Failed NCLEX at 75 Questions :(

[KhaleesiRN2b]

I took my NCLEX on July, 15, 2013 and went in really thinking I knew how NCLEX wanted me to answer the questions and what to look for but after a few questions, I panicked!!! I had done Kaplan, and I admit I could have put more into it and done more questions but I had the Qbank questions down and did pretty good on the scores, usually scoring in the high 50s or low 60s. I had bought the Saunders Book which people told me is a nursing bible for the NCLEX but I didn't use it and I regret it because I feel it was the easy questions that threw me off as I focused to much on only studying the analysis and application. I definetely feel like text anxiety threw me off, I even forgot to take breaks or use the headphones!! I've accepted it and am keeping positive, planning to retake in 45 days and do everything I possibly can using Saunders and Kaplan!! I know I can do this!!! Any tips or words of encouragement? Or experiences!

[notthereyet]

I am sorry to hear your news, as we all know just how hard we work to reach this point. I recently passed with 75 questions on 07/13/2013. First off, I took my time with each and every question. Narrowing down the possibilities to 2, then asking myself for a rationale as to why I would choose one answer over the other. If you cannot come up with a proper rationale, then your choice is unsupported and most likely incorrect. I only started preparing a week prior, skimming over HESI NCLEX-RN Study Guide, Q&A from Saunders, and NCLEX 4000. It is so important to read the rationales when your doing questions, even if you get the answer correct.

There is no way to know everything but knowing how to answer the question can help make up for this. Remember NCLEX is not just about general nursing knowledge, its about thinking critically, how, when, why, you carry out nursing care.

As for nerves, try deep breathing and believe in yourself. I was so nervous when I arrived at the testing center I had to race to the restrooms as not to soil myself. Not pretty but it is the truth.

Best of luck with your future studies. You will get there, after all you made it this far.

[HeartRN90, MSN, RN]

How do you know you failed?