anything you can offer

kimmy20 · Nov 28, 2014

Sorry to hear that wttw. I too, was a retaker. Based off your CPR, if you have more than one below passing maybe you should review content again. It seems like you had a lot of resources you were using previously. I know there is no such thing as "too much studying" but I know for many people including myself sticking to only a few works best for us. Having too much can throw us off or make us confused. The first time I only used Kaplan review but didn't look at content and only focused on the qtrainers and qbank. I failed at 265 questions. I figured what I lacked was content because during the first exam attempt I was stuck on almost everything and didn't recognize any of the diseases and conditions. Second time I used Hurst for content and renewed my Kaplan for questions along with LaChairty PDA. This three combo worked for me the best. When I took my exam the second time I was actually able to recognize all the disease and conditions that were thrown at me unlike the first time. From knowing content I was able to eliminate what is wrong in the question. A large part of that is because of Hurst. I see that you have used Hurst so my question is how often did you study that material? Or any other resource material? Sometime we skim through these without really actually understanding the content and material. Take your time to try to understand the material. I took about 3 weeks studying content because I'm kind of slow at grasping concepts. Only thing I didn't like about Hurst is their Q-reviews, which I felt weren't challenging enough. I think Kaplan offers good practice questions because they throw in higher-level questions too. Hurst did help me improve my Kaplan scores. I went from getting 48-56% on qtrainers to 62-75% on them.

I know everyone has a different opinion and approach on tackling the NCLEX but I am a believer that you need a solid foundation for content. Having that has helped me pass.

Hope this helps you! Have a happy thanksgiving and good luck to you in the future :) you can do it!

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2014

Sorry you are having such a tough time. There are basically two mindsets I have seen in retakers. There are those who know exactly where they went wrong and those who can't figure it out. Those who don't understand why they failed need help to figure that out in order to succeed. For that, I recommend an NCLEX tutor. caring4you.com is a site by a nurse. It has a great explanation of how the NCLEX works, and some good videos. She will tutor long distance for those who are retakers, but I don't know what she charges. Some nursing schools also have tutors that they recommend. After working with you, a good tutor can help you figure out what went wrong and then help you to overcome any short comings. Everyone I know who tried a tutor ended up passing next time.

Happy Thanksgiving and best of luck!

laughlove · Nov 28, 2014

Thank you both for your responses! !

Do you suggest I review my content in all area or just the area I'm scoring below on?

Kell Bell, ASN, RN · Nov 28, 2014

I would get back with Hurst. Reprint their pdfs and research the videos and fill them in again. Do them all then when you are finished sit down with blank pdfs (I pulled mine on my kindle) fill each page up and double check your work with one's you filled out previously for repetition. Ones you don't get read 3 times and understand it just don't remember. Also Kaplan has a great strategies book that teaches you HOW to test NCLEX. I will be happy to let you know what else I did differently the second time around on exam day if you want. I exclusively used Hurst and just NCLEX mastery app for questions. HURST questions on q reviews are only helpful if you read and UNDERSTAND rationales....if you do that they are immensely helpful!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!! Another thing I taught myself was to say "I WILL PASS". Excuse my language but make NCLEX your ***** this time! Best of luck!!

mialamia · Nov 29, 2014

Follow TootRn on Instagram. She's wonderful. Has videos on youtube you can view, and you can email her and ask her questions. Also, do as many SATA questions as you can. I feel when you get comfortable with answering those type of questions, you will tackle the nclex. However, the only way to be able to answer those questions correctly---you gotta know content!!!!!!!! Whoever says just practice questions, well, they need to ask you---do you know your content.! Knowing the content is extremely important, and I know this firsthand!! Read the Saunders book!!! It's a long book, but worth everything!!! I'm not saying sit in you bedroom for hours and read every single darn page!! NO! Go through questions (exam cram, kaplan, lippincotts, etc) write down what you lack most knowledge in!! Read it!! I mostly Read the last few chapter of the Saunders book. The adult med-surg and psych!! If you take the nclex more than 2 times, I feel your problem is knowledge!! Read the book. Knowing the content only makes you excel. Plan your time out wisely. Go through questions a couple of times, not just once. Repetition!!!! Sit down and study during the time of day when you concentrate the best!! Also, if you need some type of stimulant to help you get through-- see you doc, talk to them---maybe you're anxious---not everyone is the same. Some people go in an take the exam and boom-they pass!! Some have so many thing on their mind and are so anxious---they forget, and boom--they fail!! There is nothing wrong with sitting down in a quiet room and writing down what it is that is preventing you from passing this exam. Is it you studying? content? anxiety? not being able to concentrate? These are all questions you must ask yourself. This is a complex exam. You went through school, you paid 200$, and you rely on a career from it!! Take your time and focus on you and what you are doing that is wrong in preparing for this exam!! I guarantee you if you do this and you in to the exam room the next time--you will pass!! Any more help--email me. I also have notes I did myself to prepare for this evil exam. Also, as much as people think prayer doesn't help, I believe it does. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I prayed so much and I cried so much (lol), but it was worth it. God sees your pain and he rewards you with the courage you showed thorough out this journey. It's a tough one, but once you are done--you will smile like never before!!!

laughlove · Nov 29, 2014

Thanks! Kell bell!

Yes please do tell me!

also, which kaplan strategy book and which mastery app did you use?

Thanks!

laughlove · Nov 29, 2014

Thank you! Mialamia!

I will be reviewing content again. What I can't make sense out of is that when I do med surg questions (saunders which I used previously after going over the book) is that I do so well not getting all correct but I do so well than when I answer questions from ncbsn or other sources. And i go in to take the exam and my score is near pass for physiological and other areas that cover content materials. ...I really don't know anymore what is happening between me and content. But I will cover content again!! For sure

thank you!

Any other helpful things you come across, please let me know. Also about the cram book, which is it? Author? Ed?

mialamia · Dec 1, 2014

Hey, It's the exam cram-RN 4th edition. :) If I think of anything, I'll definitely let you know. I've pretty much stated everything in my first response to you, but maybe if I come across something, I'll respond and let you know. If you have any questions, please ask. I love helping as much as I can. Take Care and you can do this!