I am an international graduate (Graduated nursing school last year, 2014). I am one of the "smart" kids since lower school until college back in my hometown. I always get good grades and I am a good test taker. I even passed my country's local board of nursing exam without studying.
NCLEX PREPARATION
I studied for a month, 8 hours/day. I read the Saunders book cover to cover and answered probably 1/4 of LaCharity book. I watched a lot of medical/nursing videos on youtube. I read a lot of stories of people who passed and failed the nclex and wrote down test taking strategies.
EXAM DAY
I was a little nervous but didn't let that bother me. Computer shut off at 90 question in 1 hour and 30 mins. I didn't find the questions "that" hard though it is hard. I got 18 SATA, 4 Exhibits, 1 calculation, 3 delegation and the rest are priority and disease control questions. I didn't get to use the ABC's and Maslow's that much because my priority questions are more about health problems/diseases that doesn't involve airway, breathing and circulation. I answered it based on who I think will die first. I walked out the test center smiling because I was confident that I did good. After 2 days, I checked the quick results only to see the big "FAIL" word. Its crazy. I was shocked. I actually THOUGHT everything went well but yeah, thats what I thought. I guess what I knew wasn't good enough. I don't really know why I failed but I'm keeping my head up. I need to move on and do better.
I checked the NCSBN and found out that the passing rate for international graduates is only 32% as of April to July 2015. Why though? Well, I guess I am not alone. It is heart breaking but I know we can do this!
I am retaking it again in 45 days. Wish me luck! I hope I'll get it this time!
I am open for comments and any help will be much appreciated!
NOTE: Getting a lot of SATA and prioritization questions nor getting "hard" questions doesn't mean you are above the passing rate. I am the living proof. I didn't get any basic questions but still I failed.
my priority questions are more about health problems/diseases that doesn't involve airway, breathing and circulation. I answered it based on who I think will die first.
Not too much comes to mind concerning patient mortality that DOESN'T involve airway, breathing and circulation. Tip: the test is evaluating your understanding of prioritization NOT as "who will die first" but who is more likely to LIVE or more likely to have a better OUTCOME based on your actions. "Who will die first" if you don't intervene is typically not the right way to go. Someone in an accident who is likely to die shortly no matter what you do is laying next to someone who has a decent shot at survival if you intervene. Choosing the one who would otherwise die first as the one you would work on first would be the wrong answer.
Two very messed up people could be your options, but you need to look at the big picture. It could be your application of knowledge that was your undoing.
Wishing you the best of luck! I do believe luck has a hand in it because I tend to overthink and SATA questions can be my downfall. Let us know how it goes, you have a bunch of people cheering for you.
I would recommend UWORLD. English is not my first language, and I am poor test taker. I just found out that I passed. I mainly used UWORLD and kaplan Qbank. UWORLD is not that expensive compare to other study materials. They have great explanation and picture. I think it is because of UWORLD that I passed my test. Again I would highly recommend. I agree with you that number of SATA doesn't mean anything because I only had 6-7 but alot of pharm and maternity. I have study notes that I can email you if you send me an email.
Hi! Thank you for the suggestion. I looked at the UWorld website and I will be getting the 1 month access. Thaaank you! I appreciate it so much! How many pharm questions did you get? Oh I hate pharm!
Not too much comes to mind concerning patient mortality that DOESN'T involve airway, breathing and circulation. Tip: the test is evaluating your understanding of prioritization NOT as "who will die first" but who is more likely to LIVE or more likely to have a better OUTCOME based on your actions. "Who will die first" if you don't intervene is typically not the right way to go. Someone in an accident who is likely to die shortly no matter what you do is laying next to someone who has a decent shot at survival if you intervene. Choosing the one who would otherwise die first as the one you would work on first would be the wrong answer.
Two very messed up people could be your options, but you need to look at the big picture. It could be your application of knowledge that was your undoing.
You mean I should do TRIAGE? "Who will die first" was in my mind the whole time I was answering the questions because that's the "tip" that the other nclex passer wrote on the other threads so thats what I put in mind.
Wishing you the best of luck! I do believe luck has a hand in it because I tend to overthink and SATA questions can be my downfall. Let us know how it goes, you have a bunch of people cheering for you.
Thank you so much! You don't know how this "cheer up messages" make me feel! Thank you thank you! I appreciate it so much!
Lev, MSN, RN, NP
4 Articles; 2,805 Posts
I would suggest finishing the Lacharity book. A lot of people swear by it.