failed the second time with 265 qts. so depressed!

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jun 18, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear that you didn't make it this time. Regroup! :nono: I don't know if this is the case for you, but many people fail because they focus on knowing the right answer provided in the study material. However, if you don't know how you came to the right answer, you will likely select an incorrect option when the NCLEX paraphrases the information in its questions. You must know why you selected an answer (even the ones that you answered correctly), as it strengthens your critical thinking skills:down:. If you learn how to do that, only one source of study materials will be needed.

The best example of critical thinking can be found in those 'who would you see first' questions. For example: (A critical K+ patient or a critical Hgb patient). If there is no mention in the question of active bleeding that you can SEE, you should choose the K+ patient since these levels affect the heart. You may know this already, but I'm saying you should apply that type of critical thinking to all of the questions.

Now, as far as a second failure, I hate to sound insensitive because I'm not. But, Heaven forbid in your situation, there are students here who have taken the NCLEX far more times than you have and have passed; and some are still trying. I think THOSE people have tried everything, and probably need to work on their test-taking skills at this point. Yes, you studied harder. But if you studied in the same fashion (only harder) that led to your first failure, then you set yourself up to fail even before you arrived at the testing center. :banghead: There is actually some foundation to the cliche "study smarter, not harder".

Take a few days or a couple of weeks to regain your composure. :brb: Then go at it again, with a different approach. I think that if you take the time to really understand the material that you're studying, there would be no time to adequately go through all of the resources that you mentioned in the three-month period that you provided. And you probably wouldn't need all of those things if you gained an adequate understanding of one. That's just my opinion based on what I did 4 years ago, 2 months after they revised the NCLEX. FWIW, everybody thinks their test is harder than those who have gone before them. :nailbiting: Good luck to you on your next and hopefully final attempt!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jun 18, 2014

BSNINTHEWORKS has given you excellent advice...I would like to add:

The issue may not necessarily the source of the review, but how one approaches the NCLEX itself: understanding the four concepts of becoming a competent, entry-level nurse:

1. Safe, effective care;

2.Health promotion;

3.Physiological Integrity;

4.Psychosocial integrity

Will determine WHAT the question is asking you; if you are having issues and are near or below passing; start with what stumps you in applying the questions-review questions and rationales; if you still don't understand the rationales, THEN review content for better understanding. If SATA and alternative format is an issue, then review strategies for understanding SATA, and alternate format, review rationales, THEN go to the content...understand where I am going with this?

Try also preparing for the exam by questions only; pay attention to percentage of questions correct-the higher your percentages, the increased chances of passing the NCLEX.

Before taking another exam, please take a step back and look at what is preventing you from choosing the best answer.