For those who have failed the NCLEX

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I have failed that "test that shall not be named" as i used to call it more than three times. I just wanted to say to those out there who have not had the best luck on the NCLEX first time around. Stick with it and stay positive. Like everyone says, do lots of questions, know the basics of everything, know the categories of drugs and major side effects (when i had no clue i just picked the system it works with) and more than anything DO NOT overthink the question. When i finally passed it was when i went through and just answered with the first answer that came to mind, barely used the board and finished with 75 questions in 1.5 hrs. Last time had 256 and 5.5 hrs and failed, if that shows much overthinking i was doing. You made it through nursing school and that is not an easy task, destroy that test for it really is nothing compared to what you have conquered in all of your life i am sure. We hype this test up to level where we have given ourselves anxiety that controls our life when it is all a mind game. Eat well, exercise, don't overstudy, and breathe. The "test that shall not be named" is the NCLEX and you can say its name since you are not afraid of it. Good luck and breathe. Yes, i know i am a dork, but seeing other people post the set backs they had with the NCLEX helped me get through and not give up.

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Thank you for encouragement :)

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I would like to add that it took me three tries as well. A good study tool I used for the last two times was Hurst Review online. Study it inside and out, memorize, learn, and know it! It pretty much is the basis of everything you've learned in Nursing school in a nutshell and I feel it does help with critical thinking skills in real life. Kaplan was ok but I feel there was too much information and overwhelming. I think it took me a third time b/c I didn't apply myself the second and plus I was pregnant and distracted a lot. But besides all that, Hurst is the way to go. Keep at it for those who struggle (as do I) at studying and stay the course. The hard part was nursing school. Spend a few hours a day until D-day and apply yourself. It's a great feeling once you get your license in the mail!

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Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

Wow, my heart goes out to you guys! My stomach started growling soooooo loud when I sat to take the test (it was really a freak thing), and of course its deathly quiet in test room, and it was every 5 minutes or so, if that thing wouldn't have cut off at 75, I was not going to be able to stay concious b/c I know it was so distracting, will never forget that! When I was leaving The test lady said "now go eat!" lol! I don't think I was able too for a while, it was an experience! Great Luck Everyone, and eat a small snack before!!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I agree eat before the exam, mine shut off at 75 and I knew I passed. The SATA questions can be debilitating. What helped me was If I was stuck on picking an answer I didn't pick it, I was over thinking. Must be I did something right cause I passed. You can all do it too, like the original poster stated, you passed nursing school you can conquer anything!! :)

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You want to know on how to pass it the first time around...???? Plant your self in a seat and STUDY!!! And with all due respect if you fail it 3..,4...,10... times maybe nursing isn't for you, and you just wasted a couple of years of your time and thousands of dollars for nothing. Better failing and knowing this gig isn't for you than going out there and killing or seriously injurying someone later.

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And this is why i am not a fan of posting comments or opinions on the internet. Everyone has an opinion i guess. Just because some folks are worse than others at taking tests or retain information slower does not make them horrible nurses. Some of us may not have had access to amazing clinicals where we were able to have great hands on experience. Some of us may have not gone to the best schools out there, for options were limited. Yes, a few out there may have been slackers the first time they took it, but others have studied as if it were the job of a lifetime. Some of the most amazing nurses that i have worked with struggled with the nclex and ended up better and stronger for that. If your heart isn't in it, than please give up for the safety of others. If you work extremely hard and want this more than anything, keep moving forward and get up that next step.

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I passed NCLEX my first time with 75 questions... I think I passed with the minimal questions, because I went with the first answer that came to mind. I did not stress over what I didnt know...I have no time or patiences for that. I refused to over think the questions... I think most people downfall is not lack of knowlege on that test, its anxiety and overanalyzing questions. Kuri is absolutely right...Go with your very first answer-gut instinct!! dont overanalyze questions... .Good luck to all taking!!!

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Hey Kiru - Remember the NCLEX is a proficiency test.... If you fail it multiple times, sadly it means you don't know your stuff! It doesn't matter what school you went to, or where you did your clinicals, or any experience you might have or have not, it means knowing the BASICS of nursing. Also you got to remember just having the desire in your heart doesn't always cut it (if that was the case I would be a Major League Baseball player for the past 15 years), but that is just my two cents. Also if you can't take a little critizism either get a new line of work or get some tougher skin. Because if you think I am mean, rude, or whats between your glutes, wait unitl you deal with some family members, or doctors at 3 AM, or your manager yelling at you because you are five minutes on over time.....Oh yeah, lastly....welcome to nursing!

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Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.
You want to know on how to pass it the first time around...???? Plant your self in a seat and STUDY!!! And with all due respect if you fail it 3..,4...,10... times maybe nursing isn't for you, and you just wasted a couple of years of your time and thousands of dollars for nothing. Better failing and knowing this gig isn't for you than going out there and killing or seriously injurying someone later.

I read your former posts, Lol, You sure do have a bunch of advice for Nurses and Nursing Students to be a "Pre-Nursing Student" yourself (says your profile).

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