Failed in 210 questions

J845 · Aug 31, 2014

What have you been using to study?

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2014

Kellbell, you are NOT the lowest of the low, but everyone feels the same way when they fail. You can pass this!

There are lots of nurses here who passed who will be happy to give you suggestions, but in order to give you something you can use, we will need more information. Start with what you used to study. If you used Kaplan or Hurst, they will offer you a second free course or your money back. If you used neither, you probably need to choose one. Did you do a lot of practice questions? Typically those of us who passed do 100-200 a day for several weeks. You have 45 days (or longer if you need it) to study, so that's a lot of practice!

You will get something from PV showing you which areas you did well in and which you did not. Anything that is above the passing line is probably ingrained in your brain and you will just need a short review. Below the passing standard will be things you need to focus on, including almost at the passing line. That information will help you to prepare, but what you really need to ask yourself is if you are more weak on content review or strategy and then choose your study resources based on your needs.

If, after everything is said and done, you still can't figure out what went wrong, you should consider a tutor. Check at your school for recommendations.

BSNRN2014 · Sep 1, 2014

Use Kaplan!!!

I bought the $499 package (includes class session) and it was money well spent. Here's what I did and it helped me pass at 75 questions:

1. Attend the class

2. Listen to the Lectures (videos) and the videos reviewing in class questions.

3. Do all the Q trainers (I did all of them except one, # 5).

4. Do the Q bank- try and do all the questions. (i did 75% )

5. Do the alternate format question 1 day or 2 days before your test date

Do not waste time reading the review book from cover to cover. Do questions, more questions and review/ look up info as you go. If you have time review ALL the questions including the ones you got right, look at all the answer choices as it will give you extra info as to why each choice was right/wrong/not priority. Then if you have time, review the incorrect questions a second time.

If you run out of time look at the analysis section, see how the scores was distributed and what areas you are weak in. I looked at areas less than 60 % and then I would go back to the test and review the questions in that weak area.

Make notes if you notice a trend, I made note for areas that I was weak in or for any concept I could not remember. I organized it by section ( Management of Care/Positioning/Pharm etc). The key with notes is keeping everything organized so that you can find the info easily.

Lastly, this is something you have to think about...get a tutor. Two weeks before my test I was overwhelmed and felt disorganized and I finally bit the bullet and hired a tutor. She really helped me to be organized and provided me with the structure that I needed. When I was taking the test I found myself using the tips that she gave me to answer a majority of the questions, even the ones I didn't know.

Stay positive, during the exam I wrote on the dry erase board " You will Pass !!!" and every time I got to a challenging question I would take a break and read those words before going back to the question. I also took a break when I felt physically tired and overwhelmed by a question (# 33) and I did not wait for the scheduled 2 hr break. I went to the bathroom, washed my face with cold water and took a brisk walk in the hallway. When I returned to my computer, I knew how to answer #33 :) It definitely helps to walk away/ look away from the computer to regroup before answering a challenging question. Prayer also helped me, knowing that I wasn't alone during the test also added to my confidence.

I hope this helps :)

buspar · Sep 1, 2014

Bsnrn2014. Do u mind sharing ur Kaplan trainer scores?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Sep 1, 2014

You should be receiving a CPR (Candidate Performance Report) that will show areas of weakness. THIS is what will help guide you (and us, if we can help) through the next round of studying.

Once you have this....we will try :)

Kell Bell, ASN, RN · Sep 1, 2014

I used Virtual ATI and will admit I did not get the green light. I was just so done with the program though, the powerpoints were so monotonous and boring. I have decided I am going to take Hurst online because I have heard such great things about it. I just watched a sample video and that is my kind of learning! Interactive and not so boring. I can't wait to get m CPR so I can see more as to what went wrong. How long does that take to get?

PS I have a Kaplan Strategies, Practice and Review workbook I will use until I can register for Hurst next week. Starting fresh sounds the way to go! I am hoping getting the CPR makes me feel a little more in control!

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Sep 1, 2014

kellbell, if you did not get the green light, I think you have half of your answer as to what went wrong!

Our school used ATI and right after I graduated decided it was not a great test prep and changed to Kaplan. So getting your CPR will answer a lot more of your question! Hurst is said to be a great prep. If that is the way you learn, it will most likely work for you!!

Be sure you get the Hurst "green light" before you take it again. Remember even if you book a time and date, you can change it without penalty if you don't feel ready 24 hours before the test.

We ALL understand how you can feel so done with studying. It is mind altering! Be sure to take breaks! I forced myself to take off one day a week and just relax and have fun. That helped too!

monicaa_rn · Sep 2, 2014

My school also used ATI for NCLEX RN and we all hated it (no joke). I got the green light with a 98% chance of passing & failed. Same thing with a handful of people I know. Second time I went to the Hurst live review (PHENOMENAL), did EVERYTHING from them, did PDA & the Lippincott Alternate Format book newest edition (AWESOME for those who need help with SATA, drag & drop)... & passed. I didn't stress myself out the second time. I studied, had a part-time job in the ICU and took time for me. It's a matter of dedication. You might also want to read the NCLEX RN candidate booklet from the NCSBN to get a better understanding. It really helped me. Everyone has their own way of learning. I'm better with visual aids. I made colored flashcards, wrote down imp. things & wallpapered my room (LOL) with mnemonics for infection control, priority...etc. Find what suits you best & work at your own pace. Best of luck!

Kell Bell, ASN, RN · Sep 3, 2014

I was going back and forth with what prep program Hurst or NCSBN. I would only be able to do Hurst online but hear their videos are basically verbatim of the class. Does Hurst teach you HOW to take the NCLEX? ATI surely did not! I kept getting more and more questions with poor rationales based on content vs why the answer was chosen. ATI wasn't helping me anymore and thank you for supporting my green light theory!

Kell Bell, ASN, RN · Sep 3, 2014

Honestly think the green light had nothing to do with ATI. I know about 6 people who got it and failed. ATI doesn't prepare you on HOW to take NCLEX. Content is great but lacking in approach technique with questions. I graduated with honors and know my stuff but also know that approach is everything!

monicaa_rn · Sep 3, 2014

Kell Bell.... No problem, I really despised ATI. The rationales were terrible, it was just a mess. We always had problems. I've done NCSBN as well (3 week). With NCSBN it's A LOT & I mean A LOT of reading content. It's VERY time consuming. Personally, I don't think they give enough time for all of it. Information overload, but it's good info. However, the questions and rationales are great. I got frustrated with all the reading & just did the questions. It's worth the $50. Hurst for content & NCSBN for questions. Message me Kell Bell. I can send you some personal things I have saved.