Hi All,
I am a new graduate with my BSN and have failed the NCLEX twice. The first time I had 234 questions, I prepared using ATI, studied everyday for six weeks and failed. I have test taking issues as it is and the anxiety really got to me. The second time I had 75 questions, prepared with various books, ATI again, and did some of my friends Kaplan questions. I went into the exam positive and when the computer shut off I was so happy, felt good and was sure that I passed this time. I was so confident! Well, today I found out that I failed for a second time. I have a job and everyone is very supportive and encouraging but I feel like such a failure, I hate going into work as a PCT (I got demoted) and I feel stupid and am very discouraged. I do not know what else to do. I am at a loss for how to even prepare for this again. I am stressed and emotionally drained I dont even want to take the test again, I feel like giving up.

Well I also studied with ATI and I can't say that it didn't help me with taking the exam, but most of my help came from "Prntice Hall Nursing Nclex RN Test Prep CD-Rom" (Comprehensive Review for Nclex-RN: Reviews and Rationales by Mary Ann Hogan 2008 Pearson Education. Find this CD and I'll bet you will pass next time. I took into the testing center the pyramid you learned from ATI that taught how to priortize a question's answers and to know exactly what the question was asking before answering...etc. Maybe it was luck, but so many of my questions was the questions that came right off of this CD. When I started getting the questions that I had already seen in my studying, I gained so much confidence while taking the test. I had 75 questions and passed the first time and the CD had alot to do with my passing. When you go through the questions, make sure you really understand the rationales behind each question because the same question can come on the Nclex, just reworded. But if you understand the basis than you should get the question correct if it pertaining to the same content that you studied....hope this helps...Good Luck :typing

i TOOK NCLEX TODAY AND HAD 75 QUESTIONS I WAS WONDERING IF IT MEANS ANYTHING IF THE LAST TWO QUESTIONS ARE EASY??? I THINK I WILL BE IN SAME BOAT AND TAKING FOR SECOND TIME...I USED KAPLAN AND IT ACTUALLY WAS PRETTY GOOD PROGRAM

is this what you are talking about Prentice Hall's Reviews & Rationales: Comprehensive NCLEX-RN(R) Review (Prentice Hall Nursing Reviews & Rationales Series... http://www.amazon.com/Prentice-Halls...d_bxgy_b_img_a

Hi there, test anxiety is real but there are ways to overcome this. Taking the NCLEX is like taking any other exam with a bit more pressure. But don't be discouraged or embarrassed. I took the Kaplan program. I found it helped me so much. I really utilized the practice questions, went to all the classes and put a lot of hours into the program. I would practice the questions as if I was taking a real test. I did a ton of questions in one sitting just in case I got the maximum questions on the exam. Also, when answering the questions, pretend that you are actually in the patient's room as a real RN. This will kind of force you to think rationally and critically. It always comes down to two really good answers. I took my time and took deep breaths throughout. You are exactly where you need to be in life...there are no accidents. Keep persevering and good luck to you!

Moved to the NCLEX Discussion forum.

Originally Posted by CateJohnson

is this what you are talking about Prentice Hall's Reviews & Rationales: Comprehensive NCLEX-RN(R) Review (Prentice Hall Nursing Reviews & Rationales Series... http://www.amazon.com/Prentice-Halls...d_bxgy_b_img_a

Yes....looks like it.

Great picked it up last night. I dont start the program until May of 2010 but I like most people have a bad test taking time, so if I study for the next two years while in the program I will have a better chance and not messing it up! thank you!

Originally Posted by chikkie02

Hi All,
I am a new graduate with my BSN and have failed the NCLEX twice. The first time I had 234 questions, I prepared using ATI, studied everyday for six weeks and failed. I have test taking issues as it is and the anxiety really got to me. The second time I had 75 questions, prepared with various books, ATI again, and did some of my friends Kaplan questions. I went into the exam positive and when the computer shut off I was so happy, felt good and was sure that I passed this time. I was so confident! Well, today I found out that I failed for a second time. I have a job and everyone is very supportive and encouraging but I feel like such a failure, I hate going into work as a PCT (I got demoted) and I feel stupid and am very discouraged. I do not know what else to do. I am at a loss for how to even prepare for this again. I am stressed and emotionally drained I dont even want to take the test again, I feel like giving up.

NCLEX ABCDZ STRATEGY

A. Spend 1/3 of your time reviewing content you don't understand
B. Spend 2/3 of your time answering test question
C. Used most comfortable NCLEX review book for content.
D. Begin with the area that is most difficult for you or area that are least familiar
E. Use a good nursing reference manual or internet to find information
F. Define the disease in terms of pathophysiological process and understand the disease process.
G. Identify the early and late symptoms of disease
H. Identify most important or life-threatening complication associated with the disease.
I. Define the medical treatment.
J. Identify nursing intervention associate with early and late symptom of disease process
K. Identify what to teach patient and family to prevent in other to adapt to disease process.
L. list the area you need to review.
M. Answering question in a test mode will improve your test taking skills
N. Each time you answer question, check the number of question you answered correctly that will motivate you to read and study more next time.
O. Keep track of your score to see how you're improving in all area of your content.
P. If you answer less than 65% correctly, these is a WARNING SIGNAL!! Spend lots of time reviewing content and stop doing question on the weakest area
Q. If you answer 65-75% correctly your performance is improving and success is certain. Continue working with the content until your score is above 75%
R. Every wrong answer, identify why you answered it wrongly.
S. Practice 75- 85 question to known how you'll be prepared for NCLEX Exam and see how many you answered correctly
T. Do understand the question first, formulate your answer of hand and compare with the option given to see how close your answer!!
U. Anticipate Test question will increase in difficulty when you get the first question right!!
V. Do not panic if someone finishes before you!!
W. Do not CRAM CRAM!!
X. Remember that you have learned a great amount of nursing knowledge and the exam is only designed to determine whether you're able to practice safely @ entry level
Y. Keep a positive attitude and Pray!!
Z. Wish you all best of LUCK

I know how you feel I took it 4 times and passed by using Saunders. I took Kaplan Review still failed . Keep your head up and trust in God. It will soon be your time to shine.