Failed NCLEX-PN first time

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I took the NCLEX-PN yesterday for the first time and failed. I must have cried all night, the thought of disappointing myself and everyone who believed in me was just really hard to take in. I kept going over what went wrong, I studied my butt off like crazy for almost two whole months! The thing is, I couldn't keep beating myself up about it by feeling like a failure (even if I failed). This post is for everyone who has taken the nclex the first time and failed, or for first time nclex exam takers- do not give up! You're not alone, a lot of people fail their first attempt but it isn't the end of the world. It's okay to feel sad, but don't discourage yourself. Stay motivated and give it your all on your next attempt. Right now, I still feel bummed but I'm STILL focused on making sure I get my license. There's nothing more I want than to make that happen. You all can do it, and make sure it's for yourself. Study hard!

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im so sorry!!!! but i am happy to see your not giving up. What did u study?? i take mine saturday! i have done kaplans qbank, some exam cram and some notes on content from saunders, 10 chapters of Lacharity PDA, and most importantly, NCSBN-not so much the content but the questions are realllly hard. much harder than saunders or kaplan, so im hoping those will be beneficial. I scored like 50's some low 60's if i was lucky on kaplan. Then when i started NCSBN questions, i was getting like 40's-50's if i was lucky. The more i have done, im now scoring 60 and 70's on NCSBN and high 60 and 70's on kaplan. keep practicing questions. i mean i havent taken mine so i dont really know if this advice is accurate, however, the fact that im improving has to mean something. NCSBN's rationales includes really good strategies to help narrow down the answer if i absolutely do not even know about the subject which is alot of the time. so after doing them over and over again, i naturally was picking out similar answers and rationalizing like ok, which answer directly relates to the stem of the question and which may relate to the family and not the patient so i can eliminate that also. Please dont let anyone make u think your not cut out for this, or not smart enough. Remember, u made it through school. nclex is having a basic knowledge, and knowing how to apply it and think critically(not to mention process of elimination sucks esp when u have 2 amazing answers). i know u must be drained of studying, but i will pass this time. keep your head up! U will be a nurse!!!!

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but u will pass this time*..sorry typo

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but u will pass this time*..sorry typo
Thank you, I'm going to work hard to make sure I pass this time :)I used Saunders comprehensive, exam cram, and Kaplan strategies. I also never really counted the hours I studied in a day, I just made sure I did practice questions and read rationales, and also focused on my weaknesses. I've spoken to a few of my friends who have passed the nclex and they've all used NCSBN to help them prepare, they told me a lot of the question format you come across on NCSBN are very similar to the actual nclex, so it seems like you are on the right track! Just keep studying and ALWAYS stay motivated. It's normal to feel nervous when you get to the testing center, I literally had knots in my stomach, but be positive and confident. You should be fine! Good luck and I hope you pass! Keep me updated on how it goes for you :)
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thank u! im telling u, NCSBN's questions are so hard that when i started them a week ago and did so poorly, i cried and was immediately discouraged. I thought i know Nclex questions will be so hard and those are so hard and i did so bad. But within a week i have improved my scores so much. rationales and strategies helped much more than kaplans decision tree. i can not grasp that concept for some reason aside form like knowing what the questions asking and abc's. i feel like the steps are too much to remember and dont even apply to most questions. u should do NCSBN 3 week course for 50 bucks. So much good content if u need it..stay focused, dry your tears..

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For me pda by lacharity was the best to study from, kaplan was good but the questions are very different from nclex... Ncsbn the questions are more similar to nclex, but with maryann hogan questions and pda by lacharity you should be fine

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Hey slc05! So have you taken your exam yet? Do you pass? I signed up for NCSBN's 3 week course, you're right... The questions are so hard but I love them! I haven't registered for my exam yet but I'm going to see what days are available soon. I don't want to rush it this time but I don't want to wait too long either. Anyway, thanks for your advice.. Hope you passed! Wish me luck on my second attempt! :)

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Hey guys I just took the nclex pn today. Throughout the entire exam I was so stressed and worried. I couldn't sleep the night before the exam, so I had a major headache during the exam that I basically guessed on a few without trying to reread the choices and make sure I answered right. To be honest it was really hard!!!! I don't know why people said the questions are like exam cram, or kaplan etc. because I don't think so, it's much harder. I had a lot of meds and sata. They said if u get sata questions means u are doing good, but I kind of scared because I think I did horrible. I don't know half of the stuff. But I did stopped at 85, and had a good pop up on Pearson vue trick. So I'm just praying that it works! I think one important helping me passing this hard exam was praying, and believe! Btw if u guys need the study guide, give me ur email and I'll send it. Good luck everyone!

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Oh also study infection control and delegation! I did a review course, and the instructor said 3 main categories must study are pharmacology, endocrine, and infection control. Everyone's test are different though.

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