Failed Nclex first time. what is my best option to prepare enough to pass second time.

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  1. Hurst Remediation program? or 5 week NCSBN review?

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      Hurst Remediation
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      NCSBN 5 week review

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I unfortunately failed the NCLEX my first time, I was DEVASTATED! I graduated in May 2014. and money was an issue for me but I was so sure the HURST review was needed in order to pass, I have never been the best exam taker, always better in a practical setting, but I made it through nursing school with A's and B's. I took the hurst review and also the 3 week program for NCSBN for practice questions, I did not follow their schedule really, but just took as many practice questions as I could, others of my grade did that and passed. I unfortunately could not afford my exam until August, and it took months to process and did not take my NCLEX until november 2014. I failed after 94 questions. I received my results back and I bombed it, I had 4 categories I was near passing and 4 I was below passing. I have now been offered the HURST remediation program. But I have been considering to take the NCSBN program and just focusing on that and completeing their structured schedule, most likely the 5 week program.

However, I would like to know what is the better option if I should just choose one over the other? Or should I try and complete both? I dont want to overwhelm myself, but I also want to make sure I pass this time around. The hurst remediation would be free for me, but I am worried I wont get enough practice questions in. Any input would be very helpful please thank you!!!! HELP :)

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Hi Cara, I am so sorry about what happened, let me start off by saying YOU CAN DO IT! Even though it was devastating you get a second chance right? Just have the attitude that you will brush this off, pick up yourself, and try it again, because you are better than this test! I took my NCLEX a month after I graduated and fortunately passed with 75?s. My school provided a Kaplan week long prep class for me and my classmates and that really helped because they taught us HOW TO ANSWER the questions, the best strategies, how to decide and rationalize what the MOST CORRECT answer is. This is not a test about how much you know, its about your test taking skills. We were told that the passing score was 50%. 50%! Doesn't that take the pressure off a bit? :) Please do not buy a book to study the content, yes its important to know your normal lab values, ABCs, basics about the drug categories but thats about it! Its all about how you answer the questions and use your process of elimination. Once again I'm sorry about what happened, hopefully my advice helps, I HIGHLY recommend Kaplan, and you will pass!!! Trust me remember all those rough times during nursing school? You fought through them and made it right? Don't let them break you now when you are so close to getting your dream job! You will make it! :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Duplicate threads merged and moved for best response

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Thank you I greatly appreciate your comment!! I was thinking about Kaplan, but I know it is a little pricey, this Hurst remediation is free for me, and it is supposed to focus on my deficits and it provides approx 850 discussion type questions, I have a feeling that might help me understand how to read questions better. But I was also concerned that I need to be taking practice questions as well. Does Kaplan offer a lot of practice questions? Maybe it is something I can take as well throughout this 45 days of HURST remediation. thanks again Islaleigh! :) I just can't wait to get my license in the mail and start truly working in the field!

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I checked out the most recent Kaplan Nclex study book from my library for free...they said they would order it for me if they didnt have it :) maybe try your library?

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Hello. I want to say that I was in the same boat as you. I failed the first time in October. I was depressed to where I thought I needed counseling.

I told my boyfriend that I would rather work as a bank teller before taking NCLEX again but since I tried the PVT, they charged me so I had to try again. I took the KAPLAN class and I feel that I helped me a lot because I felt like I didn't know how to tackle the questions. My school provided ATI but it didn't help me. I went through their process twice and failed.

If I was you, I would use your HURST and if you can afford the Kaplan QBank, I would do that too.

If you get their book or even borrow it, you can access one of their online texts. The way to get access is that they ask you what the last word was in one of the chapters so you don't actually have to buy the book. I used it during my first attempt. I will say the class helped me. You have to find out what you are weak on. If it is content, you will have to look into that but if it's tackling questions, kaplan will help.

Best of luck on the next time. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

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Thank you I greatly appreciate your comment!! I was thinking about Kaplan, but I know it is a little pricey, this Hurst remediation is free for me, and it is supposed to focus on my deficits and it provides approx 850 discussion type questions, I have a feeling that might help me understand how to read questions better. But I was also concerned that I need to be taking practice questions as well. Does Kaplan offer a lot of practice questions? Maybe it is something I can take as well throughout this 45 days of HURST remediation. thanks again Islaleigh! :) I just can't wait to get my license in the mail and start truly working in the field!

You will get there soon! And you'll look back at this moment and know that even though it was a rough bump in your career, you made it in the end! :)

But as for your question, yes Kaplan does offer A LOT of practice questions, 6 question trainers I think, or maybe there are 5, that are basically the same length as the NCLEX, the same format/screen as what you would see on the NCLEX, and I personally think the questions are harder than the actually NCLEX ?s, which make you feel overprepared and ready to tackle the test! In addition there are 1000 extra practice ?s that just give you that extra preparedness. And after you answer the ?s, you can individually review each one to see why you got in wrong with a rationale, that also includes some content material with it. I thought it was really helpful and the reason why I was successful. I can't tell you anything about HURST since my school only used Kaplan so I apologize that I can't give you any advice on that. I would highly recommend Kaplan but if it is pricey than I would suggest you do what is best for you. Don't be discouraged, feel bad if you are the only person in the planet that failed but you are not :) it happens, as life is full of inconvenience, but with an optimistic attitude and confidence, you will definitely get there! :)

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