Failed the NCLEX-PN Twice! HELP!!

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Hi All!

I just failed the NCLEX-PN for the second time. The first time, I was devastated, depressed, etc. Now I'm just MAD! I really felt prepared this time! I studied with my friend, who's an LPN, as well as a previous professor. (Both were shocked because they felt I was ready, too!) I used flash cards, Saunders CD-ROM review, Exam Cram, etc. Are there any tips or strategies anyone can give me? I don't experience higher than normal test anxiety. I try to take my time, read the question, eliminate 2 answers, reread the question, and work out the best solution in my head with the remaining 2 answers.

Just a little background on my situation: I am a single mother of two young children, ages 2 and 3. My husband left right before I graduated, and does not help support them or stay in touch. My situation is rather difficult because I don't have much family in the area where I live, so I do not have many options for babysitters. I keep feeling like I'm letting them down and it's breaking my heart. I don't see them enough between work and studying, and tell them I'm studying so we can see Mickey sometime soon. (Helps my son calm down when he's crying because he wants to be with me instead of his grandparents when I study lol) But I busted my butt working full time, raising them, and finishing up nursing school. I graduated with a B+ average. I just don't understand where I'm going wrong! Any tips or strategies are welcomed!

Thanks :)

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Welcome! Your thread has been moved to our NCLEX Discussion forum.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Have you tried Hurst? I used it & passed in 75. First try.

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I actually tried Hurst right after graduation! I felt like they were just content though, not so much strategy and I think that's where I'm failing. I ordered the Kaplan strategy, rationale, and practice questions book today as soon as I found out the news. I've heard that Kaplan is good for practice as far as critical thinking. What do you think? Should I still go back and review Hurst? I never used their online exams, maybe I should see if I still have access to those as well. I'm not sure at this point. I graduated in June.

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This scares me I will be in the same situation I am going to have to work full time, do school but only for my LPN and I'm considering doing it online so I can only go in for labs, and i have a little girl. I just keep praying about it. I will pray for you,you will pass in due time don't give up!

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I am going to be in the same situation I'm a single mom work full time and deciding if I will take classes online and only go in for labs or what... I'm so nervous but i just keep praying about it you will pass in due time don't give up!!!

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So sorry to hear... It must be hard for you at this time. I admire your commitment to pursue your dream of becoming a nurse. Do you have any RN friends who can give you pointers for study tips or students you did the program with that passed? Maybe they can help. I am not in nursing school yet but I wish you the best of luck :)

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No sweetheart, don't be scared! Sounds like you're a woman of faith. If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it! I found out a week after I got accepted into nursing school that I was pregnant. I didn't know what to do, but I knew both things had happened for a reason and that it was suppose to. I did it, and so can you! You'll have your occasional break down or anxiety attack, but the feeling I felt when I crossed that stage and my son was seated in the audience :) And he was seated in way that it looked like I was walking towards him, we made eye contact and we were waving at each other. (My daughter was too young to come.) Don't be afraid! Take time and pick a program that fits your lifestyle. I did part time nights LPN. God willing I pass these boards, my school will allow me into the part time weekend RN next year. I have all my pre-reqs, I just need to get past these boards. I would graduate with my Associates, then my school would grandfather me into UMass for my BSN, which is considered a pretty prestigious Mass school. I started off in Community College though! You'll get there my dear. Check into extra financial aassistance, too. One of my professors got wind of my situation from a classmate and the school was so supportive! They provided groceries and gas money to help get to class after my husband left and offered to help us find housing using local resources because we were facing the streets at one point. They even paid for daycare the day of my final. Stay dedicated. Put God first. And when you doubt yourself, think of who's watching and waiting to see her mommy walk across that stage! Lots of love and positivity your way xoxoxo

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Thank you for your kind words! My friend suggested the Kaplan book. She failed the first time, then passed using that. I do have quite a few friends who are RNs and they all tell me the same thing lol

"You're not giving up right? Don't let the NCLEX win! Eat, sleep, drink, breathe, bath, and dress in nursing! Questions, questions, questions! You know you're a nurse, you just have to prove it to the BON!" Basically a mix of that- to not give up, keep practicing, and words of encouragement lol

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Have you thought about a study group?

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I recommend Kaplan. It definitely helps on how to break down each questions. Sometimes its not always about knowing content but on how to answer the questions. I was studying and working full time with a 4 year old so I understand the challenges. Finally passed NCLEX the 2nd time last October all thanks to Kaplan! I didn't pass NCLEX the 1st time and really wish I had known about Kaplan earlier. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me. You can do this! Best of luck!! :laugh:

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Oh, wow. How long will it be until you can take it again? I'm starting my second semester of the LPN program and most people in my class have children, I don't and totally admired the people who do because I don't see how they do it! I've heard good things about Kaplan and their are some online NCLEX review courses https://www.ncsbn.org/4762.htm that may help . NCLELX makes me nervous too because I'm not the greatest test taker and know with my exams I overthink and am really learning to go with my gut when choosing answers.

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