Unfortunately I have failed the NCLEX RN exam 7 times. I was near pass on all my sections expect 2 that were below average on my last attempt DEC 2015. I ended up w 248 questions that last try. I need suggestions on what helps.
I tried hurst the last 2 times and there was improvement but need more. One thing to remember is that I graduated in 2012 and didnt take my test a year after that. I kept trying but that wait (due to family/personal matters) affected me more than I thought.
I want your input on what worked with you. I am trying my best to remain positive as I do have very bad test anxiety.
What books are good for material review.
What programs are good for test practice. I would like a program that allows me to customize my quizzes that way I can improve a section at a time.
You can select by systems and topics, or mix it all up. You get 75 max questions. It tells you the percentage of how many people got that question right and it gives you an analysis comparing to other test takers at the end of each test. From what I heard the setup looks like nclex. You can choose to repeat questions or you can select unused questions.
You can select by systems and topics, or mix it all up. You get 75 max questions. It tells you the percentage of how many people got that question right and it gives you an analysis comparing to other test takers at the end of each test. From what I heard the setup looks like nclex. You can choose to repeat questions or you can select unused questions.
Thanks for quick response. So far i think im gonna give uworld.com a try. Im in texas and never heard of it til now. Hope to improve and learn from it. And to finally pass.
Nursetobe911 keep at it!!! I just found out I failed for the 3rd time. I wasn't sure how I would dig myself out of the hole if I ended up failing this time, and I did. Like you i've been out of school for a bit. Since end of 2012 for me. I got my degree abroad, and after college decided to stay for a year and work to get some experience. Although it is discouraging failing, we can and we will!!! I tried Kaplan and it didn't do anything for me…Like you I have bad test anxiety and not the best test taker but I tried to be confident and calm and collected than I was the last 2 times. Also though I failed, my results were better. I've been doing ATI testing, unfortunately there wasn't a live class available in my area so i opted for the online class with a coach which many discouraged me from doing. The questions are nclex style questions, with rationals, and unless you score above the assessment level percentage they will make you remediation which is very helpful. Also the coach really is there for you, answers any questions and I talk to her whenever I needed. I've heard everyone talking about UWORLD so i'm going to give it a go this time. I'm making a plan now for everything i'm going to do different this time.
We finished school, we did the hard part. We wouldn't of graduated if we couldn't do this. If this is truly where you know your heart is and that nursing is the career for you, DON"T GIVE UP! I can't see myself doing anything else, I know i'm a good nurse and will make a hell of an RN. I just started using this site, and am hopeful that with the support of everything going through similar experiences or having any advice to offer that 2016 will be the year!!!!
Nursetobe911 keep at it!!! I just found out I failed for the 3rd time. I wasn't sure how I would dig myself out of the hole if I ended up failing this time, and I did. Like you i've been out of school for a bit. Since end of 2012 for me. I got my degree abroad, and after college decided to stay for a year and work to get some experience. Although it is discouraging failing, we can and we will!!! I tried Kaplan and it didn't do anything for me…Like you I have bad test anxiety and not the best test taker but I tried to be confident and calm and collected than I was the last 2 times. Also though I failed, my results were better. I've been doing ATI testing, unfortunately there wasn't a live class available in my area so i opted for the online class with a coach which many discouraged me from doing. The questions are nclex style questions, with rationals, and unless you score above the assessment level percentage they will make you remediation which is very helpful. Also the coach really is there for you, answers any questions and I talk to her whenever I needed. I've heard everyone talking about UWORLD so i'm going to give it a go this time. I'm making a plan now for everything i'm going to do different this time.
We finished school, we did the hard part. We wouldn't of graduated if we couldn't do this. If this is truly where you know your heart is and that nursing is the career for you, DON"T GIVE UP! I can't see myself doing anything else, I know i'm a good nurse and will make a hell of an RN. I just started using this site, and am hopeful that with the support of everything going through similar experiences or having any advice to offer that 2016 will be the year!!!!
