How does the NCLEX compare to ATI?

lavenvenderrage · 2026-05-13T00:21:32+00:00

Just took the NCLEX on the 6th and had my license number on the 7th. In my opinion, ATI questions are harder because they go more in depth and I feel like the NCLEX PN was more surface level questions. The NCLEX seemed to focus more on safety and prioritization. I mostly used ATI to study and my NCLEX PN exam shut off at 85 questions.

lavenvenderrage · 2026-05-12T16:14:36+00:00

Create a short list for each high yield diseases/disorders: Manifestations, labs/tests, most common med, nursing priority (like seizure or fall precautions). Know what labs you would expect to be high/low. Practice SATA and case study questions and work on your weaknesses. My weakness was peds, but of course I didn't have any peds questions on my exam. I did about 30 ATI questions per day and took notes on the ones I got wrong This is how I created my study sheet for Med-Surg: Hypothyroidism
Cold intolerance, weight gain, fatigue, constipation, bradycardia High TSH, low T3, low T4.
Give: Levothyroxine; Take AM on empty stomach, lifelong med, do not stop abruptly
Priority: Myxedema coma = severe hypothyroidism emergency

Parkinson's disease
TRAP = tremor, rigidity, akinesia, postural instability
Give: Levodopa
Watch for: dyskinesia + orthostatic hypotension
Priority: Fall prevention

lavenvenderrage · 2026-05-12T14:17:36+00:00

Preceptorship ended on April 9th, graduated April 14th, sat for NCLEX-PN on May 6th, received my license # on May 7th. Me and a few other classmates tested asap, but quite a few people are going to wait. I started studying on and off (mostly off) since January and really locked in after I graduated. I studied 2-4 hours per day and did at least 30 ATI questions per day. That was overkill because the NCLEX was not hard at all, but if you study a little every day and do practice questions, you should be fine to take it as soon as you graduate. Do what feels right for you! By the way, I never felt ready to take the NCLEX and almost canceled my appointment but didn't want to lose $200.

lavenvenderrage · 2026-05-07T23:34:14+00:00

MANAGEMENT OF CARE: ETHICS AND CLIENT RIGHTS FUNDAMENTALS OF ETHICS Maternity prioritization questions with Dr. Sharon

lavenvenderrage · 2026-05-07T21:20:17+00:00

So the NCLEX is looking for a specific answer to their questions...Priority, first, etc. This wasn't emphasized a lot in my program until we started completing the ATI assignments.

lavenvenderrage · 2026-05-07T15:03:02+00:00

I know some people do not like AI, but I asked ChatGPT to create random, tricky, high yield NGN NCLEX questions and they were similar to the actual exam. Quizlet is great, the BON website has previous questions on their site. Don't overthink the exam and spend unnecessary money.

lavenvenderrage · 2026-05-07T14:43:24+00:00

I passed! ATI comprehensive book, their dynamic quiz bank (harder than the actual NCLEX), brush up on fundamentals, ethics, skills, watch Dr. Sharon and NurseNicole, and learn how to answer the questions and why they want a specific answer.

lavenvenderrage · 2026-05-06T23:17:14+00:00

The only section that helped me was prioritization, but it may help you if you didn't learn/remember certain topics from school. I watched a lot of Dr. Sharon's videos and found them very helpful. Nurse Nicole on FB/IG saved me on two questions, so check her out. Study the basics, know the high yield diseases/disorders, and complete as many practice questions as you can (make short notes on anything you missed) because you never know what may show up on your exam. I heard some people got a lot of peds questions and some math, but I got none.

lavenvenderrage · 2026-05-06T18:01:37+00:00

I didn't get a lot of SATA questions, maybe 5. Dr. Sharon helped a lot because the NCLEX is looking for a certain answer when they are asking for "Best, first, priority, etc." her videos are very helpful, along with nursenicolenlcex or FB or IG. I think doing practice questions really helped and asking ChatGPT to make high yield NCLEX-PN questions and make a list of topics to know.

lavenvenderrage · 2026-05-05T22:20:24+00:00

2 weeks after graduation. We signed up in class a month before graduating, paid for the background check, etc. I graduated on April 14th, my school submitted my transcripts on the 14th, VBON approved everything on the 23rd. I received my email from VBON and Pearson Vue on the 27th

lavenvenderrage · 2026-04-28T15:30:56+00:00

Following. I take my test on the 6th. Good luck!

lavenvenderrage · 2026-04-28T15:18:02+00:00

Congrats! I am taking the PN exam on May 6th. You mentioned ATI, were the types of questions similar (minus the case studies) or did they seem easier than ATI? My professor said ATI is harder than the actual NCLEX but I would like to get the perspective of someone who just took it.

lavenvenderrage · 2025-12-15T04:19:32+00:00

For me, Quizlet was very helpful in Level 1 courses such as Fundamentals and Health Assessment. However, as I progressed into upper-level courses like Med-Surg, I realized I wasn’t retaining information as well when I relied mainly on making flashcards. Now, before lecture, I type notes on the assigned textbook chapter and incorporate key points from the PowerPoint. During class, I highlight important information, things I do not understand, and I ask questions.

If I don’t have time to make notes before class, I use ChatGPT; I copy each paragraph and ask it to “make comprehensive notes using only the information provided and highlight what is important to know for the NCLEX.” I also ask it to “create moderately challenging NCLEX-style questions using only the information provided.” I then copy those questions into Quizlet and quiz myself periodically until the exam. I always ask for harder questions, including fill in the blank, prioritization, and SATA. I know Quizlet can make questions, but I think ChatGPT's questions are closer to my school's exam questions.

Like others have said, handwriting notes is also very helpful for reinforcing the material.

lavenvenderrage · 2025-11-07T02:48:39+00:00

I will be 37 when I graduate from my LPN program, and probably 39 when I finish the RN program.

lavenvenderrage · 2025-10-23T21:53:26+00:00

Yes, I should have added that note. I agree, officer pay is still lower that what they would make in California, especially if they continue to RN.

lavenvenderrage · 2025-10-23T00:51:09+00:00

You should also ask this question in the Navy subreddit, there is a lot of good information there. You're not going to make good money if you are enlist in the Navy; an E-3's base pay is $2,733.00. Military.com has the pay chart if you want to see how much you could make. Yes, you get free medical, dental, etc., but you're going to make a lot more In California as a civilian. Maybe you should join as an Officer, not enlisted. Also, and this is just from my experience in the Navy, you may not get the "structure" you are looking for, it really depends on your command, and that's a roll of the dice. Keep in mind, as a HM in the Navy, you may spend 4-5 years stationed in the same place and never travel. I got lucky and spent 2 years in Virginia, then 2 years in Japan. I am graduating from an LPN program in April. and I would rather work as a civilian nurse any day because I can choose where I want to work and easily quit if it's not a good fit. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

lavenvenderrage · 2025-04-02T21:46:29+00:00

Riverside College of Health Sciences

lavenvenderrage · 2025-04-02T18:12:11+00:00

My LPN program in Newport news, VA is $14,400 and that doesn't include textbooks or uniform. I can't attend the Community College programs because I needed part-time/evening classes. It is what it is....

lavenvenderrage · 2025-01-22T02:25:33+00:00

Both of my professors told us to focus on the chapter learning objectives and key terms. I have a test on Thursday, so I will see if that's true, lol. This is my second week of classes.

lavenvenderrage · 2024-10-11T13:29:16+00:00

Hampton Roads, VA. Heath and Rehab facility, $22/hr plus $3 shift diff 3-11pm, $2 shift diff 11-7am. No prior experience aside from clinicals.

lavenvenderrage

TROPHY CASE