Failed NCLEX for the 3rd time

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Hi everyone,

I am down in the dumps. I just failed my 3rd nclex about a month ago.

Background:

Graduated last May 2011 with 3.6 GPA. Tutored my friends throughout nursing school and they passed, but I have not. Got into a new grad program, but was terminated when I failed the nclex. Talk about a double wammie.

I am confused, down, discouraged, frustrated, and my emotions are a rollercoaster. I keep telling myself to get back into study gear before I forget what I have learned, but some of the times I sit here, at the computer, with my practice questions..... my heart just sinks due to discouragement. :(

I know I must take it again, but my confidence is sinking.

I just reapplied for my 4th attempt. Still waiting for my ATT. I spent about $1200 on nclex fees alone. Not including training course.

What am I doing wrong?

My 1st results were one above passing, the rest are near and below passing.

My 2nd results were 2 above passing, and the rest are near and below passing.

My 3rd results were all near passing and two below passing.

All three times I did Kaplan. The third time the questions on the nclex did seems different and more challenging. I got the "on hold" pop up after doing the pearson trick, but 3 days later got the credit card :(

SO CLOSE!

Prior to my third nclex, my study session is 3 months worth.

1st month, studied 3-4 days a week, 4-6 hrs per day.

2nd month, bunked it up to 4-5 days per week, 6-8 hrs per day.

3rd month or a month before the test, 5-6 days per week, 8-10 hrs per day.

My sources:

I did Saunders studied the hard copy book from cover to cover, did the questions at the end of the chapter, and about 1000 q in the CD. Scores are in the 80%'s. This iwas my base for content.

I did Kaplan all the qtrainers, scoring 60-68%. This was for critical thinking.

I did PDA, all the chapters, twice. Scores in the 70%'s. This was for critical thinking.

I glimpsed over cram exam, and did the questions in the CD. More study questions.

I did the allnurses tips of tricks (ie: spiderman, down down up down, etc).

I did the infection control info.

I did HURST review book and audio.

AND the Feuer audio - listened to it twice.

I got the resources, I think. I scored well on the practice question....

Still...

What am I doing wrong? :(

Any word of advice is appreciated and thank you in advance!

Do you have the Kaplan Strategies and Review book (2012-2013)...I believe it's like the Bible for NCLEX...it teaches you how to think like the exam....

it seems like you are very thorough in your content...u've gone through Saunders cover to cover and did Hurst...so this is about test-taking and understanding what the questions are really asking...

See if you can get a hold of that book.

I know it's hard not to be discouraged, but try to remember that Nursing student that passed with a 3.6, the one that tutored your friends...you knew your stuff!

You can do this! Don't let this exam defeat you!

Specializes in Medical Surgical, PHN.

Hi Shastrenf,

Yes I did the pearsonvue trick, meaning tried to pay for the test again, and got a pop up that says "results on hold, cannot register at this time". I took the test on Friday; a few days later on Monday, I checked it again, and the credit card option came up. :*( Therefore, I failed.

AHHH I felt that it was SO CLOSE!

So with my research, I assume that during the "on hold..." period, they may have checked the cameras/audio, my erase board, just for anything suspicious. I DID took 3 breaks, just because I was getting antsy. And I did wrote a lot on my erase board, but had only used one. So they had never confirm why the pop up came up, but with researching (allnurses.com) a lot of people mentioned about it.

How are you doing? What are you up to on your end since you had not pass the nclex too? The situation sucks but You're not alone, and so am I! :)

Specializes in Medical Surgical, PHN.

@reeta116 - thanks, i will look into the NCLEX RN 101, that's something I have not tried. :) Thanks!

@danceportal - i have the kaplan 2011-2012, and the 2010-2011... they both are the same, but the 2011-2012 has more questions. i think the lastest one is pretty similar. thanks for the suggestion though! :)

I'm sorry to hear that you didn't pass. I also didn't pass first and I'm studying hard for my second attempt this coming sep8. Hopefully to pass this time around. Anyway, God bless to everyone of us. Always pray and ask God for guidance, wisdoms, and knowledge to pass this board:) we can do it guys!

Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC.

I'm so sorry:hug:! In school I had an awesome instructor that gave us a lecture on our way of thinking. She drilled in us to not second guess ourselves. Stop doubting yourself! You can do this!! This mind is very powerful, if you start doubting yourself, you will sabotage all your efforts. Keep positive thoughts, tell yourself everyday you can do it. Claim it, speak it into existence. During my exam, I started to get discouraged. I kept getting select all that apply and I knew I wasn't getting them right. I could feel myself giving up. I immediately stopped and starting praying for a peaceful mind. I refocused and got it together. I did pass, thank God!! Just remember to never give up. You know the material, it's there, you just have to stay calm. Always keep in mind that you have to take each question at face value and know that the computer is basing the situations off a perfect world. You got this, I'm adding you in my prayers.

