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!!! :)
I don't know why people are giving OP grief for her wording in the first post, I immediately picked up from how she phrased things that her anxiety came from the size of the room, and not from a fear of the test or lack of knowledge. OP, if you are indeed as prepared as you say you are, I think you should focus on dealing with the cause of the problem (your anxiety about small spaces) rather than assuming that you should study more. Go over the test and see if your wrong answers came from a lack of knowledge, sure, but I think your biggest concern should be finding a way to cope with the testing environment.
I don't know why people are giving OP grief for her wording in the first post, I immediately picked up from how she phrased things that her anxiety came from the size of the room, and not from a fear of the test or lack of knowledge. OP, if you are indeed as prepared as you say you are, I think you should focus on dealing with the cause of the problem (your anxiety about small spaces) rather than assuming that you should study more. Go over the test and see if your wrong answers came from a lack of knowledge, sure, but I think your biggest concern should be finding a way to cope with the testing environment.[/quote
Thank you!!!! I didn't know I had to spell it out like pre school geesh lol. Also, its not that I feel like I need to study because I dont know content, I just dont want to lose my knowledge. And because my Uworld only has now 270 left, I wanted another supplement.
After I left the test, the next day after I was relaxed, I was able to remember questions and was like, wow, why did I answer that! I knew it was xyz...so that to me was further confirmation that if I wasn't feeling so out of control and able to process what I was reading and the answers, I would have been able to answer the questions correctly.
At that 30 questions mark, I felt smothered and I raised my hand and it felt like an eternity, her coming to get me. I really felt like I was about to just get out the chair myself and just walk! Just thinking about it now rattles my nerves.
And thanks! Yes, I have several options. The alternate testing accommodations which Pearson offers...and going to get an anxiety med. Meditation just wont do it.
I admire your honesty, I too suffer from anxiety. I graduate in December 2016 so I don't have personal experience as to which online review course is the best but I talked with many of my friends who recently took the NCLEX (most in June of 2016) and they all studied with UWORLD, the Saunders NCLEX Review book, and our school paid for them to do a Kaplan Review. Some passed and some did not. My school only has a 73% pass rate right now and is on probation. I'm terrified I will not pass once I graduate. The ones who passed said UWORLD and the Kaplan decision tree was their biggest help. I hope this helps! Good luck!
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!
First, I never said you were making excuses, so let's get that out of the way, since you are quoting me.
Second, even though you stated "the room was tiny", people with general anxiety have similar symptoms, so there is no way to discern what type of anxiety you have.
And to reiterate the point-if you have a 97 percent chance, you will be fine for the retake and at this point if you go with NCSBN, and use a mock testing style, and work with your physician, you will be fine.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
If you initially stated that you had a feat of enclosed spaces, then the responses would have been different.
Your initial post:
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.
Best wishes.
I have to agree with this. I took my NCLEX with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. You can't let your anxiety rule your life or use it an excuse.
OP, I wish you well. You didn't create the post to get diagnosed. Just block out the negativity. It seems like some people just enjoy jumping on the slightest vulnerability. It's sport for them. I see the same ones in thread after thread waiting with baited breath to rain on someone's parade. smh...
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.
This is from you, not me. clearly, you said I was making an excuse....not going to go back and forth. It really doesn't matter. On top of the fact I clearly stated in the original post that I know I need to get my anxiety under control, I was asking for review courses, not about my anxiety. But now I see if you don't want people who don't know you from Adam to be judgmental, just leave extra details out.
This is the first time I am posting but I have been reading posts since I started nursing school. I just wanted to say that I believe the majority of us have anxiety going into the NCLEX (for me it's any exam) but that you CAN do this. You are asking for suggestions on study courses and I suggest the NCSBN learning extension. Not only is the course great in that it is self paced and offers a ton of variety but it is written by the people who create the actual NCLEX. At the end of each section it actually has relaxation activities demonstrated on videos and shows you how to quietly relax and compose yourself. Each section has valuable information broken down into specific topics and it was a tremendous resource for me. They have so many practice questions it's insane and I was really happy with it. I have also downloaded a ton of free apps for use on the go like NCLEX Mastery and the Kaplan free one.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
That's you. Clearly Bi polar is waaay different from having panic attacks. Right??
Oh dear. Ignorance at its best. The two are not mutually exclusive. You can be bipolar & have anxiety/panic attacks but you can have anxiety/panic attacks & not be bipolar. Honestly, being bipolar is worse because not only do you get the anxiety, you get depression & mania. So yes, being bipolar IS different.
Maybe you need to do some reading as well. I am super shocked at how little nurses know about psych diagnosises. Well also considering you haven't worked as a nurse yet, I'm half not surprised at this comment.
You need to realize you are not taking responsibility for your actions, you are blaming it on your anxiety. I'm not the only one who realized this. If you keep doing that you won't get very far.
Oh dear. Ignorance at its best. The two are not mutually exclusive. You can be bipolar & have anxiety/panic attacks but you can have anxiety/panic attacks & not be bipolar. Honestly, being bipolar is worse because not only do you get the anxiety, you get depression & mania. So yes, being bipolar IS different.
Maybe you need to do some reading as well. I am super shocked at how little nurses know about psych diagnosises. Well also considering you haven't worked as a nurse yet, I'm half not surprised at this comment.
You need to realize you are not taking responsibility for your actions, you are blaming it on your anxiety. I'm not the only one who realized this. If you keep doing that you won't get very far.
You, and one other person who is now saying they never said that.
Ignorance?? LOL!! ok...
That was great for you, that you did not have a panic attack during your exam. Just because YOU didn't doesn't mean someone else won't!
And again, people need to really read. Nowhere did I ask you guys to offer suggestions about my anxiety. You guys aren't doctors. Stop trying to diagnose me. I asked about Review courses. Let's stay on topic please and thanks..
emmjayy, BSN, RN
512 Posts
I don't know why people are giving OP grief for her wording in the first post, I immediately picked up from how she phrased things that her anxiety came from the size of the room, and not from a fear of the test or lack of knowledge. OP, if you are indeed as prepared as you say you are, I think you should focus on dealing with the cause of the problem (your anxiety about small spaces) rather than assuming that you should study more. Go over the test and see if your wrong answers came from a lack of knowledge, sure, but I think your biggest concern should be finding a way to cope with the testing environment.