I am writing this post because I looked for this post a month ago when I was totally not confident and sad over my NCLEX failure in 75. But I did pass 45 days later in 75.
Here are a few tips that really changed things for me:
1) The Kaplan RN comprehensive review is very helpful. I didn't follow every guideline. I didn't even open my book, but I watched the videos and did most of the question trainers. The final two are the most like the NCLEX. The decision tree works a lot of the time. It takes a while to figure out how to use it correctly. You have to do those practice questions. A lot of time I would think, "I don't need the decision tree on this one." Then, after getting it wrong and reviewing, I'd realize I could've gotten to the right answer or at least eliminated a few options if I would've followed the decision tree. This is especially true for psych questions. I thought I was a psych genius until I did Kaplan's diagnostic test and found out I was getting those wrong as much as pharm and the other tough stuff.
2) Don't underestimate how weird test day will be. I've had some moderate test anxiety in the past, but the NCLEX testing are an experience onto themselves. You are finger-printed and you have to stick all your stuff in a locker. You can't have a piece of gum. You have to get a palm-scan to go to the bathroom and show them your ID. It is hot, cramped and tense in there. My advice: The second time I took it, I sat there for 10 minutes after the test started up and wrote down every lab value and mnemonic I knew. By the time I started looking at questions, I felt more confident and knowledgeable.
3) Fight, fight, fight to the death. You will be fatigued and nerves make it happen quicker. There's an impulse to go fast. Resist it! Go extremely slow. Don't write it off if you don't know it and don't think you know it and just move on. Use Kaplan's decision tree. Narrow it down. Every question is worth your best shot. If you get fatigued, GO TO THE BATHROOM. At least you can get some privacy and stretch and deep breath.
4) If you're getting alternative question types like SATA, it's a good sign. I got none when I failed. I got loads when I passed. Remember on the NCLEX, everyoen gets a 50%. It's all about level of difficulty. So don't freak out if you're getting things wrong, you are and it doesn't mean you're going to fail.
5) The mnemonic devices on all-nurses saved my life. Search for mnemonics. These memory tricks drastically reduce the difficulty of tough stuff like the difference between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia symptoms. These are easy right answers if you've got a little song or saying.
6) Don't believe the last question rule. I know for a fact I got the last question right on the test failed and the last question wrong on the test I passed. It doesn't matter. It's about level of difficulty.
7) Really REALLY know your room assignments/delegation. There are mnemonics for these too. Trust me, they are pushing the hell out of the room assignment and delegation type questions. They may seem easy, but there are very specific rules. I got a long string of these when I passed in 75. They are considered "difficult" and you can get it down easily with a little practice.
8) Finally, do the Pearson Vue Trick. You'll feel better getting the news good or bad not from the National Board. That way, if you fail, at least you know quick. Yes, it sucks. Give yourself ONE day to feel bad and GET OVER IT. It's a freaking test-not a kid with cancer. You passed nursing school. The knowledge is there. I don't like reading on all-nurses about major depression over a test. You've got to get it together and fight for yourself. Buy Kaplan, create a study plan, do whatever you need to do to feel like you have some control in the situation. All you can do is fail again. It's 45 days. You won't even remember them after you pass. Don't give others so much power over your self esteem.
Look at me, I failed the NCLEX in 75. I didn't hit the threshold my school for the HESI 2 out of 3 times. I got my share of Cs in nursing school. You know what? It doesn't matter. You pass that test and you have the same license as anyone else. Hang in there. Fight for yourself.
