I just found out yesterday that I failed the NCLEX for the second time. My wife, bless her heart, is taking it a lot harder than I am. A LOT harder.
The first time that I took the NCLEX all I really did to prepare was to take the Hurst review and study it up until I took my test. Took all 265 questions and failed. The paperwork in the mail said that I was "Near the passing standard" in all categories...that I was on the verge of actually passing the test. At least, that's how it made me feel.
For the first test, I didn't study any NCLEX review questions except the ones that came with the Hurst review. For my second test, ALL I did was NCLEX review questions, primarily ones from the online NCLEX 3500 and from the Saunders 4th edition. I studied over 1500 questions in preparation for my 2nd NCLEX test and when I sat down at the terminal to take it a 2nd time, it felt like I hadn't studied at all.
Instead of 265 questions, it cut off at 227. I was abit excited and nervous at the same time. I mean, it cut off earlier that it did last time! Surely this is a good thing!
Apparently not.
Found out at 8am, October 18th, that I had failed again and I think that this time, I'll have to wait 90 days before I can take it again, so it'll be 2009 before I can test. I'll call the nursing board on Monday to see if that's the case.
I want to pass it the next time I take it.
So any ideas? Suggestions? I'm considering doing Suzanne's plan and I may get a review book about prioritizing since I had a ton of those questions on both tests.
I'm still going to study the Saunders book since I never finished doing all of it. I started doing Suzanne's plan, but didn't have enough time to finish the first book portion of it.
I'd love to hear any thoughts that you have and thanks for listening!
Hi Dont give up. I took the exam 3 times and found out today that I passed.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Way to go! I'm really happy for you.
The best thing I did was I did an on line review through the NCSBN. It was great. They are also the ones who write the questions for the nclex. I did a 3 week review and it was 50 dollars. The best 50 bucks I ever spent. The questions were so similar to the exam itself. When I took the exam I felt like I knew 90 % of the answers. I am so happy today that I dont know what to do with myself and you will feel that way too. I know exactly how you are feeling now but dont give up. Good luck to you
Is there a link to NCSBN? I know that this is a stupid question, but what is that exactly? I'm definitely going to look into it, so thanks for the suggestion!
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Way to go! I'm really happy for you.
Is there a link to NCSBN? I know that this is a stupid question, but what is that exactly? I'm definitely going to look into it, so thanks for the suggestion!
Sorry to hear that you are having trouble! I took Kaplan and it worked well for me. The trainers were good practice, and, if you score a 65% or higher on them, then there is a 98% chance of passing.
Thanks! So is Kaplan completely online or is it a class that you attend for a week?
Kaplan is expensive, but I'm glad I did it.
Would you be willing to tell me how much it is? I understand if you don't want to.
I've heard good things about the NCSBN course. It is way cheaper than Kaplan and, according to classmates, gives you the practice with the right kind of questions. They offer different lengths of their course, depending on your time frames.
I'm DEFINITELY going to look into that!
I used Saunders and really appreciated the content review, but I didn't feel that the questions were tough enough to get me ready for the passing level NCLEX questions, so that is why I'm glad I chose to do Kaplan too. I've heard good things about Suzanne's plan as well, but didn't do it so I don't know much about it.
I do like Saunders, but I kind of feel the same as you. Maybe Suzanne's plan will help me to see more of what the Saunder's book has to offer.
Don't forget to take a break before you get started again!:) Good luck!
Would you be willing to tell me how much it is? I understand if you don't want to.
I'm DEFINITELY going to look into that!
I do like Saunders, but I kind of feel the same as you. Maybe Suzanne's plan will help me to see more of what the Saunder's book has to offer.
Break?! What's that?:wink2:
Ok...maybe for a day or two...hehe...
Thanks! So is Kaplan completely online or is it a class that you attend for a week?
Kaplan is a class that attended for about a week. I think depending on where you live and what is offered, it could be offered over six weeks too. I paid about 360 bucks, which includes the class and then all of the questions and videos online. I think all in all, there is about 2200 questions.
The NCSBN website, I believe, is learningext.com. Every week I would go there and do the question of the week on their website. Had I not spent so much on Kaplan, I probably would have done their three week course too.
I liked Kaplan because it taught me tricks to think through the questions, plus some strategy too. And I found myself really thinking that way during my exam.
I had some serious stress management issues, that is why I'm such an advocate for rest and relaxation! Some stress is good for motivation to study, but I was really starting to break down! You definitely deserve a break. And I hope your wife starts to feel better-my family is my biggest fan too:)
If you are still looking for the link to the NCSBN go to www.learningext.com when you get there you can look at the courses they offer. I did the 3 weel program for 50 dollars. I loved it and think it really helped. I felt so good about most of the questions. Good luck.
I did Suzanne's plan and passed the first time. I highly recommend it. I can't give details but it gives you great guidelines and really helps you structure your studying. I really encourage you do it.
I did Suzanne's plan and passed the first time. I highly recommend it. I can't give details but it gives you great guidelines and really helps you structure your studying. I really encourage you do it.
I'm sorry to hear that you failed. Since I can relate and prob some others can too...just take some time to pull yourself together and then begin to study...u have to be mentally ready..it is nice to a set a goal but don't give yourself a time limit..since you tried the book and didn't finish it, this time actually go through each section..yes u need dedication and time to complete..i just finished after a month and process of emailing suzanne..i know it's hard not to beat yourself over it but take a deep breath pull yourself together and then start the studying process..you can do it we all can do it..we passed nursing school just have to go over this bump on our journey to become an RN...keep your head up
I'm sorry to hear that you failed. Since I can relate and prob some others can too...just take some time to pull yourself together and then begin to study...u have to be mentally ready..it is nice to a set a goal but don't give yourself a time limit..since you tried the book and didn't finish it, this time actually go through each section..yes u need dedication and time to complete..i just finished after a month and process of emailing suzanne..i know it's hard not to beat yourself over it but take a deep breath pull yourself together and then start the studying process..you can do it we all can do it..we passed nursing school just have to go over this bump on our journey to become an RN...keep your head up
Thanks for the encouragement!
We're still picking up the pieces around here, but we'll be ok.
Actually gonna take a few days off and then get back on the horse!
I too failed two times and felt like quitting. After feeling sorry for myself I decided to gear up and try Suzanne's plan. I am almost done with part 1 and am praying to God that I pass next time. I too tried Kaplan for my first and second attempt.
Metabaronx
29 Posts
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Way to go! I'm really happy for you.
Is there a link to NCSBN? I know that this is a stupid question, but what is that exactly? I'm definitely going to look into it, so thanks for the suggestion!