Failed NCLEX first try, but not understanding the report

fringe · Jul 7, 2013

Try using Saunders comprehensive review. I've used it for both my nclex for LVN and RN and have been satisfied. I think it just means on that particular area, you didn't meet the minimum competency level. What state are you in?

ashleyrosesf · Jul 7, 2013

Personally, Kaplan is wonderful for figuring out the areas you're weakest. Do questions in that particular area then use Saunders for any content you're missing - Kaplan is pretty useless for content, IMPO.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jul 7, 2013

Yes. Near is not good enough. You need to meet or exceed the minimum standard. Your weakest area is the one below passing standard. Since you did not meet the standard in any area, you might want to consider a comprehensive review like Kaplan or Hurst.

mbittleston · Jul 7, 2013

I would do ATI online. It mimics the nclex and you get a online tutor to help guide you. They also monitor the areas you are weak.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

LifesAJourney · Jul 7, 2013

I say use saunders for content and kaplan and PDA for questions.

BriManRN · Jul 7, 2013

I agree that Kaplan is a fantastic diagnostic tool. I did Kaplan along with exam cram, PDA, Lippincots alternate style Q&A book, and Saunders for content. Kaplan & PDA are very NCLEX relatable!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 7, 2013

Hi there,
I did my NCLEX on 6/5/13. I had all 265 questions and failed. I got the Report they send and it says I am "near passing standard" in all areas except health promotion where I scored "Below passing standard".
I am unsure of how to take this? Does that mean I'm weak in absolutely every area of the test and need a major review?
Any help or feedback would be great right now. I am doing the Rayfield test guides, kaplan and a few other study reviews.
I just feel so overwhelmed right now and I am trying to get my ATT to rest soon.
Thank you,
Ali

Based on your report, it seems as though you are having a tough time in choosing the best answer, and have difficulty answering the best question in Health Promotion.

Remember: the NCLEX licensure test is based on four key areas in being a safe, competent, entry level licensed nurse: Health Promotion, Safe, Effective Care, Physiologic and Psychologic Integrity.

The first step in answering NCLEX questions are WHAT the question is asking you what to do in the scenarios, whether it be placing the pt in isolation, anticipating what orders are to be implemented, what side effects need to be reported, etc.

I would suggest when studying this time is to focus in reviewing questions and rationales; if you have difficulty wit the rationales, review the content. Usually on NCLEX question reviews, the type of question (ie Health Promotion) is stated at the end of the rationale. Review the source of the NCLEX subject if the rationale doesn't stick. I also suggest Saunders NCLEX review cards and LaCharity to review. Kaplan's strategies are good as well. The book breaks down the NCLEX test by the four subjects. If you want a comprehensive review, NCSBN (the NCLEX people) is great for in depth questions based on subject; even for the questions. You can try Lippincott as well. For me, the questions MOST similar to the NCLEX were NCSBN, Saunders, Lippincott and LaCharity.

Take a breath...once you KNOW what the question asks you, and you have been able to have a percentage near 70 in each of the 4 subjects of the NCLEX, then schedule your exam. Don't forget to center yourself as well. Practice deep breathing exercises if you get overwhelmed as well. I treated each practice question review as the NCLEX in order to prepare for the exam. I practice 75-265 questions every week after I completed each of my sources; when it came to reviewing questions only, I review at least every other day. I was pretty relaxed and paced myself during the exam. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. You have a clean slate; think successfully.

Good luck!

AlisonBrennan · Jul 8, 2013

Thanks for your response. I have used the ATI stuff but I felt it was so far from what the NCLEX asked that I just stopped using it all together. I have a NCSBN comprehensive review book, I have Saunders which I used all through nursing school, I have the Rayfield review books, a Kaplan review for 2012, and one other. I am taking practice test after test. If I get it wrong, I go back write the question, the answer, and the rationale. I guess I am just old school in the paper pencil methods work best for me. I am getting anywhere from 65-80% in most content areas on these reviews, and around 78% on the online practice tests...so I think I am improving slowly but this is just frustrating.

JugglesLife247 · Jul 8, 2013

I only used Kaplan and passed a few weeks ago. The questions are great and really similar to NCLEX format. Even the colors and fonts for the practice tests are almost identical to the test. You can customize your practice tests to specific areas you struggle with and they have videos that go over the topics generally to help give you a refresher and help you see how you should be reading the questions. You can go on Amazon and download their NCLEX review book for free.

grad.rye.2012 · Jul 9, 2013

I suggest Saunders for review. Kaplan for strategies to answer questions and also practice questions. NCSBN online course for practice questions. I emphasize practice questions. I am an international nurse from Toronto, Canada and passed in first attempt by doing this. Good luck!