Failed the NCLEX-RN with 75 Qs (and I feel ridiculously stupid)

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Hello everyone. I'm new here and I recently took my NCLEX-RN last week and failed after taking 75 questions. I couldn't understand why I failed because weeks up to my test date, I studied doing hundreds of practice questions a day...I used Saunders and Exam Cram. I thought I was ready to take it but the questions on the actual exam was completely different and much harder from my study guides! When the computer shut off at 75, I had a hope that may be I did pass...but instead I read "fail" after 2 days.

I was devastated. I cried all day that day and three days after that. I already had a job as a graduate nurse and had to tell my supervisor and co-workers. As a result, my status was changed and I had two more chances of passing the NCLEX or they have the right to terminate me. It didn't help that all of my classmates were passing during my grieving period.

So I signed up for Kaplan and will be taking the course during February. But as I started watching the online videos telling me about how the NCLEX worked, I felt completely stupid that when you fail at 75 questions, you did REALLY bad. I feel completely incompetent and pretty much discouraged that I did THAT bad. I just hope Kaplan helps me because I am a terrible standardized test-taker and I've decided to re-take the NCLEX as soon as possible for the sake of my job status and my mental/emotional status. So I'm giving myself 5 weeks or so on preparing to re-take my NCLEX...

I'm just so nervous and scared that because I did so bad failing at 75, that I'll probably fail with over 75 questions the next time. I would just like some support and reassurance that there is a chance that I can pass my second time even if I failed with the minimum amount of questions my first time. Please help. Feeling VERY discouraged. :scrying: Thanks for reading.

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Well when I took the exam the 1st time it shut me off at 108 and I failed 2nd time it shut me off at exactly 85 for the pn exam. At this point I was so sure I passed and then found out that I failed. I cried 4 abt 3days and had to pick myself up. Don't be discouraged and u are not stupid or u wouldn't have even made it this far. Pick urself up and try again. U will pass next time.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

You are not stupid or anything else like that, You completed and graduated nursing school. Take some time to grieve and then start studying again and make sure you understand the question before you even look at the answers. Read the rationale afterwards making sure if you got the question right it was what you thought and if wrong look and see why it was wrong. You can do it and good luck

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Just so you know I also studied the Saunders CD as well as Exam Cram and do not feel I was prepared when I took the NCLEX. The questions were way harder on the test! It sounds like you have a great plan to retake the test. Just keep going forward with your plan. You have already gotten through a very hard part of your career (Nursing school)! Good luck to you!

I am still waiting for my results from the Nclex. Hopefully I will find out soon!

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

You are not stupid. I know some really smart and very good nurses who did not pass their first time either. You are not alone. It is a really hard test to predict. Best advise is to take a break. Then study as though you have not tested before. Stay positive. You can do this. You are smart. You completed a nursing program which is an accomplishment in itself. Be proud of that. :yeah: Hang in there. You will be a nurse. Good luck.

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Great advice Sliverdragon102..... And get Kaplan NCLEX-RN or PN 2009 the questions are more difficulty. Other study guide had the easier questions which give you a false sense of readiness. Your not stupid! Hand in there and you will pass. I used this to study and passed NCLEX-RN first attempt. GOOD LUCK!

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Stay positive! Stick with your plan it sounds like a good one. Some of my past classmates swear by Kaplan. Good luck to you. You will be a nurse. Believe in yourself.

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Ive taken the nclex three times and my second time I failed with 75..I def. felt stupid because my first time I failed with 209..I figured I had just gone down hill! But the second time I knew I rushed and didn't concentrate enough. I also had some stress going on. Then my third time I failed with 265, so I've gone to all extremes. It sucks but I guess it will only make me stronger.

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Hello. This is where I am right now. I took my yest yesterday and the computer shut off at 75 Q;s (and yes, I wanted to shake it, yell "no" and just answer a few more). I studied for months before taking my boards and took Kaplan's review course. I did thousands of questions, as well as subject review (with questions in Saunders), and felt prepared before I went into the NCLEX. However, after about 10 questions, I panicked. I was unfamiliar with the disease topics I was being given (because I have cared for soooo many patients with acromegaly) and felt awful. I know I got at least 2 route knowledge questions, and I feel that I did not pass my exam. I am waiting, anxiously, but have already marked off the next available date to take the test in my calender. I guess I am just wondering....how do I prepare the next time? I felt I did everything I could and am lost as to what aspects I left out.....any suggestions anyone????

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Oncology.

Please, don't feel stupid. I haven't taken mine and I am nervous as heck. I personally thought Saunders was too easy. I am now trying Kaplan and Mosbys. I wish you well and I know you are going to do fine. Take your time and take a deep breath. Please keep us posted on your progress. I am taking mine on 2/10.

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Me too. Took mine last week. No results yet.

Holla from Cali.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Me too. Took mine last week. No results yet.

Holla from Cali.

Until you know one way or another don't assume you have failed. Hang in there and good luck

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