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.
Specializes in ER, Public Health, Community, PMHNP.
@ Nursetobe911 your issue is how you understand the question and your overall interpretation of what they are asking. I suggest hurst again and also doing the kaplan qbank. The questions you get wrong read the rational you will understand how to better critically think out a question and select the best answer. Don't give up OK! I wrote NCLEX 8 years after graduation. I passed on the 3rd attempt. I didn't waste any time after passing. I immediately enrolled in a Nurse Practitioner program and i'll be graduating in August 2016 as a AGNP. I also work full time right now and a few nights ago I had a nurse of over 30 years tell me it was a pleasure to work with me and how professional and knowledgable I am. Don't listed to those telling you to give up on nursing. You are gonna pass nclex and be a great nurse. Good Luck!!!
Jan, don't lose hope. I took NCLEX 2 yrs ago and failed miserably. I used saunders book and the cd. Athough it's a good review book I needed something that would take me back to the basic.
I graduated from a foreign school 10 yrs ago came in the states but didn't take nclex until after 8 yrs. failed and tried the second time and made it. I used HURST and LACHARITY. Now, lacharity will kick your ass but it will make the nclex test easier. Good Luck!
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 have to agree with Rose_Queen, and it is not to be mean. As others have said, nursing is not for everyone, and passing school is not a guarantee of getting a license. There is a reason we have to pass this test. We have to remember here that NCLEX is a MINIMUM competency test, and OP has failed it 7 times over 3 years, even when review courses were taken. That is a lot of attempts. OP, I am not trying to tear you down, really, but I also think...would you want a nurse that had to take their minimum competency test 8 plus times caring for you or someone you loved ?? Those attempts are public knowledge on most BONs. Should you pass, employers verifying your license can usually see how many attempts were made to pass, and that many attempts may also hinder you from employment.
I wonder a lot about your nursing program. Is it accredited? Is it brand new? Did everyone you started with in the first class graduate with you? Did you pass your school tests easily? I think your heart is in the right place, but unfortunately that is not enough. I echo the idea of going back to nursing school if you cannot pass. Too much time has lapsed and you are no longer in a clinical environment to nurture learning. They have also made NCLEX harder over the last 3 years, and I don't think you can do this without going back to school at least. Best of luck to you, really.
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
I have to agree with Rose_Queen, and it is not to be mean. As others have said, nursing is not for everyone, and passing school is not a guarantee of getting a license. There is a reason we have to pass this test. We have to remember here that NCLEX is a MINIMUM competency test, and OP has failed it 7 times over 3 years, even when review courses were taken. That is a lot of attempts. OP, I am not trying to tear you down, really, but I also think...would you want a nurse that had to take their minimum competency test 8 plus times caring for you or someone you loved ?? Those attempts are public knowledge on most BONs. Should you pass, employers verifying your license can usually see how many attempts were made to pass, and that many attempts may also hinder you from employment.
I wonder a lot about your nursing program. Is it accredited? Is it brand new? Did everyone you started with in the first class graduate with you? Did you pass your school tests easily? I think your heart is in the right place, but unfortunately that is not enough. I echo the idea of going back to nursing school if you cannot pass. Too much time has lapsed and you are no longer in a clinical environment to nurture learning. They have also made NCLEX harder over the last 3 years, and I don't think you can do this without going back to school at least. Best of luck to you, really.
I agree that OP should also evaluate the program she completed, but I do take issue with the bolded part above. What states provide information about how many times an RN took NCLEX before passing? All I've ever seen, regardless of the state I've verified a license with, is the date of issue. No mention of number of NCLEX attempts. Now, it's possible that the gap of time between graduation and being granted a license to practice can affect an applicant's attractiveness to an employer, but as far as I know, NCLEX attempts are not public knowledge.
I have to agree with Rose_Queen, and it is not to be mean. As others have said, nursing is not for everyone, and passing school is not a guarantee of getting a license. There is a reason we have to pass this test. We have to remember here that NCLEX is a MINIMUM competency test, and OP has failed it 7 times over 3 years, even when review courses were taken. That is a lot of attempts. OP, I am not trying to tear you down, really, but I also think...would you want a nurse that had to take their minimum competency test 8 plus times caring for you or someone you loved ?? Those attempts are public knowledge on most BONs. Should you pass, employers verifying your license can usually see how many attempts were made to pass, and that many attempts may also hinder you from employment.
