Week 1
I have taken the NCLEX twice now and have come up short both times. The first time I took the test was 5 days after I had emergency surgery. At the time I didn’t think I should reschedule but looking back that might have been a smart idea. I didn’t do enough questions at all the week leading up to the test because I was on and off pain medications. The second time I took the test I believe I was a little nervous and didn’t have enough confidence because I felt like too much time had passed since taking it the first time. I was worried I lost information each day. I didn’t let the second fail break me down, I am ready to get focused again & put in the work that it takes to pass this test. I am excited to be doing the CodeBreaker class because I have learned so much already just by joining in on the 2 hour sessions and meeting separately at the library. I will stay dedicated and disciplined when it comes to doing my 50 questions a day and really taking the time to study the material I get stuck on.
Week 2
After week 2, I feel that I have been slowly improving my scores on UWorld, but I will admit I slacked on doing questions while I was out of town so that made me feel behind. I also had to miss one lecture from being out of town but I watched videos from your lectures and took notes. I feel more confident with BMP, Labs, & different diagnoses associated with the labs. I still feel motivated and excited to keep learning and getting better each day.
Week 4
I do believe that passing the NCLEX is very achievable. I’ve come so close the two times I have taken the test, but come up very short both times. I feel confident and excited about this next time I take it on November 6th! Studying has been getting better & doing questions has improved a little bit each time. Even if my scores aren’t increasing by much, or even going down at times. I have been taking more advantage of the rationales and taking notes on some questions I am stuck on. I think I have been doing better at staying focused and building some confidence since starting the 6 weeks. An important opportunity I have right now during these 6 weeks is flexibility with my job. I have been a little selfish at putting my studies first so I can pass the test this time. Thankfully my boss understands that these 6 weeks are important. The one thing I know that I need to change about my study habits is to do my 50 questions at the beginning of the day instead of at night or after class, by that time my brain feels fried.
Week 6
Looking back at the beginning of this 6 week course, I feel that I have definitely grown as a student and a soon to be nurse. I have gained so much knowledge by taking your class & discipline. There have been days I have missed my questions but I feel comfortable answering each question, no matter if I get it right or wrong. Noah & I were practicing questions earlier this week and he said “You are doing so much better on questions & explaining why each one is right/wrong.” In the beginning of the course I wasn’t able to explain my answer on why I thought it was right/wrong. The questions seem to be getting easier with the more I know. Although my scores have seemed to stay the same, I still feel confident. I’ve also learned it’s important to be selfish sometimes. I have had to put myself and studies first for these last 6 weeks in order to truly put the time and effort in. Whether that’s not hanging with my friends/family, missing out on going to certain events, etc. I needed to be selfish and give it my all for these 6 weeks & I keep praying it pays off. Your class is different from any program, course, or nursing platform I’ve seen so far. You are the only professor/instructor I have had that genuinely cares about your students success. It is very meaningful and your compassion for people is inspiring. I don’t feel as anxious when I’m taking your course because the way you teach is very easy to understand and calming in a way. I cannot think of one negative aspect throughout the entire 6 week course, 2 hour sessions, or library study sessions. Your time and teaching has been very beneficial to each of us & I believe as a whole class, we are very thankful for what you do. I will admit, the last two weeks have had me feeling pretty nervous about taking the test again. I know I will do great & I have to speak it into existence, but there’s always a tiny thought in my mind of “what if”. The more I think about it the more anxious I get but I just want to take the test so I can prove it to myself, family, Noah, & you that I am capable! I still feel excited, but just a bit more nervous than usual.
Post pass the NCLEX
I can’t believe that the 6 weeks have already flown by and I am now writing my reflection as a REGISTERED NURSE!!!! I learned so much throughout this course, not only nursing content but about myself too. It hasn’t been easy but I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to take this class & learn so much in such a short time. Looking back at week one compared to where I’m at right now, I can see a huge difference in study habits, test taking skills, & my confidence. It still feels surreal to me that I passed my NCLEX, but I couldn’t have done it without your help. It is finally starting to feel like all the hard work, studying, missing out on hanging with family/friends paid off, so worth it!!!