Failed the NCLEX-RN 4 times! =( Help!

kld92000 · Jan 6, 2014

I'm in the same boat. I have done kaplan on demand, hurst, 1-1 tutor. My last 2x failed with 265. Getting ready for battle again hopefully for the last time. Good luck to you!!!

dclcnur · Jan 6, 2014

You have studied a lot. Don't think everything was just a waste. You have increased your knowledge each time. I think you need to step back and re-evaluate your test taking skills. You may be reading questions incorrectly or answering to fast. Not understanding what the questions are asking you.

You may want to do research in test taking skills. I think it might be worthwhile exploring what you may be doing wrong.

I also suggest the 6 week calendar by Saunders. That's what I used and it worked out for me.

Good luck.

DatMurse · Jan 6, 2014

If you are scoring well on content, questions, etc, and getting those scores then something is probably wrong with your state of mind when you start the exam.

Sometimes its not even the material that's a problem. its you, You probably need to calm down when you go in there.

I am not trying to insult you, I am just saying sometimes when people know all of the information, they fail because they psyche themselves out.

Kander72 · Feb 4, 2014

I took the NCLEX and passed on the 3rd time. I have 265 questions the first 2 times. On the 3rd attempt I studied totally different. What I found out is that after taking all the practice exams, I felt like I was learning, but in retrospect I think I was memorizing the answers. So when I was there to take the test I was not prepared. On the 3rd attempt I studied with a Non-nursing friend, and he read me 1000's of questions, however, I talked each question out and why I felt my answer was right. I used a notepad and wrote down what the question was asking. This helped me rule out the wrong answers, where in the past I was quick to answer and move on. I felt much more confident when I tested the 3rd time. I think during the first 2 attempts I was using way too many recourses. The 3rd time I used Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment: Practice Exercises for the NCLEX Examination, 2e, there are 100's of questions in this book and it is relatively inexpensive. I hope you do not give up, I understand how depressing this is. Hang in there and keep going.

ChazzW · Feb 4, 2014

hI paul, I sent you a DM. hang in there buddy. you have nothing to be embarrassed about.

krazykat48 · Feb 4, 2014

Hi. I'm in a similar boat as you. i'm attempting once again to take the exam for the 3rd time. I too have felt and sometimes continue to feel discouraged cause i always feel like i'm coming up short. I'm also using the prep-u 10,000. how do you feel about this resource? just wondering your thoughts on it.

Hang in there. And just try not to give up. keep pushing through as i know both of us can get through this. Have faith in yourself!

ktenor · Feb 4, 2014

I am also curious about your feeling on prep-u 10,000 I am using it but there are a lot of repeats. I read in another thread that getting to 7th level is equivalent to nclex questions. Thoughts?

amy9999 · Feb 4, 2014

I recommend doing a NSCBN course its $50 for 3weeks or $75 for 5 weeks. The questions are a lot similar to the nclex. Also try not to overwhelm yourself with too many resources. I used the yellow saunders 5th edition book and the hurst review book. I also used google a lot when I had trouble learning stuff or remembering it. Another amazing source is Youtube there is many youtubers that post just about nclex topics; for example there is Michael Leniers, tootRN, Khan Academy.

I also follow tootrn, nclexhelp, nclexsuccess on instagram they all post daily questions tips and suggestions.

With all these resources I stayed focused with studying by reading 2 hours in the morning from my book and then taking a break watching some nclex youtubes and going over instagram pages while eating or at work.

Don't give up, try developing a set schedule daily and set goals to read a certain amount of pages and practice as many questions as possible. good luck

h00kup33 · Mar 2, 2014

Keep your head high nurse. you can do it man. Here's what helped me...not sure if you've done the following. I also had issues containing my anxiety throughout the study process and especially several days before the acutal exam.

here's what i did first and foremost: I took the sauders diagnostic test (CD ROM that comes with the book)

I printed the study schedule and followed it religiously. I thought the content in the saunders was way superior over Kaplan and it even helped me answer kaplan Qbank and QT with more confidence after i finished the 6 week schedule. I DID NOT answer one question during those 6 weeks. I spent time re-reading certain chapters i had issues with and took key notes on 4X6 notecards. I reviewed each of my notecards for 2 hours each day. I think i made over 2000 notecards, but it really kept the patho/pre/post/interventions clear in my head.

Second: After completing the sauders review----you must purchase LaCharity Priorities/Delegation/Assessment 3rd Ed-the reason why because the 3rd Ed offers online services to answer questions in NCLEX format. Do all 21 chapters and make sure you review correct and incorrect rationale. I honestly believe this book closely resembles most of the questions from the NCLEX. It will build a solid foundation when to delegate and which pt you should see first.

Third: I completed all 7 QT---i honestly completed them 2 weeks before the exam. I went over each of the QT right and wrong answers to ensure i understood why i got it right and why i got it wrong. This is when Saunders review will become helpful.

Forth: INFECTION CONTROL is huge on the NCLEX. The CDC website CDC - 2007 Isolation Precautions:Appendix A - HICPAC is by far the best and most accurate infection control measures nurses must be able to distinguish. I went over this list several times per day leading up to the exam. This website is 100% accurate and the nclex centers their questions based on the CDC recommendations.

Fifth: Endocrine System/Electrolyte Imbalances/Blood Panel: review everyday. Make a habit of understanding it and how the body behaves and what nursing interventions we must take to correct the imbalance

Sixth: Believe in yourself!!!! If your stuck between two answers-read the stem of the question and find out what would be the first or most important thing to do for that patient. If not enough information is given in the question than most likely an assessment type of answer would be the best answer. If you have enough to answer the question than always stick with least to invasive intervention based on the need to use ABC or MASLOW's. I took 2 day's off from studying and only set aside notecards i had weaknesses on. I did not answer one question. Do something fun the day before the exam...trust me it really helps to not have to thing about the exam. On the day of the exam, just take a deep breath and tell yourself "YOU GOT THIS." We all believe in you...

If you have any questions feel free to send me an email.

Alfi_srq · Mar 2, 2014

You need to do live review course. Kaplan is very good.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 2, 2014

If you scored that well on the 5th and 6th Kaplan q trainers, you can pass the NCLEX. You mentioned being fatigued. You must be well rested on testing day. Have a relaxed slow morning. Don't study on testing day and review lightly the day before. Finish the q bank questions and save the 7th q trainer for 2 days before NCLEX test day. The day before your test review lab values that you have previously memorized, basics of infection control, your drug categories, basics of growth and development, and go over the all nurses NCLEX review (attaching it with other useful materials) and GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP!! Don't tell anyone you're testing, it will just make you more nervous.

nclex tips from kaplan class.pdf

TIPS_FOR_DELEGATION_AND_PRIORITIZATION.doc