For those who failed Nclex 3 times and finally passed on 4th try. Can you help?

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Jul 26, 2013

Along with a remediation, take a test prep course as well. Sometimes it is not in the material, it is the test. Some people just do not test well. And that's ok--and I would absolutely tell the test prep instructor this. Nothing to be ashamed of.

Get a couple of test taking books, take the tests. Correct them. See if there's a common theme in what you are missing. Study those parts.

If it is test anxiety, see a counselor now. Talk about relaxation techniques.

Some of the most intellegent people I know are awful test takers. I am not particularly book smart. Even a little, but put me in a clinical hands on and I shine. LOTS of people are like this. No one in your current job needs to be clued in on your personal business. If asked and you feel like discussing, "I am not feeling the way the test is set up. I am going to get a couple of test prep courses under my belt." Period. Anyone who relishes in other's misery are fools.

Finally, get some tutoring!! 1:1 time reviewing is a good thing. Your guidance counselor at your school you went to, or where you are taking your refresher should be able to help with this. Also, put up a flyer on the school bulletin board seeking others for a study group.

I think you will find when you take the refresher that there are a LOAD of others in the same situation as you. STOP beating yourself up, not being able to pass a test that is a "there's 2 right answers and one is MORE right" is not a character defect.

Go get em kiddo, and I know that you can think outside the box (one of the stregths of those of us who are more hands on) and get this done!!

teacher08 · Jul 28, 2013

Don't know how to link. Therefore, I'll save you the time and post another AN member's story here:

"By eboog20

Hey guys

I just wanted to share my journey with the NCLEX-RN. Im writing this to encourage EVERYONE!!! Hope it helps..

Well, I graduated in August 2010 with my BSN. Took the NCLEX in September 2010 and FAILED with 265 questions. I was hurt, but I shook it off. Took it again in December 2010 and FAILED with 75 questions. I walked out of there KNOWING I failed. =/ I decided to give it another try in March 2011. Guess what...I FAILED AGAIN with 85 questions. By this time I became depressed, frustrated, angry, hurt, etc etc because I was not understanding WHY?! I studied, I focused, I thought I did everything right. I began to doubt myself and my ability. I talked down on myself saying that "I wasnt meant to be a nurse, I cant possibly pass this test". I even started looking at other schools to get ANOTHER degree and become a teacher (which is not what I wanted to do at all). I pretty much began planning my life to be something I DID NOT want to be, but I was desperate to have a "career" in SOMETHING and I REALLY needed money. Well, I started applying for random dead end jobs hoping to land one just to have some money in my pocket. I dont know why, but I applied to jobs at the hospital as well (I cant stay away). Fortunately I got hired as a unit secretary at the hospital. I was very honest with the supervisor and let her know that I had my BSN, failed the NCLEX 3 times, and that I only applied for the job because I was desperate for money. To my disbelief, she was VERY encouraging. She told me she would not let my degree go to waste, she would not let me give up, and that she was going to do EVERYTHING in her power to help me pass that test. I brushed it off, because I really had NO FAITH in myself and had settled for letting my degree go to waste. BUT she stayed on me. She offered to pay for me a review class and she did! I can truly say that meeting her was the turning point. She encouraged me everytime she saw me at work. She sent encouraging cards in the mail almost every week. All of this made me FINALLY reschedule my test. I took my test Tues (June 21, 2011). I got 265 questions (about 40 SATA, 15 medications, and a wholeeeeee lot of "who would you go see first"). I checked pearson vue and I FINALLY got the good pop up!!! Its been a LONG rough, painful, roller coaster of a ride but NOT GIVING UP is the key. If I can do it, YOU CAN TOO!!!!!

Here's how I did it:

1. took the HURST review course (it was AWESOMEEEEEE!!! I highly highly recommend it)

2. did 100 practice quesitons a day

3. PRAYED, PRAYED, and PRAYED!!

4. wrote my name and credentials EVERYWHERE. (ie. Erica RN, BSN). Wrote it on the mirror, on paper, on napkins, corners of the newspaper, in my bible, in books, etc. ANYTIME I had a pen in my hand...I WROTE THEM (weird I know, but it helped lol)!!! I Spoke it into existance!!!!

5. surrounded myself with positive people

6. I DIDNT GIVE UP (even though I wanted to and attempted to)!!!!

No matter how many times you have to take it....YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!! If a nurse is what you want to be, a nurse is what you WILL BE!!! It took me 4 times...but TRUST ME, its ALL WORTH IT!!!! It makes my victory over the NCLEX feel 4 times SWEETER!! Blessings to EVERYONE!!!!!"

Stay focused and keep studying. I believe in you. :yes:

eelise11 · Jul 29, 2013

Teacher08. I cannot PM yet because I do not have enough topics. I added you as a friend on here. I will look for the link again and when I find it, I will send it to you. Hopefully you are able to access it because I am not.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jul 29, 2013

Members need a minimum of 15 quality posts (not 'me too') and a verified email address to send/respond to private messages on AllNurses.

teacher08 · Jul 29, 2013

Teacher08. I cannot PM yet because I do not have enough topics. I added you as a friend on here. I will look for the link again and when I find it, I will send it to you. Hopefully you are able to access it because I am not.

I received your PM message. Thanks for responding.

swansonplace · Jul 29, 2013

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and strategies. :)

keiannurse04 · Jul 27, 2014

Very encouraging story teacher08