Failed NCLEX - PN ...Need Advice..

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Long but I am hoping the second time is a charm....

Hello everyone, I took the NCLEX-PN three weeks ago and failed with 205 questions. I used Suzanne study guide, it was a good guide and I am not going to say it didn't help me. My problem was anxiety I knew the material very well, but when I walked into that testing center I froze. When the receptionist lady asked me to place my index finger on the scan for finger printing, I had to ask her which finger is that (yeah it was that bad)! We both laughed but I knew then that the anxiety had taken over me. Once seated in the testing center, I could hear my heart beating through my chest literally and my hands were shaking. I had a headache and I knew my blood pressure was up. My very first question was a drug question and why, I asked because drugs are not my forte. I let my nerves get the best of me and this cost me passing the test. I don't know why I was so nervous, I never been that way about any other exam. I did know that I really needed to pass the exam, being a single parent and having to move home with my MOM, when I got laid off at a Corporate Company. I knew I needed to pass not only for me but for my two children.

So why am I writing this long story? I need help! I want to know, how should I study for this second exam? I know I do not want to use the Suzanne plan, because I feel like I failed off anxiety and not because I did not know the material and plus I really don't have 6 weeks to give either. Well I could give 6 weeks but I really feel like all I need is a review. I would like to re-test the third week in October or soon thereafter. If anyone can help with suggestions I would appreciate it.

One other little note, I received my results back from the BON and it stated that I was Near the passing standard on all categories, i.e. Pharmacology, Basic Care and Comfort, Physiology Adaptation. Etc.

So if anyone can tell me what you think I should do or how I should study that would help in leading me in the right direction. Right now I am stuck sitting here thinking of a plan and wasting time at the same time. I appreciate your comments in advance.

By the way, I only have Saunders Comprehensive Review book and CD and the Delmar CD and the NCLEX-PN Exam Cram book. I was wondering if I should order the Kaplan Qbank.

Thanks.

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Specializes in Clinical exp in OB, psy, med-surg, peds.

You not alone, I too had fail nclex-RN the first time because of anxiety, but my suggestion is to take some time for yourself, not too long, then get right back into studing, kaplan has a great program, which you can purchase for about 79 bucks, also saunders is very good, it does not hurt to go through your school notes, that's what I did, and I did not get hooked up on too much info, that can be very confusing, and do your best, God will do the rest, all the best to you.

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You not alone, I too had fail nclex-RN the first time because of anxiety, but my suggestion is to take some time for yourself, not too long, then get right back into studing, kaplan has a great program, which you can purchase for about 79 bucks, also saunders is very good, it does not hurt to go through your school notes, that's what I did, and I did not get hooked up on too much info, that can be very confussing, and do your best, God will do the rest, all the best to you.

Thanks RNKay and congrats on passing your boards. I have taken about 3 weeks off so now it is time to get back into study mode. I know I can do it, I know I can!

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Hi, I took NCLEX PN, three weeks ago and passed..I used Saunders NCLEX PN and Kaplan NCLEX PN..To tell you the truth, if you read Kaplan NCLEX PN and read the book and its strategies, you will be able to pass but you have to follow the strategies in Kaplan..If the book tells you something about NCLEX or memorize something, you should follow it because Kaplan knows what they are talking about...I know I had many questions relating to their strategies..Saunders is good for content as what you learned in school but Kaplan was more in tune in what was NCLEX about..I bought the Kaplan book and Kaplans, question bank..

The Kaplan book is not all about content, as a matter of fact, it is all about strategies...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi, I took NCLEX PN, three weeks ago and passed..I used Saunders NCLEX PN and Kaplan NCLEX PN..To tell you the truth, if you read Kaplan NCLEX PN and read the book and its strategies, you will be able to pass but you have to follow the strategies in Kaplan..If the book tells you something about NCLEX or memorize something, you should follow it because Kaplan knows what they are talking about...I know I had many questions relating to their strategies..Saunders is good for content as what you learned in school but Kaplan was more in tune in what was NCLEX about..I bought the Kaplan book and Kaplans, question bank..

The Kaplan book is not all about content, as a matter of fact, it is all about strategies...

Thanks Bala for your response, do you suggest a time period to study. I know it is probably based on personal preference, but I would love to know how long you spent, just to get some ideas.

I am going to buy the Kaplan book today; so many people said good things about the book. Thanks.

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Hi, I just got a call frim a friend of mine who told me about a really cool site that has NCLEX info on MP3 players, study plans for all, audio CDs and great packages with all kinds of cool stuff! I will check it out and let you guys know.

She said a nurse practitioner runs the site and has been teaching NCLEX for a long time. Maybe this is our answer!

