Hello all! This is my first time posting, after lurking for years while in school. I see some great advice given so I'm going to ask for your opinions.
First, I took the NCLEX Monday. I knew I should have went to get a prescription for my anxiety, but I wanted to wing it. Plus, I had NO IDEA the room would be so tiny.
I was shaking like a leaf! Through the tutorial, through the first question, until I got to question 30, where I felt like I almost couldn't breathe. I raised my hand to take a break. I went to the bathroom and tried to gather myself. Splashed water on my face, and went back. The moderator could see it on my face. She said " I can tell you don't want to go back in there"
Two hours in I was only on Question 76. I caught myself a few times just staring at a question. I don't even know when the machine shut off. It was Over 90. but I'm pretty sure under 100. I actually left feeling great! Glad to be out of that room, but knowing that I needed medication in order to do this again. And just to confirm I did my quick results today. And I indeed failed.
I just wanted to give that background, but my real question is, what Review online course is the best. I did a google search, and it said Kaplan ( Which I already had) was #1, and something called Board Vitals. Has anyone used this??
I LOVED UWORLD. But, my QBank only has 300 Questions left. Thats not going to be enough for 30 days!!
All answers are appreciated!!!
And before anyone says anything, I know I have to get my anxiety in check before I take it again. I already have an appt with the DR!!! :)
My advice for getting rid of anxiety is to try something non-pharmacological/non-herbal first. I think you just need to try some relaxation techniques first.
If that doesn't work, then like the other member said you could try GABA (L-Theanine) which is a herbal supplement. Whatever you do, do NOT drink things that are high in CAFFEINE! It'll only make your anxiety worst.
I think 45 days is plenty enough. I take my NCLEX in August and I am using KAPLAN and NCLEX Mastery App to study.
I guess here is my thing, we all had anxiety taking that test. I shook and was terrified as well. You are making an excuse as to why you failed. I'm sorry, you are.
If you want to pass next time, look at what areas you failed in. This is a basic entry-level nursing test. They want to see how safe you are.
I walked out feeling like I failed it. Completely failed. But after I was able to calm down I realized that I took the time and read each question carefully and answered what the question was asking. I had some really far out questions. I had questions where I was looking for a particular intervention, and it wasn't a choice. I then had to look at what the question was asking.
I disagree with your thought process that I'll go to the doc, he will give me a magic pill, and then I'll pass. You are wrong. You need to evaluate why you failed, study what you missed, and go take it again. There's nothing wrong with failing the test. But you won't pass it next time if you don't take responsibility for failing and then go and fix that. You will continue to fail. And failing the test 5 or 6 times is a problem.
I guess here is my thing, we all had anxiety taking that test. I shook and was terrified as well. You are making an excuse as to why you failed. I'm sorry, you are.
If you want to pass next time, look at what areas you failed in. This is a basic entry-level nursing test. They want to see how safe you are.
I walked out feeling like I failed it. Completely failed. But after I was able to calm down I realized that I took the time and read each question carefully and answered what the question was asking. I had some really far out questions. I had questions where I was looking for a particular intervention, and it wasn't a choice. I then had to look at what the question was asking.
I disagree with your thought process that I'll go to the doc, he will give me a magic pill, and then I'll pass. You are wrong. You need to evaluate why you failed, study what you missed, and go take it again. There's nothing wrong with failing the test. But you won't pass it next time if you don't take responsibility for failing and then go and fix that. You will continue to fail. And failing the test 5 or 6 times is a problem.
No, not making excuses. There is such a thing as phobias my dear. And when u feel like the walls are closing in and u can't breathe, it's serious. I almost walked out the building after 30 questions!! And unless you are an anxiety sufferer, you have NO clue! I know my stuff honey. I've gotten nothing but 60s and up on ALL my Qbank on Kaplan and Uworld. And 62 on my readiness. So don't you DARE try to minimize my anxiety. And I'm not explaining myself further to you.
If you read carefully, because it's fundamental, my fear is enclosed spaces! And please. I know people who have taken meds to relax for a test because they have a fear of them. And FYI, I already work in a hospital. ER to be exact. And have no issues dealing with crazy and stressful situations.
I understand that you have fear of enclosed spaces. I don't know where you tested, but our local Pearson Vue's exam room is pretty wide open. My initial response probably seems cold and judgmental. It probably is. But if you know people who have to take meds for an exam because of anxiety, do you not think the temptation might be there when the anxiety sets in when they're working?
