by Gizmo44

I am currently preparing to take the test and am using Saunders Comprehensive review and the ATI books/assessments we used in school as well as the CDs from my texts. I am having trouble getting above 80% in Saunders using the exam mode on the CD. When I do the practice questions at the end of each chapter I am all over the board - 75 to 100%. I don't know what to think.

I did well in school. Even tested at the 99% level of passing the first time on the ATI Comprehensive predictor that my school required to graduate. But that was several months ago. So of course I am nervous. I am scheduled to take the exam this Mon., 8/11 and have been thinking on postponing it. I was giving myself till today to decide but last night I actually got an 83% and thought why not give myself a couple of days to be sure. Now I am so sick of going over questions that I want to just get it over with and see what I do. This could have something to do with the test I just took and got a 72%. My school said to prepare for the test by taking 100 ?s/day and when you are consistantly above 85%, schedule your test date.

I don't know what to do. Did anyone else go through this?
Thanks.

Re: NCLEX-PN preparation

I have heard of people say that they never got over 70% on the exam mode of the saunders cd and passed the nclex so I think you will do fine. I am in the same boat as you though, I am taking my exam on August 15 and I am discouraged with my results on the saunders cd but there are alot of very tricky questions. My friend who I study with had the highest GPA in our graduating LPN class and she can't even get a passing score on the sauders exam so seriously just look over your stuff and take notes on what you don't know but don't stress out too bad or you will make yourself fail! I am still struggling with not freaking out about the exam but you got to keep it in your mind that you can always take it again.

Re: NCLEX-PN preparation

Thanks tsbarbre.

I definitely was feeling my anxiety that day and heading to full blown panic mode about this test. I woke up yesterday feeling much more relaxed which is a better place to be in for this test so I guess I got it out of my system. I decided not to postpone and just get it over with.

I read every chapter Saunders & did the questions up to Care of the elderly since those subjects(fundamentals, maternal/child, delegation/practice act/ethics, etc.) were covered earlier in school. Now I am doing the practice tests for each chapter covering med/surg topics & if I get 75% or above I move on, below that & I read the chapter. I also made lots of notes as you suggested and even printed out the questions I got wrong on the CD to go over later. I made note cards with labs, eriksons, assessments, hints for the test, various disorders/diseases or anything that trips me up. I keep them with me at all times so if I have a minute - stuck behind a train, waiting for my mom @ doctor's appt, etc. - I can pull them out & skim through. I have plans to attend a baseball game Sunday afternoon which I figured would be a perfect way to unwind and I work Monday night so I won't be fretting about how I did. From all the posts here and another group I belong to, I perfectly expect to walk out feeling like I failed so it shouldn't affect my ability to work since it won't be a shock.

My plan for the weekend is to keep reviewing, stay relaxed (w/a quick workout if needed) and keep a positive attitude. As you said I can always take it again.

Re: NCLEX-PN preparation

Oh my gosh, I almost forgot to tell everyone .... I PASSED.

The computer shut off after 80-85?s. I stopped watching the counter after it reached 75. The RN I do private home healthcare for (I take care of her mom) said she never knew anyone who didn't pass with that number of questions. But I thought there was a first time for everything.

Re: NCLEX-PN preparation

Originally Posted by Gizmo44

Oh my gosh, I almost forgot to tell everyone .... I PASSED.

The computer shut off after 80-85?s. I stopped watching the counter after it reached 75. The RN I do private home healthcare for (I take care of her mom) said she never knew anyone who didn't pass with that number of questions. But I thought there was a first time for everything.

Congrats

Re: NCLEX-PN preparation

I passed too! I actually have been working my new job for two weeks now and it's a little shaky but that's a whole different set of worries! but congrats to you and your nursing career!!!

Re: NCLEX-PN preparation

Congratulations!