Thanks, keep us updated

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Specializes in Clinical exp in OB, psy, med-surg, peds.
Thanks RNKay and congrats on passing your boards. I have taken about 3 weeks off so now it is time to get back into study mode. I know I can do it, I know I can!

You welcome and wishing you the very best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Long but I am hoping the second time is a charm....

Hello everyone, I took the NCLEX-PN three weeks ago and failed with 205 questions. I used Suzanne study guide, it was a good guide and I am not going to say it didn't help me. My problem was anxiety I knew the material very well, but when I walked into that testing center I froze. When the receptionist lady asked me to place my index finger on the scan for finger printing, I had to ask her which finger is that (yeah it was that bad)! We both laughed but I knew then that the anxiety had taken over me. Once seated in the testing center, I could hear my heart beating through my chest literally and my hands were shaking. I had a headache and I knew my blood pressure was up. My very first question was a drug question and why, I asked because drugs are not my forte. I let my nerves get the best of me and this cost me passing the test. I don't know why I was so nervous, I never been that way about any other exam. I did know that I really needed to pass the exam, being a single parent and having to move home with my MOM, when I got laid off at a Corporate Company. I knew I needed to pass not only for me but for my two children.

So why am I writing this long story? I need help! I want to know, how should I study for this second exam? I know I do not want to use the Suzanne plan, because I feel like I failed off anxiety and not because I did not know the material and plus I really don't have 6 weeks to give either. Well I could give 6 weeks but I really feel like all I need is a review. I would like to re-test the third week in October or soon thereafter. If anyone can help with suggestions I would appreciate it.

One other little note, I received my results back from the BON and it stated that I was Near the passing standard on all categories, i.e. Pharmacology, Basic Care and Comfort, Physiology Adaptation. Etc.

So if anyone can tell me what you think I should do or how I should study that would help in leading me in the right direction. Right now I am stuck sitting here thinking of a plan and wasting time at the same time. I appreciate your comments in advance.

By the way, I only have Saunders Comprehensive Review book and CD and the Delmar CD and the NCLEX-PN Exam Cram book. I was wondering if I should order the Kaplan Qbank.

Thanks.

oh no.. i just took my exam and stopped at 205.. shish.. i feeel worried now. im going through so much right now. well i just got fired from work, going through a divorce, (no means of communication.) im just depending on this exam.. shish im scared now.. ;(:madface:
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isnt that sad?? it makes you wonder why would the computer let you go all the way to 205??? WAITING is driving me insane.. its okay. i know how you feel about anxiety. i had that also and for some reason its only when i sit answering quesitons.. i dont know why. i feel like going to the dr and getting something for it. its so sad.. ;(.. im here for you encoruagement and wisdom always. i know what you are going through . i am sitting here feeling devastated. even though i havent gotten my results.. i feel worried. i dont know what else to do . i feel like quittting.. already.

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Don't worry, I know it is easier said than done....just because I failed at 205 questions doesn't mean you will....Two other students from my class had 205 questions and they passed....so keep it postivie. I understand that life gets in the way and we need our careers to make a living and to get on with life. Sometimes things happen for a reason, especailly in my case....Its not like I didn't know the material, I let my nerves cost my failure....Keep your head up and I am sure u will be back in here sharing some positive news with us...Keep me posted.

isnt that sad?? it makes you wonder why would the computer let you go all the way to 205??? WAITING is driving me insane.. its okay. i know how you feel about anxiety. i had that also and for some reason its only when i sit answering quesitons.. i dont know why. i feel like going to the dr and getting something for it. its so sad.. ;(.. im here for you encoruagement and wisdom always. i know what you are going through . i am sitting here feeling devastated. even though i havent gotten my results.. i feel worried. i dont know what else to do . i feel like quittting.. already.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Don't worry, I know it is easier said than done....just because I failed at 205 questions doesn't mean you will....Two other students from my class had 205 questions and they passed....so keep it postivie. I understand that life gets in the way and we need our careers to make a living and to get on with life. Sometimes things happen for a reason, especailly in my case....Its not like I didn't know the material, I let my nerves cost my failure....Keep your head up and I am sure u will be back in here sharing some positive news with us...Keep me posted.
i know.. i know who have paassed at 205.. i mean safer at 205 . but i think by the time i will pass i will have all #S Hhopefully not.. i didnt have a math question. thats whats making me worried. it drove me crazy though.. im scare dand worried.. ggggrrrr. thanks for your advice though..
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No problem, I can't wait to hear the news!! (keep smiling)

i know.. i know who have paassed at 205.. i mean safer at 205 . but i think by the time i will pass i will have all #S Hhopefully not.. i didnt have a math question. thats whats making me worried. it drove me crazy though.. im scare dand worried.. ggggrrrr. thanks for your advice though..
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