Failing the NCLEX...

Published

Specializes in Psych.

I got my results back & while I "only" got one "under the passing level", & 2 "over", the rest were simply "at the passing level"..I failed in 265 questions. So how is this possible? My question is simply because I keep getting told 'Oh you were so close!' but how can that be when I was only "above" in 2 categories? It keeps giving you questions to see if you can pass, but how was I SO CLOSE? Someone told me I was only off by one question but how can that be unless that question I missed encompasses all the categories I wasn't above in?

Does this make sense? I also asked this in a facebook group & got a LOT of mixed results & no one seemed to understand what I was trying to ask. I just am wondering if I am closer than I thought or way off...'cause I take it again soob & already feel so dejected......:(

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You have to be "at passing level" or above in all categories to pass. So if you had one category that you were under passing level that's why you failed. Study that category that you were deficient in. Throughout the test you probably had several questions that fell under that category but were worded so that it looked like they implied another meaning.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

I don't think that anyone can say that you missed it by 1 or even 5 questions. What they can say is that the area in which you were below the passing standard is what you need to work on. If you were at passing level or above that is good. I would still study those areas as well, but concentrate more on the area in which you were below standards.

I wish you the best of luck and when you are ready start the prep for another try. Don't let this one drawback discourage you from attaining your goals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

You have to be at and above the passing level in ALL categories to successfully pass the NCLEX.

The NCLEX is a CAT (computer adaptive testing) exam; once you get a correct basic answer in a category, the computer will continue to give the examiner increasing difficult questions; if the examiner gets a question incorrect, the computer drops back down to basic question; if one continue to not answer basic questions correctly, you drop to below basic competency, and depending on how many questions, the computer shuts off.

The examiner must understand what comprises a competent, entry-level nurse; what the NCLEX is testing for in four categories:

1.Safe, effective care;

2. Health Promotion;

3. Physiological Integrity;

4. Psychosocial Integrity.

Understanding WHAT (meaning the four main categories) the question is asking and applying the BEST answer is the key to passing the NCLEX.

Looking at your report and finding out what is stumping you for being unable to choose the best answer is key. Look at all your below, and near passing and focus on that; look into finding sources to go over particular questions related to those questions (Kaplan book comes to mind for me, as well as Saunders NCLEX flash cards) and start there.

Best wishes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

Well I passed!!!!!

'The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.'

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

Congratulations! I'm very, very happy for you! You have now conquered the exam.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.
Well I passed!!!!!

'The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.'

Very good! Congratulations.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

Thanks so much!!! :)

'The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.'

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok, now I'm officially confused: your first post said you had failed, and cited the CPR. Next post said you had passed.

What happened between Post A and Post B? Did you get an official notice of failure...or not?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

I did fail, a few months ago. I was curious as to how "far off" or close I was....nerves getting the best of me because I was set to retake....I retook it on June 18th & passed.

'The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.'

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I did fail, a few months ago. I was curious as to how "far off" or close I was....nerves getting the best of me because I was set to retake....I retook it on June 18th & passed.

'The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.'

Oh, OK! LOL, I thought I was seeing things because June 16th's post was 'I failed' and July 2nd's post was 'I passed'! Wondered what happened in the last two weeks....:)

Congrats, and welcome to the fold!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion