Failed NCLEX - study/answer tips?

[munkee4me]

Ooook, so here's my deal:

Took the NCLEX-RN a couple of weeks ago and failed. Half the questions were about things I had never even heard of, not even during school. I know that anything is game for the test and there's sooooooo much to study for. I hit the big things that we had in school and during the blasted HESI:

-anatomy

-lab values

-more common medications

-CAD, heart disease, arrhymthmias, most common procedures

-diabetes, hormonal disturbances...

Yada yada, I think you get the idea. I also used the Kaplan NCLEX-RN strategies guide book and the CD in the back of the book. Can't afford to take class. So my question is... how do I or anyone answer a question when you have no idea (because you've never heard of it, so how study for it?) what the medication/disease process/condition/whatever is? Even using the Kaplan strategies?

Any ideas/thoughts/advice would be helpful

[smn2010, BSN, RN]

Ives72:

I'm glad you were able to find the site. I will PM you with other sites that may be helpful to you.

[hair2do1]

Thank you for that information, I will definitely go on that site and look up this information.

[ives72]

Thank you SMN2009, it really helped me a lot..

[GoosbyLPN]

hairdoi:

unless you have a friend that has the "old" kaplan cd (which used to be distributed to paying students) or someone who still has time remaining on their current kaplan account, you will need to purchase the qbank from kaplan if you want to keep track of your percentage wrong/right and info about what your weak areas are. it is not cheap--but it is cheaper than the $499 full price (online videos, qbank, etc.). i think the qbank alone is $299.00.

there is a nursing website (organization) that contains the information you are looking for. i would suggest that you do a search of "nclex question trainers" or "nclex question trainer explanations" on the internet. when you locate the site, you will find that it contains all 7 kaplan question trainers and it is free!!! :yeah:although the site will not tell you what your percentages are for each test you take (you can calculate that on your own anyway...), the site will provide you with all 7 question trainers (about 1,050 questions!!!) along with the rationales. the site also has lots of kaplan study tips, "questions of the day" and other study material...

...not allowed to place the web address within the allnurses.com site so good luck with the search!!...

do they have something like that for lpn?

[Peydon]

hey,i just read your tips to go for the right answer,thank you.the problem with me is i always end up with 2 answer and though i know the right answer,i usually miss the right one,will u be able to help me out with some tips about it.

[Peydon]

SMN2009,

hey,i really need your help,i found that you are able to help many other regarding what material to study for.I gave my nclex exam a year before and i failed .This first time failure result had smashed my inner strength and confidence that still i am not able to gather it back,last few month am trying to bring myself back and started studying kaplan nclex book.i even attend the class and it help me to some extend,now when i want to study,my kaplan acess expire just yesterday and i am ready to make myself available to the good site for making me able to give exam.this nclex exam ,had pause me in all way.i would be really grateful if you can help me and let me know what i hsould do further.i dont have any online acess to study.

[RNindmaking]

hey,i just read your tips to go for the right answer,thank you.the problem with me is i always end up with 2 answer and though i know the right answer,i usually miss the right one,will u be able to help me out with some tips about it.

If you end up with two answers, ask yourself, is it desired?Does it answer the question? Then read again the question. Also, use ABC and Maslow's.

[tocumen]

Can someone PM me the link to the website?

Many Thanks!

[inspired26]

Peydon,

I know how you feel. I was very depressed for awhile after I failed. If you go to your library you can check out exam cram and other nclex books to help you study. If they don't have the book that you are looking for have them request it from another library. I still haven't figured out how to study using my candidate report, but I am doing the exam cram cd and it is boosting my confidence.You just have to stay focused and let God do the rest. I hope this helps you.

[nuadvtur4oldjulie]

Sorry to hear about your setback. The same people who write the the NCLEX sell an online review course for 50-70 dollars. Way cheaper than kaplan. I loved the rationales given for the correct answers. Its good for 3-5weeks. I used it and passed. Google NCSBN review for NCLEX-RN or learningext you can check it out for free. Good Luck. Peace!

[smn2010, BSN, RN]

Peydon:

Sorry, I'm not sure why I never received an email to let me know there were additional comments on this thread. I just happened to see your comments to me, just now.

I will PM you with some helpful websites.

[Peydon]

SMN2009,

hey,thank you so much.You really did made me feel good by letting me know how should i go further.thanks.i really did lost my way in this nclex world and seems like i found the first step.thanks