Finally Passed NCLEX on 4th time.

[thelovelykat13]

Hello all :)

I'm sorry for the long post but... I finally passed my NCLEX!!! I hope that I can also help someone who is in the same boat I was in.

I've been a long time reader of all of these posts and through here I also found motivation! A short bio about me: I graduated from a BSN program in December 2014. I am not going to lie. The nursing program was super hard. On days that I wasn't studying or in class, I was working as a CNA. I was never a good test taker either.

Shortly after graduating, I did the in-class Kaplan review and scheduled my exam a few weeks after.

First time: 265 questions. Fail.

Second time: 120 questions. Fail.

Third time: 122 questions. Fail.

Fourth time: 265 questions and PASS!

The worst feeling was feeling stuck, as if I were not moving forward at all. All of my friends were well into their RN jobs, and many of them passed the first time. Here I was and feeling discouraged trumped every other possibility of going forward and continuing to study.

I tried everything. Did 1500+ questions on uWorld. Used Hurst Review. Did Kaplan twice. Did every quiz trainer out there. There was a disconnect somewhere. It was frustrating.

Many times the thought of this test was daunting. I was intimidated by it. I hated the feeling of seeing "FAIL" over and over.

One of my patients gave me a hug and told me not to give up. That one person made me see this test does NOT define who you will be as a nurse. I went full throttle on studying.

Unlike many other people, I found that studying a lot would make me overthink too much. I was absorbing and memorizing and this interfered with my critical thinking. Instead, every night I would just dedicate 30 minutes to an hour and review drugs or complications of procedures or a section on NCSBN. I did this so I wouldn't feel overwhelmed or over loaded with information.

Here are my study tools for the 4th time:

a) NCSBN review.

I only used the 3 week course but it was great with content. I liked how it broke content based off the same categories of the NCLEX. I did not use their questions. (I liked this more than the Saunders book)

b) Priority, Delegation, and Assignment by Linda LaCharity.

I found this book reading through the forum... And I absolutely loved it. I rented it through Amazon, too. It broke down questions by system and really puts emphasis on priority and delegation. I would study a chapter or two a day... It's not a huge book either, but the questions were challenging.

C) 35 page study guide

This study guide I actually got through the forums... It was just basically like a cram of info with basic drugs and positions and infection precaution pneumonics that really helped me memorize things!

After having to spend $300 on each time I took the exam, I really didn't have the money for a personal tutor or paying for another review. I really budgeted. The NCSBN course was $50 for the 3 weeks and renting LaCharity was $18 for a semester.

DAY BEFORE THE EXAM!

I woke up early ~8am and gave myself a time limit. I was only allowed to study from 8-5. I reviewed lab values and drugs as well as went over complications or diseases and abnormal findings. When 5 came, I stopped and ended up watching Netflix and unwinding for the next day.

May 24: EXAM DAY.

My exam was scheduled for 8am...

I got to the testing center at 7:15 and I just colored in my adult coloring book. It was relaxing.

While testing... This time around I did NOT look at the clock or the question I was on. I reread the question and looked at the answer. I eliminated the obvious wrongs and did not select an answer until I was sure. And promptly clicked next.

Feeling confident and not pressured by the clock was the difference between this test and the other three times. I came out of the testing center and I did not feel defeated. I 100% was confident in every answer.

Fast forward 2 days: May 26th

Around 11am my quick results were ready. I was with one of my favorite patients in the entire world... And once the payment was put it, the Unofficial Result screen said "Pass." At that moment, it was like a huge boulder was off of my shoulders. Sure enough I checked on the state boards website and it said Registered Nurse and my license number.

When I came back from my lunch break, my favorite patient made me a card and her mom drove to the Cheesecake Factory and got me a red velvet cheesecake. I was balling in my patient's room... And she was just laughing the entire time. It was one of the best days ever... And I got to spend it with her as well.

• If you take anything away from my story, DO NOT GIVE UP. everything has a time and a place. If you really want something, you'll do what it takes, no matter what.

• take your time. It's not a rush, work and study at your own pace. Everyone is different and has different studying styles and techniques. Find what works for you and your schedule.

• Do not look back. The tests were in the past. The last two times, I felt like I was crumbling while I was taking the test because I knew what it felt like to fail. Give yourself that chance and refresh yourself.

• surround yourself with positive people who love and support you! Because sometimes things get overwhelming!

Gook luck everyone! Don't hesistate to email if you have any questions!

Now I'm proud to say I'm Kat, BSN RN :)

[Anitaraye]

Just wanted to say COGRATS!!!! You did an awesome job!

[Flnolegirl]

Congrats

[ForCK]

Congratulations. I am a repeat test taker and I found out I passed literally like an hour ago. SO happy to finally be an RN! Thank you God and UWorld!!!

[jalana]

Hello Kat, Congratulations on passing your exam. I'm currently in the same situation you were in a couple months back. I'm writing because I am looking for inspiration and advice on how to attack this exam. I'm losing more and more motivation to study as days go by. I try to stay positive and keep pushing forward but I can only do so much to keep the mindset. I am also wondering how long did you wait in between each exam? Should I schedule my exam asap? When will I know if I'm prepared to take this exam? you can contact me here or at my email - [email protected]

Thank you for your time.

[tameen]

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nursecay43]

What did you do differently between the first, second, and third time?

[vuphan86]

[C) 35 page study guide

This study guide I actually got through the forums... It was just basically like a cram of info with basic drugs and positions and infection precaution pneumonics that really helped me memorize things!

After having to spend $300 on each time I took the exam, I really didn't have the money for a personal tutor or paying for another review. I really budgeted. The NCSBN course was $50 for the 3 weeks and renting LaCharity was $18 for a semester.

Would you please to send me the 35 pages studyguide?

[Poshest]

@thelovelykat13 I know it might be too late to congratulate you; but ask the same, a BIGGER congratulations to you. I know you passed your NCLEX since 2016. I am on it now. Trying to pass my exam. Everything you wrote about how you felt, is the same way I am feeling right now. I have taken exam 4x. The late time, I had only 1 below passing. I was a little prou of myself, but the thought of studying again got me frustrated. I really pls do need your help. I interested buying the NCSBN for 5 weeks. But can you pls help me with your 35 page study guide.? Thanks and I await your reply