failed nclex-rn

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Feeling a little discouraged. I've been reading a lot of posts on allnurses and have given me more motivation. I have failed the nclex-rn. I did the PVT. I walked out balling in tears and not knowing how I felt. I have done kaplan. Finished all their qtrainers and qbanks. It didn't work for me. I read content i was unsure of. Did nclex4000. I was nervous taking the exam. I tried to stay calm and relaxed but I don't know what happened. What else would you guys recommend? Comprehensive-saunders? NCLEX-RN CRAM? any help would be appreciated. thank you!

How were you able to do an in dept assessment on what you're weak on? Was it the letter given to you? I haven't gotten my letter yet. I know I can do it. I'm relaxing a little since I just took the test. I plan on getting the Saunders comprehensive book for content. I feel like I need to be more consistent with content. I got 119 q's with 25 SATA. two med math. and some drag and drop. I have some test anxiety as well and i need to stay calm... well at least try to. I did kaplan and i don't know if it worked for me but for all my classmates it worked.

How I conducted an in-depth assessment:

1.) When I first read NCLEX RN review books, I would skip the first few chapters that talked about the test itself. Big Mistake on my part! There's LOTs of great information on these chapters which I totally ignored.

2.) I have no problem with critical thinking. However, without solid content knowledge, my critical thinking skills were useless. This was evident when I took live Kaplan. Since the core of their review is testing strategies...I found that it was not feasible simply going through strategies. It is equally important to have a solid content knowledge (especially pathophysiology).

3.) Candidate Performance Report from BON: only provide a general interpretation of one's overall performance.

3.) Based on the above and to have a better understanding of my weak areas: I completed multiple diagnostic pre-tests (minimum of 125 questions) on ALL client needs categories using NCLEX 3500, NCLEX 4000, NCLEX 10,000 and MaryAnn Hogan and compared results from each one. Infection control was my strongest. However, overall, I definitely lacked content. Since its been years after graduation for me and not having worked in the medical field, the need to take multiple diagnostic pre-tests was beneficial for me to clearly identify my weak areas. IMO, if you know content "without a doubt and without hesitation" (as Aunt Marlene would say), then we just increased our passing rate to 100%!

4.) Lastly, I had to be honest to myself and accept the fact that I needed to re-train my brain towards nursing for me to pass this exam. I worked in the financial industry for the last 15 years (stocks/bonds/mutual funds) with an MBA. And I was somewhat devastated failing the NCLEX.

Taking the NCLEX RN was a great learning experience, of which enabled me to self-assess and create a better study plan. We all have a variety of study and learning habits. Just have to find one that best fit individual needs.

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Nursingmomof1,

Hi! i am sorry to hear that. i understand your situation and i really feel you. I also failed my first NCLEX last year. i've experienced literally the DABDA stage. I want you to know like what other members here said this too shall pass. i know you can do this. As a matter of fact, the moment you wrote this thread is a good sign already! its because you are aware of the experience and you want to know more about how to deal with that therefore you are ready to the next level.

Personally, after i failed the first try i took myself a rest, reminiscing my mistakes during my review and ask the Lord to show me what are the things i need to improve and show me the right path to my success. i also assessed myself and i go back to the basics and i really devoted my time for this big exam and its worth it.

Right now, relax a little bit and free your mind. Then assess yourself, what are your strengths and weakness on the different topics. Make a specific plan, write it on the paper and follow it religiously.

You can do this. Goodluck and GODbless!

Thank you! I took about a week break and had time for myself, friends, family, and boyfriend. Your response is very motivating. I realized that I was very anxious during the test, and I should be calm more. I know the material but you know when taking a huge exam is such a scary feeling. I overworked myself and studied hours and hours a day. That I realize I also should have time for myself. I prayed every night and asked God to give me the strength and confidence in myself. I know I can do this

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