Failed NCLEX-RN TWICE PLEASE HELP!

musicman1976 · Jun 25, 2015

First.. If content is an issue, try Hurst.. They are great with Content. There is a source whose popularity is soaring right now called UWorld. The questions are very similar to Nclex as well as the format. When you read rationales.. Write down what you don't know and review it every week.. Until you feel confident.. Even talk through it. The more senses you incorporate the more you may absorb.. This has been working for me .. As I will be making my THIRD attempt here soon. Good luck!

LV3677 · Jun 25, 2015

I would recommend you start and finish a course/resource, whether that be Hurst, Kaplan, Lippincotts, whatever. From what you've said, both times you used resources to assist in studying/preparing, but didn't complete them. I would recommend picking a main program, like Hurst or Kaplan, and using Lippincotts and LaCharity as well as another resource, but with the focus being on finishing the main program and doing questions.

Speaking of questions, my nursing program recommended doing 3500 questions in preparation for the exam, which equaled about 100 a day. Going through each rationale and looking up diagnoses, pharm, etc really did help solidify information. Write it all down, or verbalize it, or teach it to your cat, whatever works to solidify the information in your brain. Do not expect to memorize it all. That's not possible. However, getting down key components about safety, whether it be about pharm or contact precautions, is important.

Make a schedule for yourself, planning out questions/day over content that you are weakest on. I recommend using Kaplan because of the many select all that apply questions in the program, which is/was my weak area. I used both Kaplan and Lippincotts, and found them to be very helpful. Kaplan also has great online lectures, which go over key safety points and random information you've forgotten from nursing school that matters. There's also a mnemonics app for NCLEX that is great for memorizing contact/airborne/droplet precautions, and other little things. I recommend that as well.

I would also recommend taking time out of each day to sit, close your eyes, empty your mind, focusing on absolutely nothing, pushing every thought out of your mind. It takes some practice, but it is an important skill that you can use to calm yourself and relax your mind. I found this helpful when sitting in front of the blue computer screen and wondering "what the"

LV3677 · Jun 25, 2015

As I reread your post, there also seems to be a significant lapse in time from when you graduated to when you took the exam. Perhaps the Hurst course or another live review session could help refresh your memory regarding content.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2015

Your thread has been moved to the NCLEX Discussion forum where you will hopefully receive the assistance and feedback you need. Good luck with your next attempt.

tine0629 · Jun 25, 2015

hi musicmac1976 thanks for the advice. Is the Hurst a book or online course? Is UWorld free? Good luck and God bless on your exam! we can do this :)

tine0629 · Jun 25, 2015

Thank you so much LV3677 those are great advice. I did finished reading the Saunders but just plain reading pages to pages. I am planning to take another NCSBN course and focus on La Charity Q&A's too. Also planning on making a schedule. I am just glad I am not working full time so I have much time to read.I think you're right I should practice relaxing my mind the second time I took my exam I was so nervous and anxious especially when my questions are pass 100 that's why I couldn't focus very well. I CAN MAKE IT THIS TIME :)

strawberryluv, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2015

You should finish the programs you start. You use a lot of resources too. I think you should stick to 2-3 resources so you are not overwhelmed. This is how I am studying for it:

PDA by LaCharity (for priority questions only)

Saunders 5th edition yellow book (to review content I miss doing questions)

NCLEX-4000 (for nclex-rn practice questions)

NCLEX mastery app (for nclex-rn practice questions and practice with SATA questions)

tine0629 · Jun 25, 2015

yes i think that's one reason Too that i used a lot of resources. are you taking your exam too? @strawberryluv

LV3677 · Jun 25, 2015

No problem! Happy to help.

Strawberryluv has a plan which integrates content review, numerous questions, and alternative question styles, which is a great way to study for NCLEX. I think you should copy this style of preparation. I used a similar method- Kaplan, Lippincotts, & LaCharity. You used the NCSBN program last time, so I was wondering what you would get out of it by taking it a second time? Did you feel more comfortable with the preparation style it provides?

I'm definitely a visual learner. I find that guided imagery helps me in these kinds of scenarios. Before taking my boards, I kept imagining doing hurdles in track, bearing down on that last hurdle, gathering strength and energy... clearing the hurdle, and sprinting towards the finish.

tine0629 · Jul 7, 2015

hi guys! i just got my evaluation from my exam and i got "near the passing standard" on all the areas of the exam. I feel like it's because I got so nervous during the last 30 questions that's why I wasn't able to make it. The first time I took the exam I only got 2 "near the passing standard" and the rest were below passing. I don't feel bad for failing this time at least I know I improved and I have to work on my relaxation techniques and do better than before. Failures are ways to polish our flaws and we shouldn't give up, instead aim higher. We will soon become one of the great nurses out there! :)