Thanks for your support. It is nice to know I'm not alone. I had never heard of uworld.com but every one here seems to say great things about it. Like you, this time i plan to have a strict plan and actually stick to it. So far i plan to study monday to Saturday. On work days (mon wed fri) i plan to review. On off days i plan to learn content. I plan to have a grade goal on each test. If i dont achieve that score that means i have to go back and review.
Which is why I am in the search of a good book for content. Something that has all the necessary information without being overwhelming w unnecessary detail.
Good luck and hope to keep in contact. We have to remain positive and push each other. We made it this far. We are only a step away to be a RN.
Thanks for your help. Would you suggest to review Hurst again and maybe purchase the Qbank from Kaplan? Have never really done Kaplan.
I would do in classroom review with Kaplan I failed twice before passing on my third attempt . the first time I took Hurst in class it was good for a review of content but Kaplan is good for critical thinking. And I recommend the classroom because you are able to give your full attention to learning. Also the instructor gives tips that you are able to recall later on. After the class they give you a study plan and depending on how far out you wanna test . follow the plan exactly as they say whatever you get wrong write it down even if you get it right and don't understand why you got it right . write it down. Also if you have bad anxiety what I did was schedule my test last min so I was unable to build up anxiety about the test.
You certainly are up against a challenge to take NCLEX so long after graduation, but it is not insurmountable. I also recommend UWorld as many others have.
What I am concerned about is your test-taking anxiety. You need to address this because it is what is most likely keeping you from successfully passing. Also, I know people mean well, but do not listen to people who tell you you may not be cut out to be a nurse, especially when they do not know you personally. This line of thinking just becomes an additional barrier to your success.
There are many NCLEX Test-Taking strategy books out there that can give you concrete mental exercises to do to minimize your anxiety.
Here are my go to's when I work with struggling students:
Breathing to optimize oxygenation and shut down racing thoughts: Breath in through your nose, hold for 5 seconds (allowing full gas exchange), breath out, forcing all the air out of your lungs that you can, hold for 5 seconds. What is the only thing you can think about when you perceive your lungs are empty and you are holding your breath? Taking your next breath! This shuts down the noise and gives you a chance to reboot so to speak. Repeat 3-4 times and do this 3 times a day. During a test, do it before you begin and about every 5 to 10 questions.
Now you have a clear head, how to do you proceed? Ask yourself this question, "What is this question asking me?" This blocks out thoughts that do not help you reach your goal and will always help you reach your goal: correctly answering the test question.
Use "I will, I want, I can" language. Using language like "I should, I'll try, I hope, I have to" are weak and do not create accountability. Post "I will, I want, I can" everywhere in your life and begin seeing the positive changes. The first thing to say to yourself multiple times a day is "I will pass the NCLEX, I can pass the NCLEX." This "fake it until you make it" strategy will empower you as you study and prepare. Remember, every action begins with a thought...what thoughts are you having? This is what will be created in your life.
It has been so long since you graduated and the NCLEX rigor has been upped since then. Best results are usually obtained by taking it within 3 months of graduation. The further out you go the less likely to pass. I suggest you look for a refresher class and also check out the Kaplan Review. Students like Kaplan because of the focus on test taking skills. It seems to really help. Also invest in a review book and work it through then work it through again. You cannot have too many practice questions. The recommendation is a minimum of 3500. Good luck.
I'm currently doing Kaplan. I've completed the in-person review course, which was basically 4 days of practice questions, which is easy to lose focus on and zone out sometimes. None the less, practice makes perfect, they say. I've finished all the sample tests and question trainers, except #7 which is supposed to be taken right before NCLEX. I'm working on finishing all the qbanks as well. My scores have been in passing range, according to Kaplan, so I feel pretty decent about it so far. Only the NCLEX will tell.
I do also plan to do Hurst after I finish the qbanks, I feel like I could use some content review.
I hope you will re-up on your education before you attempt again. I think it would be helpful to at least take some refresher courses since its been so long.
iKnick
38 Posts
You can select by systems and topics, or mix it all up. You get 75 max questions. It tells you the percentage of how many people got that question right and it gives you an analysis comparing to other test takers at the end of each test. From what I heard the setup looks like nclex. You can choose to repeat questions or you can select unused questions.