You mentioned you did the Hurst Review. I too, did Hurst. Most of my classmates took the four day class. I opted to take it online and it was awesome. I sat in my room with the book, my laptop and headphones. I was able to study without interruption and if I didn't get something, I could go back over it as many times as I needed to. The instructor videotaped a class so it's like you're in a classroom one on one with her. I promise, it was a God send for me. Plus, by doing it online, you have access to it for 90 days!!

Stay encouraged, stay positive, stay motivated. If you truly believe you can do it, you WILL do it. You just have to have faith and believe in it. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5. Lord, let thy will be done. In Jesus name, Amen!!!

Didn't mean to get too religious on you, hope you're not offended but He is a miracle worker!!

Specializes in Medical Surgical, PHN.

@Jayz1989 and @TBBRN2011 - thanks for your encouraging words!! :)

The situation totally sucks, in my head I know I need to move forward, but sometimes as I sit there... studying... my heart... just sinks. Remember that this will be my 4th attempt...

I always question what's God's plan for me in this and yes I am a believer ;) btw. But I just kept rationalizing my failures "maybe my time is not now", but then I ask myself " then when is it? It has been a year already and all/most of my colleagues have been an RN for a good year." God has open so many doors for me, but why are the doors closing? 11 out of 65 of my colleagues got a job after graduation, and I was one of them, but then couldnt keep it because I failed. Not just once.. 3 times :(. I just dont get it... if God had open all these doors for me, why can't i pass the nclex? I've been asking myself that more and more, with each failure.

Sorry for the venting, I dont mean to be a debby downer, but sometimes I feel alone, and dont understand what's God has in plan for me. I hope it's to be an RN still since he got me through it all.

Thanks for listening.

I once felt that way. After failing I was asking God what his plan for me. But, I came to realize that with all the struggles and pain we go through everything has His reason, why God put as in this situation. As God test our faithfulness to him, he shall then reward us for that. Just keep on believing yourself that you will pass the board and also trust in him.:)

Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC.

Lizzyxpooh, you have to stop thinking like that. From reading your vent, I can tell you have doubt in your ability. That's not good, have to know you can do it. Believe in yourself. You have too much of you in this and not enough of God. Be still and let Him work. We get in our own ways sometimes. Yes, He does have a plan for you and it's to be an RN but you have to let Him do it. Remember, our God is a jealous God. He wants us to lean on Him, trust in Him. He would not have put you through nursing school if it wasn't in His plans for you. Keep praying for His will to be done!!! I know this will be your 4th attempt but you got this. Just change your way of thinking.

Sometimes, we get so caught up in all our accomplishments, we forget to give God praise. I was guilty of this. After getting into a very competitive bridging program with ease I was ecstatic! I was passing all my tests and quizzes with high A's. I was so proud of what 'I' had done. I started thinking it was all about me. I didn't need anybody's help. I stopped giving got the praise and glory he desires. I stopped thanking Him. When you lose sight of Him, He will bring you back. He will put you in spot so low, a place you've never been. Your mother, father, sister, brother, friend will do all they can for you. Help you in every way but it won't be enough. You will have to turn to Him, He wants you to see it is through Him that all things are possible. He is the only one who can get you back on track. Go to Him, talk to Him; He listens. Decree want you want, speak it into the atmosphere.

Just remember, the tongue is powerful, it can do us lots of harm. Start telling yourself what you want, let it be known you deserve it!!! Keep praying for favor!!! Stop rationalizing, let it GO. Don't take any of the baggage from your previous attempts into that testing center with you. Lock it all up with your keys and purse in that locker they give you ;)! (that was suppose to make you smile)!!!

I took my 4th try last Thursday and now by checking the quick result I pass.. I know you can do it too.Just pray and study and you can conquer nclex exam.. Fight fight fight!!! GOodluck:)

Specializes in Medical Surgical, PHN.

Hi Rac17,

You took it on your forth try? Please tell me what you do differently this time around? Congrats on the fourth attempt! :)

Thank you all for your support! Morally, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually! :)

Oh dang...im so sorry to hear that.. :(But seriously, i think ur more than prepared! Dang i wasnt even able to study as much as u did! And didnt have as much resources as u! My scores on kaplan were only in their 50's...the highest i've ever gotten was 68, and that was only one time.And i just passed nclex 2 days ago! First try with 75 questions!! Now i really believe it wasnt coz im smart or coz i study alot, i purely think its coz of prayers!! Seriously, if i hadnt ask God for help...if i hadnt prayed everynight, i probably wouldnt have pass it.I think thats what u should do. U are already studying more than enough, and ur scoring well...maybe u should try to pray and ask God for help, and then have faith that he will help u! And i know he will! Coz thats what happened to me!Goodluck! :)

Specializes in ED, psych, burn ICU, hospice.

One of the best all-around nurses (emergency nurse) I know took her boards, I think, FIVE times. Not only is she very knowledgeable, but she can get along with anyone --not only difficult patients, but difficult nurses, and difficult physicians. She is just a great person. So, my advice to you is DO NOT GIVE UP!

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