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.
Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.
dimplez, if you know your stuff but are anxious, ask yourself what now. What is the worst that can happen? You already didn't pass (I don't like the word failed, as I don't think you have, you just haven't passed yet!), so that's as bad as it gets.
Now is the time to get some exercise, relax, be kind to yourself. You know your stuff, and you need the opportunity to show that! Practise questions, but don't go crazy if you truly feel like you know the content.
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.
I feel your dissappointment, I received my PN results from
California yesterday and I also failed. I only had 85 questions. I was also anxious. I used Saunders.
thank you sooooooo much i just took the test...test taking and anxiety and i answered yes to all but one question...ha, i knew it....i will look over this site, it appears to have a lot of good information here....once again thank you!! :wink2:
this website specifically addresses anxiety and test taking. hope you find it helpful.
Thank you Augigi for your kind words of incouragement...u don't know how much this helps! :wink2:
dimplez, if you know your stuff but are anxious, ask yourself what now. What is the worst that can happen? You already didn't pass (I don't like the word failed, as I don't think you have, you just haven't passed yet!), so that's as bad as it gets.
Now is the time to get some exercise, relax, be kind to yourself. You know your stuff, and you need the opportunity to show that! Practise questions, but don't go crazy if you truly feel like you know the content.
Bradwell, there are lot of us that fail because of anxiety; it is now time to take control of this anxiety instead of letting it control us! We are successors and we will pass on the next exam. It is not the end of the world....BOY am I getting good at this now! I hope this thread can help you as well as others who suffer with test taking anxiety!
I feel your dissappointment, I received my PN results from
California yesterday and I also failed. I only had 85 questions. I was also anxious. I used Saunders.
Bradwell, there are lot of us that fail because of anxiety; it is now time to take control of this anxiety instead of letting it control us! We are successors and we will pass on the next exam. It is not the end of the world....BOY am I getting good at this now! I hope this thread can help you as well as others who suffer with test taking anxiety!
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
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.
First, let me say that I am sorry that you did not pass the test; I know that it was devastating to you to have anxiety rule during that time. I would say to take time each day, preferably the same time; about three hours a day; make it half of the time to study material, and the other half to practice questions. And, when you go again, pretend that you are not doing NCLEX, to act like you are at your home computer. I did pass the first time, but believe me, I was a basket case days before; but, before the computer, somehow I was cool as a cucumber, and panicked later. I timed myself before the exam, and was fast in answering questions, so, I knew that I would not be there the whole 5 hours. Make sure that you practice harder questions and READ THE RATIONALES even to the correct ones, to teach you how to think. Also, practice calming techniques, such as deep breathing and positive thinking when you get nervous. Best wishes to you!
so today, i found out that i failed my nclex, results came in quicker than i thought., 2 weeks exact i got the results.. i was hoping to get it like after the holidays, and now i feel so disappointed in myself, i dont know how im gonna get back to studying, seriously i thought i studied enough, AARGH!!! man this really sucks, i dont know what to study and how to study., anyone have any tips for future studying? im soo sad i dont even think i can do it.. but as for now i think im gonna take december off and start in jan. 2 weeks of not studying was pretty good, but another 2 weeks to cure this depression will do, actually i really dont know, im just sooooo sad. when should i take my next exam? and april is coming up, arent they gonna change the nclex style or something? MAAAN!!!
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.
so today, i found out that i failed my nclex, results came in quicker than i thought., 2 weeks exact i got the results.. i was hoping to get it like after the holidays, and now i feel so disappointed in myself, i dont know how im gonna get back to studying, seriously i thought i studied enough, AARGH!!! man this really sucks, i dont know what to study and how to study., anyone have any tips for future studying? im soo sad i dont even think i can do it.. but as for now i think im gonna take december off and start in jan. 2 weeks of not studying was pretty good, but another 2 weeks to cure this depression will do, actually i really dont know, im just sooooo sad. when should i take my next exam? and april is coming up, arent they gonna change the nclex style or something? MAAAN!!!
oh no!
I studied with kaplan and it really helped me a lot. You should take your time, and even ask some of your classmates how they studied and see if they will help you.
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
so today, i found out that i failed my nclex, results came in quicker than i thought., 2 weeks exact i got the results.. i was hoping to get it like after the holidays, and now i feel so disappointed in myself, i dont know how im gonna get back to studying, seriously i thought i studied enough, AARGH!!! man this really sucks, i dont know what to study and how to study., anyone have any tips for future studying? im soo sad i dont even think i can do it.. but as for now i think im gonna take december off and start in jan. 2 weeks of not studying was pretty good, but another 2 weeks to cure this depression will do, actually i really dont know, im just sooooo sad. when should i take my next exam? and april is coming up, arent they gonna change the nclex style or something? MAAAN!!!
Sorry to hear this. You are right to take a bit of time off and please enjoy the holiday period. Check out Suzanne's program
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. 
oh no!
Daytonite, BSN, RN
1 Article; 14,604 Posts
this website specifically addresses anxiety and test taking. hope you find it helpful.
http://www.ulc.psu.edu/studyskills/test_taking.html - test taking and anxiety from penn state university learning centers.