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!
I thank you for sharing information pertaining to a success story which shows plenty determination. I upgraded my membership today and bought the Saunders book edition 4th today for I want to join Suzanne's group. However, I have no idea what is her e-mail. Do you know the best way to contact her. I tried to the reply thing and I ended up sending the message to the people who investigates sexual harassment and rude remarks...for sure they are not going to be happy with me. I need information and I'll appreciate it if you could shed some light on how to join the group and contact Suzanne. Thanks, feliz3
Hello, sorry to hear that you did not pass on the second time but do not give up. I did not pass my first time around and is now looking forward to taking mine in December. It was very stressful the first time around because I did not get in enough study time in but just like you I was near passing in all areas and above passing un HPM. Keep studying and remember that each approach is different but the overall concept for the test is the same.
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hi dear determined,
I thank you for sharing information pertaining to a success story which shows plenty determination. I upgraded my membership today and bought the Saunders book edition 4th today for I want to join Suzanne's group. However, I have no idea what is her e-mail. Do you know the best way to contact her. I tried to the reply thing and I ended up sending the message to the people who investigates sexual harassment and rude remarks...for sure they are not going to be happy with me. I need information and I'll appreciate it if you could shed some light on how to join the group and contact Suzanne. Thanks, feliz3
Do not send her a email. Once you have completed the first tip you send a pm with the information she requests in the format she asks for. To send a pm click on her name and then select send private message
I know that it takes a lot of preparation going into a board. Its like going into a battle. This is a simple and most powerful thing you can carry on in life. Why is PRAYER important? Prayer quiets our heart. Prayer clears our vision. Prayer activates our faith and prayer makes things to happen. GOODLUCK!
I definitely agree with you... prayer is one of the most important factors to me for it gets me centered and focus on my goals.
Another lesson learned the hard way from my own ordeal is to do anything and everything within my power to sit to take the NCLEX prepared to take it...for whenever the feeling of been unprepared to answer the questions took over, I panicked, and after that it was downhill for me. feliz3
One of a few reasons. You may have over-studied or are a bad test taker. Look into test taking stratagies and how to prepare. After the first failure, you lost confidence and this may have doomed you on your 2nd attempt. Good luck and keep in mind, I have worked with some real stupid nurses and I mean real DUMB. If you believe that you are of common intelligence compared to your peers and you stayed with the pack in nursing school, dont worry, you will pass just take my later advice. If you are a bit slow or struggled in nursing school in most aspects maybe this isnt for you. Hopefully my first reason. In any case good luck!
I took the test on August 20th and failed... I tend to agree with the previous post in that after you fail once, it diminishes your confidence. I hadn't picked up a book since and just started, hoping to do Suzanne's plan since I can't afford a course. I was a nurse for 7 years and I let my liscence lapse... you would think I knew more, but much has changed and it has been a long time since I was in school. He is right, there are a lot of nurses who are flat STUPID, and if they can do it, anyone of moderate intelligence can. I am getting in the saddle and speaking confidence over myself ... I may have been OVERconfident since I had been a nurse before. I will keep taking the sucker til I pass. God bless and hang in there.
I took the test on August 20th and failed... I tend to agree with the previous post in that after you fail once, it diminishes your confidence. I hadn't picked up a book since and just started, hoping to do Suzanne's plan since I can't afford a course. I was a nurse for 7 years and I let my liscence lapse... you would think I knew more, but much has changed and it has been a long time since I was in school. He is right, there are a lot of nurses who are flat STUPID, and if they can do it, anyone of moderate intelligence can. I am getting in the saddle and speaking confidence over myself ... I may have been OVERconfident since I had been a nurse before. I will keep taking the sucker til I pass. God bless and hang in there.
Dear fellow student,
First at all, I want to talk to you out of respect and admiration for you were a nurse once and you will be a nurse, again. Definitely, I will not waste my time and yours by judging you using arbitrary rules for determining whether or not your are suitable to become a nurse again just because you did not pass the NCLEX this time.
You must consider, though, that since you were a nurse the standards to prove you have the minimum state requirements for having a license have increased. That fact of life is OK for the standards are there for a reason: for your own protection as a health care professional and for patient safety.
Look at the positive aspect of your experience, dear friend, you learned something about yourself and the way you prepared to take the NCLEX. Remember the old saying:"what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." Use this expereince to strengthen your critical thinking skills for that is what the NCLEX is about: critical thinking skills. When you earn your license back you will be an incredible asset to your profession because you are bringing in what you are today and the insight you gained from your past experiences as a health care professional.
I failed the NCLEX, too, the last time I took it, and as you I was discouraged for a while, but what brought me back with force and enthusiasm was reading the preface of the Saunders book 4th edition in which the author, Linda Anne Silvestri admits having difficulties as a student and that was the reason Slivestri decided to dedicate her life to teach and research methods for test success for students. The opinion and example of this woman--Linda Anne Silvestri-- is something I am willing to consider and reflect upon since she has dedicated her life to help students to pass the NCLEX.
I hope this conversation has been helpful to you, and I must stress upon you that my intention answering your post is to encourage you to continue out of respect and admiration for you and your decision to get your license once more. Best, feliz3
feliz3
382 Posts
Hi dear determined,
I thank you for sharing information pertaining to a success story which shows plenty determination. I upgraded my membership today and bought the Saunders book edition 4th today for I want to join Suzanne's group. However, I have no idea what is her e-mail. Do you know the best way to contact her. I tried to the reply thing and I ended up sending the message to the people who investigates sexual harassment and rude remarks...for sure they are not going to be happy with me. I need information and I'll appreciate it if you could shed some light on how to join the group and contact Suzanne. Thanks, feliz3