Failed NCLEX-RN Twice... Need help please!

[MrMango]

Hello everyone. I graduated in May 2013 and I've taken my NCLEX-RN twice now, first time in October 2013 and the second time last month, January 2014. I've failed both times, the first time in 75 questions, the second time in 87. I took Kaplan's review (twice) and I really thought it was quite helpful and thought I learned some great strategies, but I am still unlicensed.

A lot of my peers that I graduated with are already working as nurses and I feel like I'm really starting to fall behind. I'm totally demoralized and I am lacking confidence after failing twice. I was so sure I was going to pass the last time.

Anyways I must must MUST pass my third time. I can't afford not to. My issue.... I don't know how. I feel like I'm really weak in content (thus why Kaplan only brought me so far). I'm looking into Hurst, as I've read a lot of positive feedback, as well as coupling it with NCSBN's review on learningext.com.

In truth, I really don't know what to do. I appreciate all well wishes, prayers, advice, feedback, and stories. Thank you!

[MrMango]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I've been doing more research on different study options and methods. I'm still a little shaky on the Hurst online, but it does get great reviews. I've look up tutors in my area and contacted two today and will likely have a session next week and see how I feel.

[Grneyzrn]

Dr Martin review is excellent & Saunders review book, good luck!

[CrazyGoonRN]

Yes please please do the HURST review. You will not regret it. It is amazing and if you have trouble with content is the one review that will help you. I have taken the review twice. After I graduated from LPN school and last month after I graduated from RN school. Don't think I could've passed without it either time. It truly did help me. One thing is for sure I know you feel bad about failing twice but don't give up! I know one person who did after failing a couple times and now it has been three years and if she ever wants to be a nurse she will have to complete an entire nursing program again. Once you have a better understanding of the content the select all that apply questions will be much easier for you. Good luck!!!!!!! You can do this!!!! Remember the clinical that you thought you would never get through well you got through it didn't you? And you passed the nursing program and you have a degree. Nursing programs are not for the faint of heart. Put all you can into it! You can do this!!!!!!!!!!

[CrazyGoonRN]

I would recommend the online Hurst review over the live review. I have done both. With the online reviews you can pause and rewind any time you are confused about what was said. I really liked that aspect of it. Also when I was going to bed or just not feeling good I would turn on Hurst and just listen. Listening to it over and over helped me a lot.

[David Offenbaker, BSN, RN]

Our school used the 3-day ATI review-- which was pretty good. Then we got this "NCLEX" book from them that REALLY helped me. You can buy a pre-recorded "live" review on their website I believe. I'm a audio/visual learner and following the video and book really helped me a lot!

Good luck!

[FLDoula]

I used Hurst, NCSBN 8 week review, NLCLEX 3500 (especially the alternative format questions)

I found that Hurst the best for review and NCSBN best for questions. They write the exam... their questions really make you think critically. And it's not expensive! It was $100 for 8 week. I did their questions that went with their content and then they have a great question bank. Do not despair if you get in the upper 60's low 70's... I did and passed NCLEX in 75. Had lots of SATA... so I suggest practicing those also... NCLEX 3500 will help with that.

[smensah]

I too failed the second time on Feb 5. I am sad, but I am already on it. I purchased the NCBSN 5 week program for $70. It helped alot when I first took my PN. I am going to tudy my butt off and try again. Saunders did not help me much, the book itself for me was too overwhelming. But stay strong we will nail it the third time.

[Cal-Neva]

What I remember is that yes the review helps, but the most important thing is to do questions and more questions! Find out the areas that you are weakest in and study those really hard....then do more questions! Remember, it is the answer that is most right. Remember maslow's hierarchy and your ABCs. I used the Saunders book and a book from Hurst review. Keep your head up and nose in a book. Good luck to you

[RN2BEDREAM]

Hurst is the best

[angg5]

Don't lose hope. I failed it once and have been to afraid to retest. I like you have used kaplan and I am very week in content. Just try and stay focused. I know it is hard trust me I am struggling to get back on track. by good luck

[tildor]

I have a few friends that couldn't pass the NCLEX and went on to new careers.

[zeus&lincoln]

Sounds like like you need a good content review. I don't think you'd have failed with 75 or 87 if you had a good foundation or understanding of the content. It could be as simple as taking Hurst, which in my opinion made all these random facts I had circling in my head, make sense. They have a way of connecting things that seemed disconnected. Doing tons of questions WILL NOT help if you don't know the content, neither will taking a strategy based review course (Kaplan). You may haven been a great student nurse and surely will become a good nurse but you need to pass this hurdle and the good thing is it is achievable. You obviously had enough knowledge to pass nursing school. I wholeheartedly believe you can pass this one exam given the right study method. Good luck!