Failed twice. Don't know how to start again

[john.c]

Hi, I'm new to the site and I've been reading articles in here. As the title says I've failed my second time of taking the NCLEX exam. I know a lot of people already know the frustration, anger, and depression you feel when you see that Fail status in your results. This is more of a vent and a need for advice post and I'm sorry if it seems petty. First time I took the exam I took the Rachel Allen review and read the Saunders NCLEX reviewer. I thought the RA review was really good and really made me know more about the content which I needed (Being out of nursing school for a year now) I am an international student so I thought I needed to learn more about the content that was thought here in the US. The review lasted for 10 days live course. What I would do is read the Saunders and rewrite the lectures of RA just to master my content more. I did 147 questions before the exam stopped. I was really nervous cause I was not sure if i passed or not. Sadly, I failed.I was more than devastated. Not failing any major exam til now made me confident in taking this exam but at the same time finding out that I failed really hit me hard. If it wasnt for my family and friends I wouldnt be able to start reviewing again. I took a whole month off anything nursing just to find myself and prepare for my next take. Second time around I tried to just self study. I reviewed the content from my RA review and of course the Saunders again. Bought the LaCharity prio book and even uworld. I studied for 1 and a half month for my second exam ( maybe a little rushed but I find that if i set a deadline I study more) I did 1 month of reviewing the content and 2-3 weeks of doing practice questions. I did about 1,400+ questions in uworld averaging about %55 percent. I would read all the rationales of both the answers I got right and wrong. I took my exam last february 29th leap day (thought it will increase my luck since it only comes every 4 years haha) The exam took me to 122 questions and it felt good since I had more SATAs (about 25 or more) lots of priority questions. Only had 1 calculation question. 2 days later found out I failed. So now I'm looking for a different review program (thinking hurst since it has more content) but I can't seem to commit my self. I dont know if its self doubt or hopelessness but I know I'm gonna have to do it. Its all I can do. I'm not working right now but since I'm getting this feeling like im a burden to my family, the thought of getting a part time job has crossed my mind. My parents told me just to concentrate on studying, since if i start working my focus will be split between the two. I just really want to repay my family for their support for me. Is there any tips you guys can give me to study for my 3rd take? Sorry for the long vent and thank you for your time in reading this.

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

Sounds like you may need to alter your studying plan. I don't know how you were in nursing school or if you were required to do any adaptive testing, but it may do you good if you work on more questions than content.

[john.c]

We didnt do any adaptive testing back in nursing school thats why I had to practice tons of questions when I reviewed for the NCLEX. and yes I believe I need to change up my study plan a lot. Thank you.

[cptforge.gil]

Pick up the pieces and reorganize yourself. Have a vacation and get back to studying when you forgotten all your stuff.

Thats what I would do.

[john.c]

Thank you! Yea just trying to organize my study schedule right now. slowly getting back into it.

[MissRN_2016]

I have the ReMarc, Mark Klimek, and Uworld review on sale for $80. If interested, please email [email protected]

[ImJustaNurse, BSN, RN]

I feel for you dude. However, DON'T EVER give up. No matter how many times it takes you to push through, dig deep and take the boards again. You passed nursing school which tells me that you are already an incredibly smart person. I used uworld and a saunders book. U world is great especially for the app and their rationales are amazing. Saunders book was more of a reference. DO NOT OVER STUDY! It's in your brain already. Doing questions and referencing is all you should be doing to bring it out of hibernation. More than anything for me it was the mental preparation. Although this test is the most important of our careers thus far, it is in fact JUST a test. How many tests have we taken and failed? I can't even count on two hands. It is impossible to memorize everything for the boards. So I just went in and took the damn thing. When in doubt, go back to the basics. A&P, ABC's, process of elimination, and common sense can be your best friend when you don't know a question. So when you're ready, pick up yourself back up, do the questions and knock em dead! Good luck and God bless!

[kandiceb2013]

Try Kaplan don't focus to much on content it will come from answering questions write down what you got wrong and try to truly understand the rationale. Take your week off and get back into it know it's not easy because I've been there. Use process of elimination. Try to figure out what the Questions are truly asking you. Eliminate all distractions. You truly at times have to give up things temporary to get the prize at the end

[Ackeem, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Also an international guy here never done an computer adaptive test. However my advice to you is to focus more on questions and rationals, good luck i test in 3 weeks.

Also assess cpr to see areas you were underperforming in and work on those.

[john.c]

Thank you for the feedback guys! Really appreciate it and need it! Yes I'll be scheduling my exam once my 45 days are up. Do you guys have like a site to suggest for nclex style questions? aside from kaplan and uworld

[kandiceb2013]

Saunders book came with. A online part all questions but found them to be not as difficult but as time went on I only did application and analysis questions on Saunders those are the supposed type of above passing questions