failed nclex 5 times

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 9, 2015

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Thread moved to NCLEX forum.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Oct 9, 2015

I took the Hurst review a week before I tested

You should have taken it a month before and not a week before.

I have been studying content and I'm about to start review questions.

The issue is probably the answering of the questions. You should have been focusing on how to answer the questions from day 1. You should be able to narrow the answer down to two answers. From there you need to figure out which one is the BEST answer.

I have bought numerous review books over the 4 years and seems like I'm getting no where.

When you are answering review questions, do review and understand WHY you got the answer wrong? The number of books and questions answered is irrelevant if you don't if you don't bother to find out why you got a question wrong. In addition, answering the same questions multiple times does you no good because you know the correct answer because you have seen it before multiple times.

I just want to know what am I doing wrong with going about studying or is it how I answer questions

I think that it involves not knowing how to dissect a question, eliminate 2/4 of the answers, and determine how to eliminate the final wrong answer. My suggestion is to get Kaplan Qbank and Q Trainer and set the tests from the Qbank for 50 questions each, no repeating of questions answered correctly. Once you have taken the 7 Qtrainer tests with a 50% or higher on all 7, then schedule the test. I don't think you are ready to take it again in 3 weeks.

Fearless_leader · Oct 9, 2015

Don't give up. I haven't taken the NCLEX yet but, I know someone who took it 5 times as well. She passed on the 6th try. It must be frustrating, but I say be encourage. Delay does not mean denial. Hugs to you and keep studying. The fact that you have not given up means your a fighter and you want this. It will happen soon. Best of luck and God bless.

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2015

You graduated 4 years ago and failed 5 times. In my opinion you should take a review course. I know that is not cheap but after 4 years and that many failures it is pretty clear that you are missing something. Contact your school (or any school or the BON) an find a good course, after the course try Kaplan or a tutor to learn how to dissect an answer the questions.

If you try to test again without getting that remediation the results are not as likely to be what you want.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Oct 11, 2015

I just want to know what am I doing wrong with going about studying or is it how I answer questions or do I think I know content, but I really don't. Im shooting for retaking the end of this month or 1st week in november. Any help, suggestions, and encouragement is welcome.

You have been out of school for four years. At the least, you need to do a review course. And if you are just now starting to do questions, I wouldn't take it at the end of Oct or beginning of Nov. you need to take a long hard look at why you are failing. I think BONs should put a cap on how many times people can take.

abh2295 · Oct 12, 2015

I have taken Kaplan over the 4 years. I did online one year and then sat in a class last year. I do great in class and answering questions. I also got 60% or higher on tests. It's just when I go and sit down for the NCLEX I feel as though the questions are way different. I didn't like the strategy Kaplan uses for answering questions. It confused me.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Oct 12, 2015

I have taken Kaplan over the 4 years. I did online one year and then sat in a class last year. I do great in class and answering questions. I also got 60% or higher on tests. It's just when I go and sit down for the NCLEX I feel as though the questions are way different. I didn't like the strategy Kaplan uses for answering questions. It confused me.

Then try a different review course. Why would you repeat the same course after failing once? Obviously it didn't help you. Try Hurst review or contact your school and see what they recommend.

Love81 · Oct 16, 2015

I was in your shoes a couple of months ago. I graduated 2010, lost count of how many times I've taken Nclex. The key is don't give up. This last time I used NCSBN website and Uworld questions. Uworld has the best critical thinking questions. So you can do it!!!

sickofnclex · Feb 11, 2016

i'm in the same boat. ive taken nclex 5 times, and graduated in may of 2014. i've done hurst, kaplan, uworld, ncsbn, a local course, exam cram, lippincott, PDA. i feel like i've done everything... and still can't pass the nclex. i've registered again, and am waiting for my ATT. i want to take it ASAP.. but i feel stuck and lost as to how to prepare.

were you able to pass the next time you tok it? i really hope so!! i know its frustrating and depressing to study for an exam for a number of years. dont give up! if we were able to make it through nursing school, we will be able to pass the nclex. it's just a longer journey!