I understand that you have fear of enclosed spaces. I don't know where you tested, but our local Pearson Vue's exam room is pretty wide open. My initial response probably seems cold and judgmental. It probably is. But if you know people who have to take meds for an exam because of anxiety, do you not think the temptation might be there when the anxiety sets in when they're working?
So, I found out from Pearson that they are able to accommodate people who suffer as I do from small spaces. I can test alone in a spacious room. Just have to get my doctor to fill out the form, which she has because I have this same issue when I fly. Everyone is different. So I can't speak for others who might be tempted at work. I can just say for myself, I have never had an issue at work. And our ER is super busy! Never had anxiety. Until the one time I got locked in the bathroom and couldnt open the door I freaked out!
Hi! I'm sorry you went through that it is ok though because you will pass! Ok so I actually took my exam the same day you did lol I passed in 75 questions so let me tell you what I did. I did Kaplan, Hurst, & uWorld that's it! I knew content was my weak point when I started studying for NCLEX so I looked at the Hurst videos I had. They are great and the videos go right along with the book. You get a book of notes that is partially filled out but there are missing spaces that when you watch the videos the people have the same book so you fill in the blanks as they speak! It's condensed in a way that for every system you should be able to answer questions on them; I highly recommend it. uWorld rationales are amazing and much harder that NCLEX questions (I thought I had failed because everything was so easy to me lol). I say check out Hurst and see if it is for you. My school made us do ATI during school but I never went back to it after I graduated so I can't help you there, sorry! Get your anxiety under control, which it sounds like you are, and you'll do great! GOOD LUCK!!!:)
I actually started working as an NCLEX tutor not too long ago. I will reassure you that test-taking anxiety is definitely a problem, but you may need to consider your options when it comes to medications (if you haven't already done so). Since drugs work differently for everybody, you may want to try whichever drug you are prescribed on a practice test. Of course, you would want this experience to closely mimic the NCLEX testing environment.
Next, when it comes to deciding which NCLEX-prep programs to use, you need to weigh content review (comprehensive knowledge) against practice questions (applied/analytical knowledge). Some people underestimate their strength in content and will tell you "I just did thousands and thousands of questions and read over the rationales." Other people, demonstrate that that they have the right thinking processes and test-taking strategies - but they miss a bunch of questions because they forgot key points related to specific interventions, pathophysiology, medications, etc.
Then of course, there are people in the same situation as you. You take x number of practice tests, you score an average of above 60%, you've practically memorized every detail of everything...but then you are sabotaged by anxiety.
My question for you is: Is the anxiolytic enough in this case?
Have you identified specific test-taking behaviors that often lead you to the wrong answer choice? (such as reading into the question too much, choosing the first answer choice that sticks out to you without reading the rest, not reading the question carefully) I am sure you are aware of these behaviors but sometimes these behaviors almost subconsciously.
What type of learner are you? Visual? Auditory? Tactile? These are important questions to ask for your review, as not everything works for everybody.
A few more tips, if you haven't heard them enough: When you receive your report, review your weakest areas first. Look for integrated questions, SATA/alternative questions, priority questions. Look for questions that will force you to think. If you feel confident with your content, don't bother with low-level comprehension questions, those are just a waste of time at this point. Finally, when you decide your final answer, be sure you can give solid rationale on why the other choices are wrong.
If you have any other questions, you are welcome to message me.
Wow, tested monday, exact same thing happened. I got 265 questions 4 and a half hours, I skipped a question by mistake. when i was signing in I gave the lady at the testing center my maiden name, and i have been married 12 years and dont even use my maiden name at all. I couldnt breath, i was freezing cold, the headphones where so tight i couldnt think and when i took them off i heard everybodies noise, which was probably none. I was the valedictorian, i recieved honors every quarter, i never missed an assignment even during prerequisites, and the only time i missed clinical was due to a miscarriage, i started studying in January. my heart is broken. I do have really good review materials though. I dont feel like any of the stuff i had failed me. i just think i just lost my whole mind for 4 hours
No, not making excuses. There is such a thing as phobias my dear. And when u feel like the walls are closing in and u can't breathe, it's serious. I almost walked out the building after 30 questions!! And unless you are an anxiety sufferer, you have NO clue! I know my stuff honey. I've gotten nothing but 60s and up on ALL my Qbank on Kaplan and Uworld. And 62 on my readiness. So don't you DARE try to minimize my anxiety. And I'm not explaining myself further to you.
If you initially stated that you had a feat of enclosed spaces, then the responses would have been different.
