Encouraging nclex advice needed

[chankaran]

I have recently taken the NCLEX twice now, and in desperate need of advice. ONLY encouraging and positive advice, PLEASE. I am my own worst critic and I want to become a nurse so badly, that anyone telling me I should give up would not help me in any way. It would only make me more depressed.

Both attempts of the NCLEX I have gotten all 265 questions. When I received my letter of results I was "Nearly passing" on ALL categories on BOTH attempts. It's frustrating because though I'm close, I can't seem to stay above the passing line. I did Hurst review and still am using it to study.

If anyone has been in a similar situation and overcame this struggle please let me know what helped you! I'm about to start intensively studying again. Both NCLEX attempts I studied a ton, so as you can see I'm very discouraged to begin again. As stated above, this is my ultimate DREAM and I am so saddened that I am having such a hard time with this. I've always struggled with tests, but I believe I can do this!

If anyone used the Saunders comprehensive review book I'm curious as to how people used it to study. I purchased it, but I seem to have trouble finding an effective way to use it because it's so much material! If anyone created a study calendar or so using this resource or anything else please share as well.

Thanks everyone!

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the NCLEX forum where there is much written on passing the exam.

Good luck

[nightflower]

I believe it's because of Kaplan that I passed first try in 75 questions. I took the full Kaplan course online. They really show you how to approach each question, and how to break in down. They train your brain to think NCLEX. I used those tools while taking the actual exam and it worked. I did all of the questions trainers and used QBank to make up my own tests for my weak areas.

I strongly suggest Kaplan.

Do tons of practice questions. READ THE RATIONALE! Even for correct answers as it reinforces the material. Try to do most of them in test mode (at a desk, quiet environment).

Use the study guide that other users on this site shared. Make a short set of notes for the main chunk of things (lab values, meds, things you struggle with memorizing) and look at them more than once a day.

Get good sleep the night before your exam. On the day of your exam: eat a good meal, don't overdo the caffeine, go to the bathroom before you test, wear layers in case you get hot.

Good luck!