Calling all nursing students !!!🫶🥰

Hey future RNs! ✨ I totally get it – the NCLEX can feel like this huge, scary monster. When I was prepping, I felt overwhelmed by all the 'best' NCLEX study programs out there. But after passing on my first try with just 85 questions, I realized it's not just which program you pick, but how you use it. Let me share how I maximized my resources and turned my study programs into my personal power-up! My main artillery consisted of Archer and Bootcamp. I focused heavily on their readiness assessments – seriously, don't just do questions, understand why you got them right or wrong by reading both rationales. For me, I used them primarily in their 'readiness mode' to gauge where I stood. Bootcamp's readiness assessments were 100 questions, and doing these consistently helped me build stamina and confidence. These programs are great for simulating the actual exam environment and getting comfortable with the pacing and question styles. My absolute secret weapon? Mark Klimek! His lectures are pure gold, especially for simplifying complex topics and teaching test-taking strategies. I replayed his audio lectures daily, particularly focusing on 'Lecture 8 and 12 golden' points. Mark Klimek talks Next Gen strategies are incredibly relevant now. He really helps you shift from just knowing content to applying critical thinking, which is what the NCLEX, especially the Next Gen NCLEX (NGN), demands. If you haven't explored his teachings, you're missing out on a huge advantage! Speaking of NGN, my exam felt like 'NGN MODE ON STEROIDS'! I had 5 full case studies and over 20 NGN questions out of 85, covering prioritization, safety, drag & drop, SATA, and bowties. The beauty of a good study program is that it should expose you to these new formats. Archer and Bootcamp, combined with Mark Klimek's strategic approach, really helped me get comfortable with NGN. You need to practice these new question types religiously, not just traditional multiple choice. Beyond specific programs, my daily routine was key. It wasn't just about endless questions. I structured my day with questions + review in the morning and evening (85 Qs each session). I had Mark K audio on loop during chores or commutes to reinforce concepts. And honestly, Olly Stress Gummies, prayer & meditation were non-negotiable for my mental well-being. It's a marathon, not a sprint, so taking care of your mind is just as important as studying. My top tips are simple but powerful: Don't cram, study SMART. Start your NCLEX prep during school itself, even if it's just practicing critical thinking. I found the Crusader YouTube 7-Day Series (especially Day 5 & 6) incredibly helpful for sharpening my critical thinking skills. Focus on understanding concepts and applying them, rather than memorizing. Save this for your future RN journey – you've got this!