I wonder a lot about your nursing program. Is it accredited? Is it brand new? Did everyone you started with in the first class graduate with you? Did you pass your school tests easily? I think your heart is in the right place, but unfortunately that is not enough. I echo the idea of going back to nursing school if you cannot pass. Too much time has lapsed and you are no longer in a clinical environment to nurture learning. They have also made NCLEX harder over the last 3 years, and I don't think you can do this without going back to school at least. Best of luck to you, really.
I understand what you are trying to say. Truly my issue is anxiety. This anxiety has developed due to situations in my life. It didn't occur to those being unsupportive that maybe I went through some medical problems that hindered my time to study and ability to focus 100%. It didn't occur to you that a health condition alone can affect you this much. My problems are private but I dont appreciate the discouragement. If you are implying I am not competent, you are incorrect. I started college at 17. Have 2 bachelor degrees in science. High honors in both majors. I am a Sigma Theta Tau. My struggles don't define me but help me grow. I am not giving up.
I would appreciate that if you have a negative comment please keep it to yourself. POSITIVE FEEDBACK ONLY. This post was done to get help, not discouragement.
My state's BON shows how many attempts were made by showing that you were an NCLEX applicant, then it shows "closed" if the person did not receive a license. Each application to take NCLEX is seperate.
You aren't the only one with 2 science degrees with high honors. I'm sorry you've had/have health issues, but that's really not the BON's problem. The BON makes sure nurses are competent and a nurses health issue/personal problem doesn't become a patient's problem. It sounds like you may need to sit down with a private tutor and have them look over your reports from the NCLEX to focus on areas you need help with since you finished school so long ago. It's nothing personal, but some people don't like that some states give unlimited chances for taking the NCLEX. Also, you posted on a public forum and you aren't going to like what everyone has to say. If you can't learn to just ignore comments that you don't like or find hurtful you need to grow a thicker skin- patients, families, and doctors aren't going to always going to be nice.
Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.
I understand what you are trying to say. Truly my issue is anxiety. This anxiety has developed due to situations in my life. It didn't occur to those being unsupportive that maybe I went through some medical problems that hindered my time to study and ability to focus 100%. It didn't occur to you that a health condition alone can affect you this much. My problems are private but I dont appreciate the discouragement. If you are implying I am not competent, you are incorrect. I started college at 17. Have 2 bachelor degrees in science. High honors in both majors. I am a Sigma Theta Tau. My struggles don't define me but help me grow. I am not giving up.
I would appreciate that if you have a negative comment please keep it to yourself. POSITIVE FEEDBACK ONLY. This post was done to get help, not discouragement.
Tough-- you don't get to dictate how people respond.
You want positive feedback only? Then go start your own site with that in the rules
Here you get reality.
I don't know how competent you are with patients but clearly you aren't competent enough to pass the test after 7 tries. We all have struggles- medical problems- family issues, whatever.
Stop being a special snowflake and figure out what's wrong. Study the material until you truly understand it, go see a counslor for help if anxiety is the issue Resolve or find ways to bracket those family or personal problems- at least while test taking
Passing boards is only one very small part of nursing. Medical, family issues, stress dont go away after NCLEX. You have to know this info and apply it when you're working too. No matter if you are stressed--
agiboma, BSN, MSN, NP
106 Posts
@ Nursetobe911 your issue is how you understand the question and your overall interpretation of what they are asking. I suggest hurst again and also doing the kaplan qbank. The questions you get wrong read the rational you will understand how to better critically think out a question and select the best answer. Don't give up OK! I wrote NCLEX 8 years after graduation. I passed on the 3rd attempt. I didn't waste any time after passing. I immediately enrolled in a Nurse Practitioner program and i'll be graduating in August 2016 as a AGNP. I also work full time right now and a few nights ago I had a nurse of over 30 years tell me it was a pleasure to work with me and how professional and knowledgable I am. Don't listed to those telling you to give up on nursing. You are gonna pass nclex and be a great nurse. Good Luck!!!