Failed 1st time, what are your opinions on this strategy for the next (and LAST!) one

[number41]

Hey all,

So in my class quite a few of us have failed. At least 3 of us were people that did really well in school, and didn't see this coming. In fact, we had the highest GPA's and did well on practice exams. When I left the test, I felt like I never even got a shot to prove what I could do. I had a hard time with some very random questions in the beginning and by the time I was able to calm down and finally get harder questions it was over. I knew instantly I was done. My report has me near the standard on all accounts and not above on any (this shocked me).

I've read a lot on here but still haven't decided how to move forward. So I spoke to my AP professor (sent an email and she finally got back). This was what she said to do (but I have some concerns?):

Study one review book: Saunders, or Mosby. She said to forget Kaplan since we all did that and it obviously didn't work for us, even though we had passing level scores (according to their model). She said that I should take beyond the 45 days here and spend 2 and a half months or so breaking it apart and making notes. She said to do a few hundred questions a week but no more than that. She offered to answer some questions if I didn't get anything, or refer me to an AP colleague who can tutor me on what I don't get.

Some of this makes sense but what concerns me is the following:

1) I know he's qualified to teach AP as a tutor, he's a prof too, but is that what I really need for nursing? After all I made it to graduation. I can't imagine it's just AP holding me back. Some of the questions were random and I just didn't know that content.

2) There's no mention of any delegation type work in this suggestion

3) Isn't that a lot of time to put off testing?

4) This seems like a very comprehensive review of all that is nursing.. maybe I need this. But is this the best thing? This guy doesn't believe in test taking strategies.

Any advice or thoughts would be suggested. I kind of see her point, because I obviously got myself here for a very good reason, but I also feel like these people might not be the best resources for a nursing test they never took? I've been mulling over this for one week and I'm not sure how to proceed.

Thanks for your thoughts

Best of luck to all who have to take it or retake it, we can do this :)

[x3kaylaRN]

I was a C student in nursing school. I passed my first time June 14. I only uses Saunders and briefly looked at the study guide on this website. my questions were soo hard, I had like 50 sata. but I did it and so can you! do over 5000 practice questions!

[TXRN44]

I was top of my class as well and thought I would fail after I took it, but I passed the first time in 75 questions. I did the Hurst review, but the only thing that prepared me was doing over 3000 practice questions the month ahead of the test. I read the rationales of the ones I got wrong and I used Saunders. I noticed that many of the questions I practiced were similar to the ones on NCLEX and really helped me pass.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

To answer some of your questions, I think that studying for at least two months is reasonable. I also think that Saunders is a great source that is close to the NCLEX. My question is what was your level? Were you near passing? Below passing?

Remember, NCLEX does not test "content" per se, but application to your knowledge. A entry level safe, competent nurse needs to be able to provide Safe, effective care; Health Promotion; Physiologic Integrity and Psychosocial Integrity. You must answer the BEST answer when questions based in the four areas appear on the NCLEX.

I used several sources for my NCLEX questions. If you chose one, go with Saunders. I used the Flash Cards, which had questions in all four areas with rationales. Review the questions and the rationales, if you don't understand the rationales, review.

Once you figure out what area you need studying, prioritize each area and go from there.

Good luck!