Your initial post:
Hello all! This is my first time posting, after lurking for years while in school. I see some great advice given so I'm going to ask for your opinions.
First, I took the NCLEX Monday. I knew I should have went to get a prescription for my anxiety, but I wanted to wing it. Plus, I had NO IDEA the room would be so tiny.
I was shaking like a leaf! Through the tutorial, through the first question, until I got to question 30, where I felt like I almost couldn't breathe. I raised my hand to take a break. I went to the bathroom and tried to gather myself. Splashed water on my face, and went back. The moderator could see it on my face. She said " I can tell you don't want to go back in there"
Two hours in I was only on Question 76. I caught myself a few times just staring at a question. I don't even know when the machine shut off. It was Over 90. but I'm pretty sure under 100. I actually left feeling great! Glad to be out of that room, but knowing that I needed medication in order to do this again. And just to confirm I did my quick results today. And I indeed failed.
I just wanted to give that background, but my real question is, what Review online course is the best. I did a google search, and it said Kaplan ( Which I already had) was #1, and something called Board Vitals. Has anyone used this??
I LOVED UWORLD. But, my QBank only has 300 Questions left. Thats not going to be enough for 30 days!!
All answers are appreciated!!!
And before anyone says anything, I know I have to get my anxiety in check before I take it again. I already have an appt with the DR!!! :)
Thanks to all who respond!
If you have a claustrophobic anxiety, then that should've been your title; you only describe what you were feeling, and no when in your OP where I read you have claustrophobia; based on your post it seemed as though you had test anxiety alone, hence the additional responses that are suggesting test anxiety related replies and solutions...so-put down the chip on your shoulder please.
As far as your failing-it is still essential to look at your performance review to see how you did on the test; even though your were effected by the claustrophobia, it will be still helpful to see the results.
What is promising is that you are able to have test accommodations and will be able to retest in 45 days; If your practice scores were in the 60s then you can touch on doing a few mock exams twice a week, because you are prepared to pass this exam, just to keep your mind ready for the exam.
You are asking for additional resources to review as well-you can do Kaplan free online or I suggest source close to the NCLEX as possible-the NCSBN and do the questions only; 50 dollars for 3 weeks is the minimum course package.
I did say, I didnt know the room would be so tiny. My bad for not also stating, I have fear of enclosed spaces. But its more of, the fact that Im trapped and no way out unless someone else lets me out. Because bathrooms are small, but I can let myself out at any time. Unless it was that one time where the door jammed. :) If it was a situation where as, I could leave the room when I wanted to, I believe it would have been better.
The chip on my shoulder is because you said I was making excuses. And Im not. I know what caused me to fail. My predictor I scored 97 pct of passing the 1st time. Im not naive to needing to read the report. Im in no way thinking that I don't have to still study. Thats why I asked about other review courses. But the fact of the matter is, If I dont get it under control whether its with meds, or non pharm, I wont pass. I have to be able to sit and read the questions without shaking and feeling out of control. I was shaking during the tutorial!!
I appreciate the suggestion for NCBSN. I was reading testimonials and I like how its broken down by systems. Leaning towards this review. Hurst is too heavy for my pockets right now!
it is ok though because you will pass! Ok so I actually took my exam the same day you did lol I passed in 75 questions so let me tell you what I did. I did Kaplan, Hurst, & uWorld that's it! I knew content was my weak point when I started studying for NCLEX so I looked at the Hurst videos I had. They are great and the videos go right along with the book. You get a book of notes that is partially filled out but there are missing spaces that when you watch the videos the people have the same book so you fill in the blanks as they speak! It's condensed in a way that for every system you should be able to answer questions on them; I highly recommend it. uWorld rationales are amazing and much harder that NCLEX questions (I thought I had failed because everything was so easy to me lol). I say check out Hurst and see if it is for you. My school made us do ATI during school but I never went back to it after I graduated so I can't help you there, sorry! Get your anxiety under control, which it sounds like you are, and you'll do great! GOOD LUCK!!!:)
SkyDrift
62 Posts
I'm sorry you didn't pass
but DON'T give up!
My advice for getting rid of anxiety is to try something non-pharmacological/non-herbal first. I think you just need to try some relaxation techniques first.
If that doesn't work, then like the other member said you could try GABA (L-Theanine) which is a herbal supplement. Whatever you do, do NOT drink things that are high in CAFFEINE! It'll only make your anxiety worst.
I think 45 days is plenty enough. I take my NCLEX in August and I am using KAPLAN and NCLEX Mastery App to study.