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.
Hi!! You need to go to happynclex.com now. Joan Palmeri is the instructor and she specializes in repeat test takers and how to break the cycle. How to beat anxiety AND how to use critical thinking to find the correct answer in a question where you may not even know the content it's asking or the drug being referenced! It's amazing, and it sounds like jsut what you need. She also suggests Uworld as the test bank you use which I can see others have suggested. I used Joan after I failed the first time and her program is seriously life changing. Seriously check it out. Don't give up, don't reconsider nursing and don't listen to anyone who tells you that. You learn on the job, all you need to do is pass this stupid test and she helps you do that. Good luck :) you've got this.
I really admire your determination! I went through something similar when trying to pass the HESI and as difficult as it was, I never gave up.
If there are some small tips I can share with you, especially with questions that you aren't sure of, it is to always always always choose the answer that is going to save the patient's life. OMG I cannot emphasize this tip enough.
Secondly, it helps to use one study source to help you prepare specifically for NCLEX (personally for me, there's a wealth of information out there and it can be very overwhelming) and practice tons of questions from anywhere. I know they have pretty good phone apps for practice questions, Saunders, Kaplan, etc. But just for practicing questions.
Thirdly, everyone studies different; what works for you may not work for someone else and vice versa, so it could be overwhelming getting advice from several different sources. Try to find what study method has worked for you in the past and stick with that.
I truly hope that helps some. This bump in the road is going to prepare you to be truly awesome, and your story is going to be a testimony for others. I truly wish you all the best!
It's been over 3 years since you graduated and multiple attempts at NCLEX. That means your knowledge and critical thinking are not on a level equal to minimum competency. It may be time to evaluate whether nursing is really for you. Not all those who want to be a nurse can be a nurse. You may also need to consider completing a nursing program again or at least an in-person, in-depth review course.
I agree with Rose Queen. Failing a minimum competency exam seven times is not a good sign.
Did your program not prepare you? Most programs really focus on teaching students *how* to answers NCLEX style questions throughout the curriculum and use NCLEX type questions in their testing. This should have prepared you pretty well if the program was a decent one.
Three years have passed and I worry your knowledge has decreased and EBP changed.
Have you looked into going through another nursing program if you are still committed to the idea of becoming a nurse?
Do NOT listen to the people who are discouraging saying nursing may not be for you. You are determined which is so important and good.
As others have said, use uworld! I swear by it. I failed the first time and only used kaplan. I heard about uworld and used it and loved it! Those questions are harder than nclex but can get your mind focused to critical thinking and working through a question.
Good luck on your next exam. I'm sure you will pass if you review the content and how you decide your answer.
I wouldn't buy Hurst again but review the book comes with it, the one that you filled in the blanks and know the resources that came with it.
Know that book like the back of your hand.
Try passpoint RN NCLEX two week free trial and do 150-300 questions and review the rationale. Copy and make notes on the one that you have trouble with. You should score a level 8 on the exams don't wast your time on the quizzes.
Last try the one week free trial for UWORLD RN NCLEX this program makes you think more critically then RN NCLEX. If you feel like it works for you extend that free week for however you feel you need it.
Hope it helps. Just keep reviewing the Hurst fill in book and doing questions until you feel ready. Please don't purchase any new resources but try the free trials and see if it fits you.
I'm in the same situation that you are, I graduated in 2013, and I just took my NCLEX for the tenth time today, and it shut off at 75 for the fifth time and I am extremely devastated, because I fear it's another fail, and I have tried everything I know to try, I have done live reviews for both Kaplan and Hurst, plus I did the intense remediation review through Hurst. I refuse to give up, but I fear too much time has elapsed, and wonder if it will ever happen for me, but we will keep searching and find something that will help all of us who are in the same situation. I sincerely wish you all the best.
I'm in the same situation that you are, I graduated in 2013, and I just took my NCLEX for the tenth time today, and it shut off at 75 for the fifth time and I am extremely devastated, because I fear it's another fail, and I have tried everything I know to try, I have done live reviews for both Kaplan and Hurst, plus I did the intense remediation review through Hurst. I refuse to give up, but I fear too much time has elapsed, and wonder if it will ever happen for me, but we will keep searching and find something that will help all of us who are in the same situation. I sincerely wish you all the best.
I hope that your quick results show a PASS. I know how devastating and depressing it can be. A fail does not make us incompetent. We got in this field and made it this far because we like helping others. Keep confident and positive. I will pray that you get good news and get the long coming (and well earned) PASS :-)
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I'm in the same situation that you are, I graduated in 2013, and I just took my NCLEX for the tenth time today, and it shut off at 75 for the fifth time and I am extremely devastated, because I fear it's another fail, and I have tried everything I know to try, I have done live reviews for both Kaplan and Hurst, plus I did the intense remediation review through Hurst. I refuse to give up, but I fear too much time has elapsed, and wonder if it will ever happen for me, but we will keep searching and find something that will help all of us who are in the same situation. I sincerely wish you all the best.
Have you taken an in person refresher or review course? Even if the cost is $400-600 that's nothing compared to the $2000 you've already spent on testing fees alone. You are now approaching 3 years past graduation. Statistically your chances of passing without changing your preparation method is less than 1%. You need a targeted study plan an in class instructor or perhaps a 1:1 tutor that can review all of your candidate performance reports with you and create a plan for success. In several states your only option would be to return to school after 3 or 6 attempts. You need to change what you are doing as clearly it has not worked yet.
mk1836
8 Posts
Hi!! You need to go to happynclex.com now. Joan Palmeri is the instructor and she specializes in repeat test takers and how to break the cycle. How to beat anxiety AND how to use critical thinking to find the correct answer in a question where you may not even know the content it's asking or the drug being referenced! It's amazing, and it sounds like jsut what you need. She also suggests Uworld as the test bank you use which I can see others have suggested. I used Joan after I failed the first time and her program is seriously life changing. Seriously check it out. Don't give up, don't reconsider nursing and don't listen to anyone who tells you that. You learn on the job, all you need to do is pass this stupid test and she helps you do that. Good luck :) you've got this.