Failed NCLEX for the 2nd time

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Specializes in cardiac ICU.

Hello everyone! Last week I took NCLEX-RN for the 2nd time and failed it again. I have had just the time to take 203 questions before I ran out of time and the coomputer shut off. Interestingly enough, unlike the first time, on my second attempt at it I got 30+ SATA questions that were just grueling. On top of that the topics seemed to have been focused around DM, insulins, lots of questions about implanted intravenous devices, who to see first and drugs I had no idea existed.

I did Kaplan Review for the first test and found it good in terms of strategy (Decision Tree, etc.) but lacking in terms of content review (endless boring videos). I also did ATI but it was nowhere near the style of questions that NCLEX had hit me with.

Then I had gone through about 7 weeks of NCSBN learning extension and the modules that they had were all good for content review but were severly lacking in SATA questions and rationale.

I think what really wiped me out the second time was the SATA questions and some content. Of all 3 Prep companies, Kaplan, ATI or NCSBN, none has offered comprehensive preparation for SATA.

Having spent over two thousand dollars on these online resources I am very reluctant to give them more business as they don't deliver what I need - SATA strategy and practice.

I am about to try NCLEX for the third time and am very worried as in FLA, the state I am in, an applicant cannot take test more than three times before they are sent back to school for remedials, which means more time and lots of money to pay.

Any advice on what to do next and how to overcome the SATA challenges? Thank you!

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Sorry, I know this has been rough for you. I'm pretty sure people will be able to provide specifics for you on what to study, how to better prepare.

Someone here (I'll have to try and remember who!) has a really nice 'ready to copy/paste' post about HOW to approach NCLEX questions. There really is a skill to that in and of itself, and SATA is a format I personally hate as well.

Hang in there, and look around the board to see what tips others have.

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I took my nclex on Tuesday November 25, 2014. I too was slammed with SATA. I mean they came back to back, I know I had a good 32 or so of SATA. I'm awaiting my results now, but i'm praying I passed, but I followed Marlene Hursts Guideline for SATA (HURST REVIEWS). I just simply read the question. Looked at all the answers. And then I wrote down T=True or F=False depending if the situation was needed for the question. My questions were very hard to me, but my computer shut down at 85, which was the minimum for PN. I struggled with SATA in school, but Marlene Hurst, actually helped me get better with them. Maybe this can help!

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Specializes in cardiac ICU.

Thank you replying! Kaplan does a good job with strategies that are relative to multiple choice questions, but they are not strong on SATA.

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Specializes in cardiac ICU.

Thanks for the suggestion! I will look into Hurst strategies for SATA questions. I guess the main issue is that Kaplan, ATI and NCSBN did present some SATA questions but exactly the way NCLEX did. This in itself tells me that these companies have neither access to nor have permission (due to non-disclosure) to present these questions in similar format. I can't say it here as we all signed a non-disclosure with Pearson Vue.

Best of Luck to you on passing!

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Get the Lippincott sata book. I found it sooooo helpful. When I started it I was getting 2 out of 10 right but by the end it was 8 or 9 out of 10. I found I needed to do a lot of sata to figure out how to answer them.

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Specializes in cardiac ICU.

Thank you! Heading to Amazon right now to see if they have one.

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I was going to suggest the same.. lippincott alternate format book. I just recently finished it and its great. Good luck!

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I am in the same boat. I have done both ATI and Kaplan. I did use the LaCharity 'Priorities, Delegation & Assignment' book. It was very helpful. I do not know where to go from here or how to pick up the pieces. Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in cardiac ICU.
I am in the same boat. I have done both ATI and Kaplan. I did use the LaCharity 'Priorities, Delegation & Assignment' book. It was very helpful. I do not know where to go from here or how to pick up the pieces. Best of luck to you.

In my opinion Kaplan does a good job on Priorities and Delegation. On my first and second attempts I received no Delegation questions whatsoever, but your test may be different though.

IMO, the Priority and Assessment is where the focus needs to be. And of course the SATA + Content.

Best of Luck to you as well!

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Specializes in cardiac ICU.

Thanks for leaving a comment! Good Luck to you too!

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Specializes in cardiac ICU.

After reading some posters elsewhere it has dawned upon me that it matters not if you run out of time. What matters most is how these last 60 questions were answered before the time was up. Of course after sitting there beyond 4 hours, I can't imagine having a clear focus but this is something that needs to be expected and taken into consideration.

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