Failed NCLEX 3 times with MAX questions

Published

I am so desperate for someone to lead me in the right direction PLEASE! I graduated Nursing School a few years ago. I didn't make the highest grades, but I always stayed about my 80% that I had to. I made the mistake of working with my temp license for a year before I took my NCLEX--and I cram studied the night before and that was ALL... Needless to say, I failed. I got the max amount of questions...and I knew before I was even done with the test that I failed. I took a job in management at the facility I was working at on my temp license. Every single day, I wanted to be on the floor with the nurses and residents!! So...  2nd try at NCLEX-- I was foolish, yet again and waited OVER a year to test again. You guessed it, Max questions again and FAILED. (My own fault, again- I did study more than the first time, but I rushed it again- didn't do any questions and only studied content off and on for a couple weeks). So fast forward to 3 years later- I took it again in 2020- This time I listened to all of Mark 
K's audios and took notes on all. I created flash cards for myself. I knew I didn't feel prepared to take it but I listened to others that kept saying I was ready and I took the test again--and 3rd time, Max questions again failed. So here I am...determined MORE than before to pass this darn thing! I have again done Mark K audios, I have been watching all Remar videos I can find on You Tube and taking notes on every video. I also downloaded the study guide from this website and took notes on it. I just signed up for Archer today... This is truthfully allllll I think about. The minute I wake up, it's on my mind! I have now been studying for about 4 weeks and I have NOT told any friends or coworkers because I want to test on my time. Each time I took this test, I seriously felt like my heart was going to come out of my chest! I can't remember a single thing on my exams!! I had to reread every question multiple times because of my nerves. I am not an anxious person at all, but when I sit down for that test, I instantly feel overly anxious. (I am not saying that's why I failed-I failed because I was foolish and didn't study like I should) Can anyone please help me figure out how to properly study? I want this so bad!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology.
On 3/3/2021 at 1:48 PM, espo1007 said:

I knew I didn't feel prepared to take it but I listened to others that kept saying I was ready and I took the test again--and 3rd time, Max questions again failed

It is up to you to decide when you are ready. Family and friends, no matter how important they are to you in your life, may not know all the moving parts of getting ready for NCLEX. Best wishes for a successful test!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I'm going to make a bit of an assumption here (sorry if I'm incorrect), but I get the impression that you're relying too much on memorization and 'tips & tricks'. I think you need to stop cramming and really focus on underlying A&P and how everything in the body is interconnected (cause and effect). For example, a patient's arm was crushed in an accident and is 'not' hemorrhaging, so why would you be worried about urine output and mental status? Obviously, pharm requires some memorization, but even then, understanding how the drugs work (receptors, neurotransmitters, etc) is going to get you further than rote memorization.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Addictions, Psych.

Are you struggling with the way the questions are asked, or the content?

Your post makes it seem like you're reading books and watching videos and taking notes. Make sure you're doing NCLEX practice questions and reviewing the rationales. Even if you get the question correct because there's information in there that will help you. Do a lot of questions. NCLEX questions can be full of unnecessary information. If you're not studying using NCLEX practice questions, the exam is going to be harder because you'll have to figure out what's important and how to apply what you know. If you're going to take notes and watch videos, do sets of practice questions so you can get used to applying the information you've learned.

Also remember that the NCLEX is designed to make sure you can safely practice nursing. If you don't know the answer to a question, you can try to narrow it down based on safety and what you can do in the moment. Remember ABC (airway, breathing, and circulation), and if there's anything that you can do right now. 

Cramming isn't helping you. Did you get your score report? What areas are you struggling the most in? Focus your studying on what you don't know instead of trying to re-learn everything. If you're over a year out of school and none of your areas are above passing, it might be time to lay out the expense for a refresher course before you waste your time testing again. 

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

Im sorry you failed too. I feel your pain and devastation. But keep in mind that at least you still keep on learning. Which is good because the more we reiterate the information in our head the more we retain it in the future. I too had anxiety and lack of sleep when I took the exam. I felt so depressed too but I keep on telling myself at least Im reiterating information in my head. I've used UWorld too and I guess because it states I have a 'very high chance' of passing I took it as a fact. Don't give up. We can't give up now. We got this. Best wishes and good luck to us. Positive vibe only. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Registered nurse.

I did my boards today now stress because not sure if I pass my NCLEX

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NCLEX Prep Expert - 100% Pass Rate!.

If anyone needs additional NCLEX guidance - I am the author of that awesome NCLEX Study Guide that is listed above. You can always click my member profile picture and within my profile is my website where you can learn more about how I can help you or someone you know develop strategies for NCLEX success! I am an NCLEX Expert and continue to help HUNDREDS of individuals pass so they can get their license and start their nursing careers! 

If you need help, feel free to reach out!

-Damion Jenkins, RN, MSN

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Registered nurse.

Hi Damion I would love if you could help me I did the NCLEX on Tuesday and I fail I really want to get my license and I really need help. So I would love if you could tutor me its like I can't retain anything when I study.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NCLEX Prep Expert - 100% Pass Rate!.
2 hours ago, kitten said:

Hi Damion I would love if you could help me I did the NCLEX on Tuesday and I fail I really want to get my license and I really need help. So I would love if you could tutor me its like I can't retain anything when I study.

Please visit my profile where you can find my website and all my contact information. I can definitely help you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Registered nurse.

What is your website

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you guys for the support! It means so much! I have been studying quite a bit the past 2 weeks and I started Archer and bought the 60 day Qbank questions. I actually never did questions before so I honestly feel I am retaining information. When I get a question wrong, I read the rationales, then I write down the info in my own words in my notebook. If I still don't get it, I use Youtube to figure it out. This time around I have told NO friends or family- only my Husband that I am going to try this again. It seems to keep my anxiety level down and I have nobody wanting to take it before I feel ready. I did download and take notes on Damien's studyguide about 3 or 4 weeks ago ? Thanks for the tip!

I have to agree, the questions actually do seem to help. I wish I had done those before.

I keep telling myself, I got Max questions each time so if I could just get a few more questions correct, I will PASS! (Trying to keep the faith and confidence up!)

Thank you all again for the help!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
20 hours ago, Damion Jenkins said:

If anyone needs additional NCLEX guidance - I am the author of that awesome NCLEX Study Guide that is listed above. You can always click my member profile picture and within my profile is my website where you can learn more about how I can help you or someone you know develop strategies for NCLEX success! I am an NCLEX Expert and continue to help HUNDREDS of individuals pass so they can get their license and start their nursing careers! 

If you need help, feel free to reach out!

-Damion Jenkins, RN, MSN

Damion,

I did download and study your study guide, I also took notes on it. I tried to message you on here a few weeks ago but it says I didn't post enough or something. I also visited your website that same day, but unfortunately, I quit my job to focus on passing this test so I can't really afford anything extra at this point. I do appreciate the study guide and your guidance on this site! ?  

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion