failed NCLEX-RN 3 times, PASSED 4th time

Published Oct 2, 2015

1 Post

I told myself that if I passed the NCLEX-RN that I would make a post for allnurses because as I was studying, this forum helped me. especially for those who have failed the NCLEX, please never give up! you can do it.

I graduated from nursing school in June 2013 with my BSN in California. I took that summer off and took my 1st NCLEX in October 2013. I failed. and I took it 3 more times and still couldn't pass. I did the Kaplan live 4 day review and the Hurst online review. I wasn't a straight A student during nursing school because I also had a part-time job to pay for bills I had but I also never failed a class. I began to feel lost and confused and I started to question if I chose the right career but I would bounce back and realize that nursing was my calling and so I could not and would not give up!

For my final time, I decided to take a review class that my sister found. Its called Rachell Allen and I believe that this class truly helped me. It helped me because this review focused on content and it was a live 10 day review for about $580 compared to Kaplan's only 4 day live review. and also without mastering content, you cannot excel in a Kaplan type of review because they focus more on strategy. With Rachell Allen, they provided a breakdown of each topic (Fundamentals, pediatrics, maternal, psych, GI, GU, etc.) and highlighted what the NCLEX will be asking. Along with my notes from Rachell Allen, I purchased Kaplan's Q Bank and finished the entire Q bank. I also completed Kaplan Q-Trainers, Q1-Q7. These questions are floating somewhere in the internet. Also with Kaplan, please do not be so focused on the scores. Yes, getting above 60% is recommended but understanding the rationale and why you got something right or wrong is very important. I also had my Hurst questions and I did some of those but I found them to be too easy and found that Kaplan questions were more similar to the questions found on the NCLEX. Lastly, LaCharity helped me a lot with priority and delegation and this a must to complete because the NCLEX is filled with these types of questions so I completed the entire book.

RESOURCES

1) Rachell Allen notes from the live review ( RACHELL ALLEN: NCLEX-RN, NCLEX-PN, IELTS, HAAD-RN, PROMETRIC-RN, DHA-RN Review Courses - HOME )

2) Kaplan Q Bank (1 month subscription)

Overall score: 60%

3) Kaplan Q Trainers 1-7

Scores:

QT1: 70%

QT2: 65%

QT3: 53%

QT4: 61%

QT5: 65%

QT6: 66%

QT7: 67%

4) Prioritization, Delegation and Assignment by LaCharity (3rd edition)

^A MUST!^

5) The 37 page study guide floating around

6) Hurst review book for Kindle (purple color, 6th edition)

STUDY REGIMEN

I studied as if it were my job. I studied at least 6-8 hours a day and I tried to complete at least 150 questions everyday for a month. Also, I made sure to understand the rationale to the question if I got it wrong. I also looked it up if I didn't know the topic. Although studying was my #1 priority, I did take study breaks. I would grab lunch with my boyfriend or get my nails done. I just did simple things to keep myself sane because studying 24/7 would drive me crazy. I would study at a library, coffee shop, or even at home if it was quiet enough. Switching study locations helped to keep me from going crazy as well. haha.

DAY BEFORE TEST

I studied only in the morning and I only reviewed my notes, no questions. My boyfriend took me out to Chuck E Cheese and it helped me to laugh and relax. I went to bed early to ensure I got a good nights rest.

DAY OF TEST

I arrived to the testing center 45 minutes early to lessen the anxiety. I took the afternoon test time because I am not a morning person. I completed 265 questions and had an array of the types of questions. I took a couple breaks to use the restroom, eat a snack, and to take a breather. Take your time and remember to relax and deep breathe. Praying and breathing helped me a lot throughout the test. and do not be so focused on the # of questions you are answering. If you're still answering questions, keep going! You're still in the game.

RESULTS

My results in California took 7 weeks to post on breeze and 8 weeks to get my license. Be patient, pray, and stay optimistic!

*NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! even when it's the easiest thing to do. and remember that everything will happen in God's time. Good luck! :)*