failed nclex-pn.. DEVASTATED

mrsraisinkain · Jan 28, 2008

I haven't even started LPN school yet so I can't give you any NCLEX advice but I just want to say that I'm sorry about your news and I'm certain you'll kick butt the 2nd time. At least the next time you can go into the test knowing what to expect, right?

Right now I can just give you (((hugs))) and moral support!

jean333 · Jan 28, 2008

Many people pass on the second time around..One of my good friends did not pass the first time but sure did pass the second time. It sounds like you studied a ton and I think sometimes you can over study. I know that sounds crazy but when I was in LPN school that was one of my biggest problems is that I over killed. On tests I would read to much into the questions. I learned that you should never study for more than 45 minutes then take a break...Your brain needs a break. 16 hours a day is way to much. I honestly would trim it down to no more than 3 to 4 hours a day and take Sundays off. Do practice questions..lots and lots...and don't give up. You just take it again :)

*Scrubs* · Jan 29, 2008

Just starting school myself but wanted to tell you I am sorry. It must be heart breaking...you put in a lot of hard work, it doesn't seem fair. Hang in there and try, try again.

arelle68 · Jan 29, 2008

You burned yourself out is what! You had your brain so spinning with you 16 hour days, you were reading those questions and adding, "What if?,what if?, what if?"

Study like a reasonable person, 45 min to an hour at a time. Interrupt it with healthy food, walks, and things that relax and please you.

How to pass next time:

1. Concentrate only on what the question is asking. Don't look at the answers until you understand what you are looking for.

2. Don't only look at the content part of the Saunders book. Read all of the test-taking strategy part also, twice.

3. Do everything you can to pamper yourself before the test. Head off situations that could stress you out. (Make your family leave you alone!)

4.) Try to sleep as much as you can in the days heading up to your test, because you may have trouble sleeping the night before.

5.) On the morning of, drink enough caffeine to wake you up, but not enough to hype you up,and eat some protein, along with some healthy carbs.:hrnsmlys:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 29, 2008

I say the same; you may have overstudied. I used to study about 5 hours a day, but I used to take major breaks! Taking the breaks allowed me to think over some things. I would take time away from it to gossip with friends, take walks, look at television and whatever. Even while I was taking breaks, of course my mind was not far away from the exam, but I was able to think a bit clearer. Also, funny enough, the things that perplexed me the most; when I took breaks, for some reason, I was finally able to figure it out myself, or somehow, I would see something on television or someone would call with a situation that somehow related to what I desperately needed to know, and somehow, they were able to illustrate to me what I needed to comprehend.

I know plenty of people that passed the second time around. Sometimes, it seems like the luck of the draw; sometimes, they asked the questions that a person just did not recognize. It may have been from stress or fear, clouding our judgement.

And, yes, get people to leave you the heck alone! I did not communicate with people from school once I graduated, because I didn't want to hear about who passed or failed until I had my own act together. I limited my contact with just a few people. Caller ID became my best friend. I only spoke to people who encouraged me, not brought me down. A few days before the exam, I shut down the studying. I may have looked up a thing or two, but otherwise, I put the books away, because I figured that I would not learn anything else new in a day or two. I did sleep well the night before the exam, because a friend of mine called, prayed with me, and her loving presence helped me to relax.

They will even tell you not to talk to people before the test, or even during breaks. Their nervousness attaches to you. While you understand how they feel, you have to concentrate on what you need for yourself.

Right now, lick your wounds, do something nice for yourself, and while I know it is easier said than done, do not degrade yourself. You did the best you can do. Clear your head for a few weeks, and get ready to do it again. Best of luck to you!

nickiejay · Jan 29, 2008

i am about to set my test in a couple of days and i will take the advice posted here.

mrswooten · Jan 30, 2008

I am testing in another week I have been studying lippincot and I have an MEDS-PUB review for NCLEX book. Cant afford any other books.

nojust1ce · Feb 5, 2008

hi,

i failed my exam the first time with 265 questions. my results were near passing in all categories. i overstudied as i believe you may have. i retook this test last tuesday and passed this time with 75 questions. i studied this time, for 2 hours every day. 2 days out of 7 i actually did nclex questons from nclex made incredibly easy cd. perhaps you could make a schedule for yourself of a category each day and study for two hours. i also made sure that no one or no thing added any drama or stress to my life. i also work/ed full time each day and managed to do this. i hope this helps you. jen :balloons: :twocents:

AutumnAustria · Feb 5, 2008

It does sound like you burned yourself out. I'm sure at some point you start saying "well it could be this or that and I could see how it's this but I don't know" and second guessing yourself. Don't study THAT long. You will do great this time around. If you are looking for things to help you study, my school uses MedsPub (http://online.medspub.com/meds/index.aspx) as part of their curriculum. It looks like there is a lot there that can help you to study and review. Check it out!! And, good luck on the second time around!! You will do wonderful!

wilma25 · Oct 21, 2009

I feel the same thing to what you have been through right now i just receive my result and i did not pass:cry: so tought and hard. i just do not know how to start studying, i did ATI, NCSBN, SAUNDERS, NCLEXPN reviewer still did not pass i study almost 8hrs a day. but so dissapointing:cry: i feel sick and depress but all we can do is retake it, i have to be strong for my kid.

Do not worry just retake it and look at the bright side even it take 10 times to retake just to have my license i will do it so i can start working, since we already go this far we just have to keep on going.

WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK FOR THE NEXT TIME.:loveya:

Cherybaby · Oct 23, 2009

The good side of this is now you know what to expect.

Don't be devastated and don't be hard on yourself. I think you might have studied too much. A few hours a day is sufficient. There is a lot of stuff to remember, but if you keep in your mind some basic critical thinking skills, the NCLEX should be easier for you the next time around. Just remember that every situation they post is referring to a perfect scenario, as if there were just enough docs, just enough nurses and the perfect patient ailments with no complications. If you keep this in mind, you should be able to have an easier time.

Keep in mind the ABC's of nursing:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3689/is_199608/ai_n8738879/

This link will provide you with some good information to remember.

The other thing I suggest is listening to music while you study. It will keep you relaxed. Then, if you can get a CD of that same music together and listen to it in the car while you drive to your test, your recall is better!

Just don't get down on yourself.