Failed NCLEX.. Scared to test again

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Specializes in TICU.

So a little about me. I graduated RN School in December. I have been a LPN for a few years. I took the NCLEX Jan. 21 and failed with about 112 or so questions. I didn't really prepare. I did some practice tests and that was about it. I thought because I did really well on my exit HESI exam that I would do ok. I think part of the reason why I failed was because of anxiety (I did take all of my nursing school test in the testing center) and maybe a little content. Everything I was being asked was about things I had NEVER heard of. A lot of it was patient or staff education.. Not to many SATA. After question 75 I began to panic and it all just went down hill from there. I had already accepted defeat. When I get to a question that I don't know the answer to, I just shut down. I don't know how to think it through. I got my report back and I was near passing on everything except Psychosocial Integrity (Below) and Basic Comfort and Care (Above). I started watching the Hurst Videos and signed up for UWorld. I bought the LaCharity book and will complete after I finish watching the Hurst videos in a week. Moving forward..

  1. Will hurst, UWorld and Lacharity be enough to pass the 2nd time?
  2. What can I do to figure out the right answer on something I've never heard of?
  3. When you retake the NCLEX does the computer already know your weak areas from the last test?
  4. How soon should I retest?

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Will hurst, UWorld and Lacharity be enough to pass the 2nd time?

I believe so. Try them out and see if it works for you. Everyone is different. I also used other sources, as well as the things used (ATI ,excel, kaplan). Mostly used u world because it was handy and loved the rationals. Kaplan maybe helpful if you need strategy. Lacharity might help you with some of that psychosocial content. Can't remember if Hurst covered a lot of it. Here's a list that is covered with that topic.

Psychosocial Integrity - Nursing Link

What can I do to figure out the right answer on something I've never heard of?

You can try the Kaplan tree to help you figure out how to answer the questions. Plus, there are alot of videos on youtube about nclex strategy. Also, when you practice with the questions, study how they answer the question and take notes on the rationals.

Truth is, having a strong understanding of content will help you immensely and may decrease some of that anxiety. Let's say one of the answers is something you've never heard of or can't remember, but you know what the other answers are. Based on what the question is asking, you can eliminate some of those answers if they do not have anything to do with the question.

Studying the rationales will also help you with content.

When you retake the NCLEX does the computer already know your weak areas from the last test?

For the most part, no. It's basically a new test. I was told that the previous questions used the first time will never show up again (I think it also says so on the nclex site). However, some questions did show up again the second time but was re-worded differently or was very similar...

So, cover all areas equally (even your strong areas) just to be on the safe side.

How soon should I retest?

Everyone is different and it's hard to answer this. I believe it's based on how ready you feel (mentally and physically). It took me a bit longer to retest. First time I took it beginning of august and 2ND was in Feb. After the 1st time, I grieved for a month. Also, I had other things that was going on in my life that delayed my time fathfully devote myself to study. I made sure I was in optimal health when I took it the 2nd time around (the first time, my aunt flow visited....).

In addition to nclex study for round 2, I practiced meditating and breathing to decrease the anxiety. I youtubed a ton of videos on meditation which helped alot!

Anyways, I hope what I said was helpful. Good luck!

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Specializes in TICU.

Thank you so much!

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One thing I learned taking Kaplan is if u had one thing to ask the pt. What will the question be from the 4 choices and u will pick the most important one.....Hope that helps a little.

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Specializes in TICU.

Thanks.

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Specializes in TICU.

UPDATE: I Passed boards!!! I stuck with Uworld and Hurst. I also listened to a Mark Klimek lecture (12th lecture) on prioritizing, delegation and assignment. After listening to that lecture I didn't bother with Lacharity.

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UPDATE: I Passed boards!!! I stuck with Uworld and Hurst. I also listened to a Mark Klimek lecture (12th lecture) on prioritizing, delegation and assignment. After listening to that lecture I didn't bother with Lacharity.

Hi congrats u passed[emoji4][emoji106]🏻 where can I get the lecture of Mark klimek? Also what is ur scores?

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Specializes in TICU.

I did about 1200 uworld questions sith a 55% average

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Thanks nori[emoji4][emoji106]🏻

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