failed 1st attempt at NCLEX,

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Hello, I failed my 1st attempt at the NCLEX, I take it again next week, im freaking out, so nervous of failure again! any advice or testing stratagies that would be helpful? I have studied the Kaplan, Saunders, and Lippencott books. Now im on the exam cram book. Just dont know what Im doing wrong. I did pretty good in school just cant seem to get right on any of the online practice tests I take. Please help!!! thank you

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NCLEX questions are tricky and are designed to make you think. They usually give you 4 choices and two of the choices are nearly the same and always the wrong choices. The last two are the two you have to pick from.

I did both the LPN and RN NCLEX and I passed both on my first attempt but have no idea how. I studied but did NOT over study. I used a CD and a book to study and I DID not study at all several days before I took both exams. If you study up until the evening before your boards I think you may set yourself up for failure.

Above all else DO NOT GIVE UP!!! Walk into your next testing center with the attitude that you're the smartest person there and feel confident about yourself. I know this is easy to say but try it.

Good luck and let us know how you do OK??

Gary

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Ok.

What do you think you are "doing wrong"?

Have you looked at your weak areas and concentrated on those areas?

Why is your percentage on your practice exams? Is it near or at least 70%-the higher the percentage, the higher your chances of passing.

If you are a mess, please reschedule the exam so you can "get yourself together". You need to be prepared to take his exam with a clear, confident mind and relaxation exercises if needed for the test anxiety issues, if you need it.

Breathe, look at your weak areas, and go from there...review questions and rationales; correct and incorrect. Make mock NCLEX test exams to get a feel of it and reduce stress.

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Thank you, at this point, I just feel like I hit a wall. I can usually eliminate the 2 wrong answers. But then go back and forth with the other two. Do you think the Kaplan course would help?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I used the Kaplan book and other sources because the course was WAY outbid my budget; I also used the NCSBN program, from the makers of NCLEX. I know a few cohorts who used it and passed; more reasonably priced, and the best part, questions from the makers of NCLEX.

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I'll look into the NCSBN program... still going to take the exam next week. With a positive attitude. Thank you so much.

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Specializes in L&D, Orthopedics & Public Health.

I studied everynight for a month. Mind you this was back in 2008, but I used the Saunders Comprehensive review for the NCLEX-PN exam, along with the Kaplan study guide. It made my self do 100 questions every night before I went to bed until I completed all the questions and got a passing grade. Then the night before my exam I went back through and re did the tests that I knew I needed help with. I also remembered to read the question first normally, then scan the answers given, then re read the question slowly and throw out the 2 I knew were wrong then choose the most appropriate answer. TAKE A DEEP BREATH, and DON'T OVER THINK THIS!!! You will do fine!

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I failed my first time, but I admit it was my fault. I already started prereqs for the bridge program & was so concerned with them that I forgot the ATT only lasted so long. So I just signed up & took the test without really studying. Not surprisingly I failed. I wasn't too upset, I knew I needed to study more. I downloaded apps on my phone & got into study mode. After I took it the second time I passed. This was 4 years ago.

Don't be down on yourself, the NCLEX is a beast! I would space more time between now & the retest so you have time to go over your weak areas. Don't be nervous, you passed nursing school so you can do this!

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what apps are out there for your phone to help prepare?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
what apps are out there for your phone to help prepare?

Lippincott has a few apps I used when I was on the go...I went on vacation and squeeze a review or two during the plane trip.

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If I understand your post above (stefibox), you took the NCLEX on 1/28 and are about to retake it? I have re-registered with Pearson Vue and the BON and paid the appropriate fees. I tested 1/24 and just recvd my "candidate performance report" on 2/07 telling me the results. It stated that I could not retake the test until 45 days after the date of the last exam. I'm so confused. I just want to get this process over with.

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If I understand your post above (stefibox) you took the NCLEX on 1/28 and are about to retake it? I have re-registered with Pearson Vue and the BON and paid the appropriate fees. I tested 1/24 and just recvd my "candidate performance report" on 2/07 telling me the results. It stated that I could not retake the test until 45 days after the date of the last exam. I'm so confused. I just want to get this process over with.[/quote']

I don't think they took the test on the 28th, just posted the thread on the 28th.

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