failed Nclex for the 3rd time.

[mm1216]

Hi everyone. I decided to join this group because I think i needed some advise from people who are on the same boat as mine and people who have been on my situation.

I graduated 2 yrs ago (2009) in the Philippines. It took me a long time to take my nclex because it there were problems with my credentials.

I got my 1st job as Nurse Tech and I took my 1st nclex exam last yr of June 2010, I took the NCSBN review and didn't pass, I stopped at 75 questions, I knew I didn't make it because I have no idea what the exam was, how it looks like and stuffs like that.

So I took the exam again April 2011, it took a long time for to apply again because I did save for the Kaplan review because they told me Kaplan would help me. As soon as I had the money for the kaplan review, I applied immediately for my boards and scheduled. I studied hard, did all the questions, work-study-work study. I even gave up my social life for quite a while. I finished all the 265 questions and 2 days after, I found out I failed again. My parents were in the Philippines at that time and I didn't tell them I took my boards. My boyfriend was the only person who knew I took the exam. I was crying and got depressed for two weeks. I felt like I don't want to take this exam again. But my boyfriend kept on telling me to try and try until I Pass. He even offered to pay for my fee for my next exam and got me this Lippincot's Q&A's Nclex-RN book.

So I decided to take it again. I studied everyday, do kaplan, answer lippincots Q&A's, when I was at work I did Nclex 4000 when I'm free. I finally told my parents I'm going to take the exam. I just took it two weeks ago. Finished all 265 question and found out I failed again. After 1 week, I told my parents I failed. They told me it was okay and just to take it again. But it wasn't okay for me. I know my parents are frustrated and just didn't show it. I just really don't know how to start again. I don't even know if I'm going to take the exam again. I feel like I'm a Big Failure..

[demylenated, BSN, RN]

I am sure it is difficult to do your studies in another country and come to the USA to take the state boards. There are a lot of differences.

I love the Saunders books. Even while going through school, they hammer take at least 50-100 NCLEX questions EVERY WEEK! They say by the time we take our NCLEX, we should have 4,000 to 6,000 questions under our belt... THOUSANDS!!!

All I can say is don't give up. Take every NCLEX book you can get (you can get older copies online for much cheaper, $5-$10 from amazon or ebay or half.com). Take MANY questions EVERY DAY!! Do at least a quiz (10 questions) every day, while reading a chapter. READ THE RATIONALS!!! Most importantly, in the Saunders (NCLEX) book, they have prioritizing and test taking tips. I have found these MOST helpful.

STUDY, take TESTS, and most important READ the rationals, that is where you are going to learn. EVEN if you get the question right, read the rationals about WHY the other answers are wrong, in case it comes up in a different way!! It makes all the difference.

Maybe you could even take a refresher course here, so you can get more of an idea of how studies go in America and what is required and expected.

Best of luck to you!

~Demy

[iteachob, MSN, RN]

The fact that you are taking 265 questions, and failing, is STILL a big improvement over the 75 question failure. So, you are getting closer to passing. Don't give up. You can do this.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

How frustrating it must be. Please be kind to yourself. Never in a million years could I take a test in a second language and dream to pass! You have come so far, so don't give up.

Have you identified your weak areas?

I was going to suggest a refresher course as well.

Good luck!

[Bigdude]

Good luck on your next attempt.

[mlclove]

You can also borrow NCLEX books to study from at the library. That way you can save money!

[iteachob, MSN, RN]

I've worked with quite a few Philippine-trained nurses.....RN's....all of them. It can be done.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

So your parents are in the Philippines waiting for you to pass the NCLEX so you can start sending them for the big money, right? I have seen this many times with nurses trained Philippines, most of them end of getting a job as a nurse assistant due to the fact they can't pass the NCLEX. The nursing schools in the Philippines are basically just diploma mills. The only way you are going to pass the NCLEX is by going to an American nursing school.

That's a big generalization. I have worked with many Phillipino nurses that passed the NCLEX with no U.S training and they are good nurses.

[evolvingrn, BSN, RN]

the first time you failed big...... the last two times you almost passed ....so your getting close. my advice is study the rationale and don't over think the questions. its not uncommon for ESL nurses to have to take the nclex more than once....its a tricky test to begin with and then you have the translation confusion in there too. You will get it!!!! keep trying!

[caliotter3]

Check out the NCLEX forum.

[pinkchris2000]

I just want to say I did NCSBN review for HESI. It is good but I think sometimes they have too much information. So, I switched to Saunders. Therefore, I used Saunders both for HESI and Nclex and both times passed. When I was preparing for Nclex, I heard about Kaplan, so I decided to buy kaplan on demand. Boy how was I disappointing about this course. In my opinion, Kaplan provides very basic information. So, I just went back to Saunders. I encourage you:

- Choose ONE review book (Saunders or something else)

- Study everyday. Study at least 10-12 hours everyday.

- Buy a scheduler and make yourself a plan on what you are going to cover everyday and try to stick to that plan.

- Try to do 100-150 questions everyday consistently.

Good luck! Stick to your own plan and you will make it one day!:)

[MMARN, BSN, RN]

So your parents are in the Philippines waiting for you to pass the NCLEX so you can start sending them for the big money, right? I have seen this many times with nurses trained Philippines, most of them end of getting a job as a nurse assistant due to the fact they can't pass the NCLEX. The nursing schools in the Philippines are basically just diploma mills. The only way you are going to pass the NCLEX is by going to an American nursing school.

I completely disagree. There are many Filipino nurses who work with me and ALL are RNs. All of them studied over there and took the NCLEX here. As for "sending them the big money," even non-Filipino nurses do that for their parents, myself included.