Failed NCLEX the 2nd time

What resources were you using?

I was using Kaplan qbank and a few trainers and some questions from the NCSBN website. Some of the Kaplan questions were repeative though because I had already taken the test once.

Hows your content?

How are you at answering questions?

What do YOU think you are having trouble with?

I'm starting to think that maybe I do need to brush up on content, but I think I'm just getting nervous and then not focusing on answering the questions the right way.

It never hurts to brush up on content!

& it's okay to be a little nervous but maybe find some relaxation techniques. I put on some peppermint oil while taking the exam (and did it while studying because its supposed to help with studying/memory and calming effects) and I think that helped a lot.

I would also do a bunch of critical thinking questions from Saunders Q&A (they came out with a 2014 which is amazing!) or Lippincott! See how you are doing on those and if you find yourself struggling to answer those questions and ask yourself, "am I getting these wrong because I do not know what it is asking me or do I know the content but I NOT know how to pick the right answer or what the question is asking?" If its the first one, know your content. If it is your second, pick up test-taking strategies! Kaplan is a great one for that

Thank you! Have you happened to hear anything about the Hurst Review and how beneficial that is?

I used Hurst and loved it for NCLEX!

Are there questions available to do throughout the program or just at the end?

I attended Hurst live class here in IL and loved it! At the end of the review, they have 6 sets of practice questions. Each set consists of 125 questions. They were harder than Saunders but easier than Kaplan. Their approach on how to tackle the different systems is really spot ob. But then again, they will only review for the well known diseases (e.g. DM, Glumerulonephritis, etc) so you must also do your share of studying other topics.

Thank you! What other sources did you use to study as a supplement?

I used a lot of review materials. Kaplan, Saunders, Lippincott, PDA by LaCharity (I've read all these 4 books from

cover to cover), NCLEX 3500, NCSBN and Hurst. I studied M-F for 2 months. I deactivated all my social media accounts and really focused on studying. I went out every weekend just to take a breather. I made notes from my review and would gladly send that to you if you want to.

That would be wonderful if you are happy to share. If you don't mind me asking, did you pass the first time?!