Got the letter of death!!!

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Hey everybody. so i took the nclex last 21st of feb, took all 265 questions and came out of that test feeling like i failed. 16 days passed and i get the letter of death (the big yellow letter) saying that i was ALMOST close to passing on every damn category. the funny thing about all this is that i knew what killed me that day. MY NERVES!! i prepared really well for that test taking Kaplan and scoring in the mid 60's to sometimes 70's on qbank and qtrainer. my biggest mistake was studying the night before the test. I encourage everyone that hasnt taken the test yet to let it all go a good 2 days before you take it, have some relaxing fun, a good dinner before the test, sleep, and go in there thinking you are going to take 265 questions for 6 hours so if the computer shuts off on you before that you will be surprised. anyway, its back on the saddle for me. Pray for a brother!!!!!:crying2::angryfire

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Specializes in Med Surg, Telemetry, Long Term Care.

sorry to hear that.I took the exam last tues,march 4 and im still waiting for the result..waiting is really killling me:no:

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Specializes in trauma/general surgery.

Take time, regroup and get "back in the saddle." Keep that positive attitude and look ahead. My best to you.

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It's alright! I can relate to your experience... Don't lose hope.. I know at first it's very hard to admit it, but get yourself busy and spend time to relax.. Just believe in yourself! Goodluck on us! :wink2:

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I know how it feels to get all 265 and fail. Hold your head up high, at least you know you were doing something right. You will get it next time. Hw long do you have to wait!

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Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

I coludn't agree more. I've posted this a number of times but it comes down to: you spent the last few years devoting most of your life to learning the basic skills of a nurse. Trying to relearn all that info in the few nights before the big exam will just crank up the anxiety level and block your access to all you have learned. Improving your test taking skills is far more important than improving your knowledge base at this point. If you are a poor test taker brush up on the tips&tricks to test taking and I bet your score jumps 20-30%.

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Hi guys,

I too got the letter of death, I took my test on March 6th and ever since my life has been a nightmare. I cannot believe I failed, after all the time I spent studying. Now I need to suck it up and start studying again but I don't know where to start. I took a Kaplan course, the review one without the Qbank, I was told that practicing more questions is better than memorizing facts . could anyone tell me if there is a better way to study to retake the test is it by doing more questions and if the Qbank is helpful?

Good luck to everyone and god have mercy:cry:

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You can do it...believe! I failed at 265 too and I attribute it to stress/was out of town in a different environment taking it. I am getting a massage this week before I test and I am going to lunch with a friend and doing nothing the day before the test! Great advice to let the brain have a vacation! :nuke:

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Specializes in Operating Room.

well this is how i prepared for my test. i took kaplan, went to all the classess, did 97% of qbank with a commulative score of 62%, did all the q trainers (1 to 7) where i scored around 55% - 68%. but i did qtrainer 7 the night before i took the test which i think added to my stress level. i dont know where to start too. i dont think kaplan would be a good idea to take again because ive seen most of their questions and would only be answering based on familiarity. so if somebody has any suggestions, feel free to let me know.

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I coludn't agree more. I've posted this a number of times but it comes down to: you spent the last few years devoting most of your life to learning the basic skills of a nurse. Trying to relearn all that info in the few nights before the big exam will just crank up the anxiety level and block your access to all you have learned. Improving your test taking skills is far more important than improving your knowledge base at this point. If you are a poor test taker brush up on the tips&tricks to test taking and I bet your score jumps 20-30%.

What she said!!

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I know how you feel because I failed NCLEX-RN 2X and like you I studied the night before and would've forgotten my ATT @ home if it wasn't for a nice lady who advised me to stop studying and get my things together for the exam. Don't loose hope, keep pressing on. When I found out I failed I cried but for the most part I was angry--angry that I've sacrificed so much since nursing school and the NCLEX yet I still haven't passed. I tested last tues (03/04/08) and I am opening my Lippincott Q & A book for the first time since the exam. We will make it and don't give up :specs:

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I know what you mean.. It's always the NERVES!!! Well my advice is, to not let negative thoughts bug you. God Bless!!!

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