Failed NCLEX at 1st attempt and am devastated!

RN_2_BE · Aug 31, 2013

Sorry to hear that but I belive you over study . I took mines a year ago but let me tell you when I was studying for the nclex I wanted the best book and the truth is that they are all good n you will never as a new graduate know it all . They don't expect you too I started with sounder , it felt like I was starting all over Aging so I was recommended by a good fried to used only exam cram !n that's all I used I would put on study mode ! it has 5set of exams each with 200question I study about an 1:30everyother day with a 3yeard old watching tv so lost of interruption. learn the answer to all the question, some days I will do 100from sounders just to switch up , some sell all that applies . Best tips try to get the first one right the test work like the negative and positive number line and it always start on 0 so the more right questions you get at the beginning the harder it will be for you to fail . I hope you get it , so EXAM CRAM is the way study n learn the question , you will learn a lot you will pass and no I did not know all my lab values !!some the one we used the most .

bebejasmine2002 · Aug 31, 2013

Hi. I'm sorry to hear that you didn't pass. My advice is to pick ONE NCLEX source and master that front to back. Dedicate about 2 hours a day to focus on studying without any distractions and read all the rationales, even if the answer you chose was correct. I chose to use only the Saunders 5e CD to study. I studied one content area at a time and read the Rationales. This enforces what you may have already learned as well as explains why you got the question wrong. I dedicated about 3 weeks to study before taking my exam. Good luck!

vbarger28, BSN · Aug 31, 2013

I would highly suggest sticking with lipincott for studying only one material. Saunders is great for a crash course in content, but lipincott brain tweeks you into critical thinking. Good luck

Hopeful_Rina · Sep 11, 2013

hey, I got your PM, but can't reply since I don't have 15 topics yet. Do not feel discouraged! The first time I failed at 75, the minimum number of question, really did a number on my spirit but I knew I would redeem myself the second time around. In a way, I don't think I prepared myself enough so I took a month off, went on vacation and when I came back, I immediately got back into studying. I knew I was weak on content so that's what I focused on. For a month or so (mid-june to july) I read Saunders and did practice questions 5 days a week for about 6 hours a day. I really dedicated myself, but on weekends I took it easy and went out. I also focused on the NCLEX style category that I was weak on (below passing level) such as physiological adaptation. Kaplan really helped with those, I watched their videos and read the content guide. So basically I would say, I studied for about 2 months and a half the second time around. I really wanted to feel prepared. The first time I would say only about 3 weeks because I was so busy working full time. It's always good to start on your weak areas and move on from there. How do you usually study?

YouSmellLikeCDiff · Sep 11, 2013

I'm sorry to hear that, RedNavy! Like many people have already suggested, I agree that choosing and sticking to one study source would be beneficial. It is easy to assume that the more sources you study, the more knowledge you will gain. This only makes things more overwhelming than they already are. Instead, focus on one credible source and wear it out! I would also suggest brushing up on your critical thinking skills. Kaplan NCLEX-RN Strategies, Practice, and Review is a book that provides excellent advice about how to take the test, how to analyze/interpret each individual question, and many other helpful tips and tricks. This book completely changed the way I tested. I highly recommend it.

I am confident that you will pass on the next try! Keep your head up and best of luck! :up:

SheriffLauren · Sep 11, 2013

So you haven't officially received your results?

I think what you should do right now is take a few days off to de-stress. Testing is extremely stressful and the anxiety you are experiencing must be making it worse. Try to forget about it for a few days, we never perform well under extreme duress. Wait for your official results. If you really did fail then that's ok you can study more. The problem is fixable.

Take some time to seriously consider what you think your weak spots are. Work on those until you feel comfortable and make sure you schedule your next test with enough prep time in between. Rushing will not help. Like the above author stated try to focus on just on study aide. Then you will adapt to its learning strategies and it will be easier for you rather than switching between multiple sources. They are all basically the same.

Try to have a consistent study schedule and keep track of your scores, review the rationales for the queations you answered right and wrong and when your prepared take the test, you will pass.

RedNavy · Sep 12, 2013

So you haven't officially received your results?
I think what you should do right now is take a few days off to de-stress. Testing is extremely stressful and the anxiety you are experiencing must be making it worse. Try to forget about it for a few days, we never perform well under extreme duress. Wait for your official results. If you really did fail then that's ok you can study more. The problem is fixable.
Take some time to seriously consider what you think your weak spots are. Work on those until you feel comfortable and make sure you schedule your next test with enough prep time in between. Rushing will not help. Like the above author stated try to focus on just on study aide. Then you will adapt to its learning strategies and it will be easier for you rather than switching between multiple sources. They are all basically the same.
Try to have a consistent study schedule and keep track of your scores, review the rationales for the queations you answered right and wrong and when your prepared take the test, you will pass.

Thank so very much for taking the time out and giving your advice. It's really helpful! I actually received my official scores approximately two weeks ago and did indeed fail. I took a week off, and am now right back on it! I have completely changed the way I studied the 1st time and I feel that my strategy is a lot better. You and the other posters are correct: choosing one source and sticking to it seems to be the wiser decision. I have chosen Saunders for content and Kaplan for practice questions as well as strategies to answer complex style questions. I went through a grieving period but have picked myself and moved forward! I will remain optimistic and positive in hopes that I will pass the 2nd time around.

Again, thanks for you concern and advice as I will utilize it when studying! :)

SheriffLauren · Sep 14, 2013

Sorry that you didn't pass, but I'm glad your feeling optimistic! That's key. Keep up your new routine, you can do it.

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Sep 15, 2013

Back in 2009 I took the Kaplan course..what I found most useful was the online question bank AND the course book that covered everything. 1 can't buy the book in stores, BUT it can be found on Ebay from time to time!! Its (was) a purple covered book with a gal that had a stethoscope around her neck and she was holding on to it!! Here is 1: http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-RN-COURSE-BOOK-PREPARATION-FOR-NCLEX-RN-EXAMINATION-15th-ED-KAPLAN-NURSING-/331022756091?pt=US_Nonfiction_Book&hash=item4d127e68fb

N]Lot 6 Test Prep NCLEX RN Kaplan RN Course Book Mosby's RN 1416047751 0323053041 1416047751 | eBayo[/url]t sure what edition they are up to now......I think it was 11 or 12 back in 2009. Best of luck!! Just remember some extremely smart people fail Nclex numerous times and some people that can't breathe and chew gum at the same time pass the 1st time! Good luck!