administration of state tests and regents examination.

- They will receive the report of your credentials from CGFNS.

- Go online, start an application for Registered Nurse

(this link directs you to Online Form 1 - Application for Licensure)

https://eservices.nysed.gov/professions/

There's a lot of questions and information that you need to fill-up on this application

- Others say, they filled-up and print out Online Form 1, then they mailed it to NYSED with their diploma. For me, as a foreign graduate nurse from the Philippines, we applied just online. No need to send the forms thru mail.

E-mail notification that I applied to NYSED online

- At the end of online application, you need to pay $143 via Credit Card.

- Once your'e done with the NYSED application, you should proceed to Step 4 to save time, while waiting for the "NYS NCLEX approval" E-mail (sometimes they call it Eligibility Letter)

- And if your credentials are reviewed and approved by NYSED, they will send you an

E-mail ("NYS NCLEX approval" or Eligibility Letter) that your education has been approved. This is the another waiting game. I got mine for a month.

Step 4:

Take the two New York Mandated Courses

- While waiting for the approval letter from NYSED, you can start your training for these courses.

- The two short courses that you have to complete and submit to NYSED are:

Child Abuse Training and Infection Control Training

- You don't need to travel in New York, USA to take these courses. There are online courses and some will directly send the report to NYSED that you completed the training.

- You can go to http://www.elearnonline.net/statemandate.aspx?x=44 or

https://wildirismedicaleducation.com/state-mandated

- Each courses will cost you for about $20-$40, that you can to pay thru Credit Card

- For me, I skipped to take this courses. Remember on Step 3, as I completed my online application on NYSED, there's a question and an option that you can just submit the mandated courses' report/certificate to them later.

Step 5:

Register to Pearson Vue

- I call it, the "Test manager"

- Pearson Vue delivers the exams. We are taking the exam to become RN of  USA, which falls to the test we call NCLEX-RN.

- Once you received your Eligibility Letter from New York,  you can start creating an account on Pearson Vue.

- Go online and register http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/

- At the end of registration process, you need to pay $200. 

- After registration, you need to wait for the Authorization To Test (ATT) letter. You will receive your ATT from Pearson Vue via E-mail. 

(I got my ATT 1 day after registration from Pearson Vue)

Step 6:

Schedule your Exam on Pearson Vue

-Once you got your ATT, go online again on your Pearson Vue account and schedule your NCLEX-RN Examination.

- You should schedule your exam within the validity dates written on the ATT.

- At the end of your booking process for you exam date, additional payment of $160 for test takers outside the USA. I paid it thru Credit Card.

Step 7:

Take the NCLEX-RN Examination

- This is it! After the long wait, we reached the main event of becoming US-RN.

- If you're an international test taker, you need to provide your Passport on your test/exam day. Make sure you have your signature on your passport, and the information on your passport same as you entered on Pearson Vue registration. If local in the states, you can use your driver's license or green card.

- There are more instructions and admission policies on the ATT.

- For your exam results, you can view it from your Pearson Vue account and purchase Quick results if you don't want to wait for a month knowing you failed or passed.

- I made a new page about on how to review and prepare for NCLEX-RN. Just click the next label on top of the page.

- Good Luck and God Bless fellow nurses!