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.
