Graduated in November of 2006. Took the nclex Dec 2006, went 205 questions, results showed I passed 2 levels, near passing on 4 levels and far from passing the pharm section. Didn't really study too much, took the nclex again Oct, 2007 same results, 205 questions with just about the same results on each section. Well here we are 4 years later, I need to pass this test !
What is the best way to study, I'm a very visual person, to be honest though, I didn't do too well in Nursing School, I simply did not put enough effort into it. Passed but not by much. I have a tutor willing to help, but she also thinks I should repeat nursing school, that's not going to happen ! Any and all suggestions would be awesome !!!
I agree dont let others distract you or discourage you. God willing and in his time you will pass. Study consistently and pray. Try exam cram, frye 3300, and of course lacharity. Don't rush things take your time and understand what you are studying and the rationales to each question whether you get it right or wrong. If there something you don't know while studying look it up and write it down. Pray for guidence during your studies. You will pass! Claim it:)
I am on the same boat Ciprea, its been 3 years now, almost 4 since its already 2011 that i have Not passed the NCLEX-PN exam either & I too went to look for a job after graduating to pay off my loans since i went to private school ...i started off working PerDiem as an NA/PCA ..then fulltime after a couple months tryn to study in btwn work Just like you I go on here to look for study tips,techiniques,references, etc.
Anyhoo, since you're looking for a good visual reference book I heard...if you freak out in Pharmacology.. Made Insanely Easy 3rd Ed. by Loretta Manning is good, Memory Notebook of Nursing & Mosbys Notecards..... I found them all in Amazon or you can check Ebay as well.
In case you wana know I am studying from Saunders,Hurst,Pharm Insanely Easy & I just recently got Davis's Q&A for the NCLEX-RN exam 2010 edition...(its been mentioned here that its a good bk &as nurses we learn same info..i just focus on the VNs scope of practice when doing these Qs)..&last but not least LaCharty for prioritization & delegation..the rationale is helpful in this book even for VNs.
ok i wish you the best of luck & we can do this & pass! I'm surprise your tutor told you to go back to nursing school, were you weak on all systems?? To hire a tutor & tell me that, is not worth my time, he/she should've been more positive & encouraging at least, I'm sorry but thats just a big nono ...Im glad i found this website :[anb]: b/c so many ppl can relate to our xperiences with school,work,studying,passing,failing whatever, I just love reading the Positive stories on here & its encouraging.... w/o knowing this site I don't know how I'll motivate myself & that there is hope that we can pass.
ok i'll stop there but Im glad you postd here asking for help & I wud have taken classes like you too after graduating but nursing school was just overwhelming & so much drama :uhoh21: ..that I just had to focus but can't pass this darn text ugh! okie wish you luck! going back to study now Gnight! :throcomp:
To begin your studying, just use ONE (1) book and stick to it. Don't scatter your mind using 10 different books, then you feel you haven't reached anywhere. 1 Book, stay focused and you can see your progress and it will in turn encourage you to keep studying more.
Make a plan. Cover system by system. Saunders is very good. For example if you use Saunders: Do the questions at the back of the chapter first in a manner as if you are sitting in the nclex room and giving your exam. Don't check the answer. Do the exam like you are sitting in your classroom exam room. And then after you finish all those questions. Take a different colour pen or pencil and grade your answers. All the wrong ones cross them and write the correct answer number. And then grade your self as to how much you got in your exam. For example: 20/50: it shows you where you stand. After this, re-read the questions one by one(all the ones: got wrong or right) and look at the answers with your answer sheet. Read the question: then read all the answers again and then look at your answer sheet, and read the correct answer and read it until it gets into your head, the correct answer and question. And then go back and read the the rationales for those answers: all the rationales for a,b,c,d. Repeat this for all the answers. Take notes on values and things that you think are important or you think you need to jot down to remember.
Some people do better writing and studying. In that case, have a notebook and write down while studying those rationals.
After all your questions are done, you can review the content in the chapter as you need. Or if you think you are completely clueless about that system and read and understand the content well.
Do like this for all the systems in your Saunders. After you are finished with your Saunders questions, move on to the CD questions on Saunders and do the same way.
Then, if you still have more time venture out into other books and questions. But to begin with just stick with One (1) BOOK and not over stress yourself. Seeing your progress helps you put in more effort.
Good luck for your exam and to anyone taking the exam.
i graduated 2 years ago and still haven't passed, i got so distracted because i had a baby. i failed twice and i'm trying to take it in 4 weeks. but its really hard because i have no one to watch my baby while i study, any suggestions for that? i had no motivation but gained a little by just reading this, so far all the studying suggestions have been perfect.
i graduated 2 years ago and still haven't passed, i got so distracted because i had a baby. i failed twice and i'm trying to take it in 4 weeks. but its really hard because i have no one to watch my baby while i study, any suggestions for that? i had no motivation but gained a little by just reading this, so far all the studying suggestions have been perfect.
Your story is very similiar to mine except I graduated in August, failed once and have a 2 year old, which is wayy more active than your little one. But use that to your advantage! When you baby naps, take half the time and study. When your baby goes to sleep, set aside an hr or two to dedicate towards studying. We dont have hours to sit at a time but you have to make the best of your situation. Sacrifice sleep. Its taking me months to prepare, but I feel prepared! I would study after she fell asleep at night and do questions during her nap time. Either way make yoour own realistic plan- weeks, months, its up to you.
I just took NclexRN yesterday. You should try Sylvia Rayfield material if you are visual learning. They have a 98-99% pass rate. Our school used it and the first 8 people have passed. I have faith that I will be adding to that number in the morning. If you confess it, believe it, you will recieve because his words say that you will. Have FAITH!!!!
that i have Not passed the NCLEX-PN exam either & I too went to look for a job after graduating to pay off my loans since i went to private school ...i started off working PerDiem as an NA/PCA ..then fulltime after a couple months tryn to study in btwn work Just like you I go on here to look for study tips,techiniques,references, etc. 
I am studying from Saunders,Hurst,Pharm Insanely Easy & I just recently got Davis's Q&A for the NCLEX-RN exam 2010 edition...(its been mentioned here that its a good bk &as nurses we learn same info..i just focus on the VNs scope of practice when doing these Qs)..&last but not least LaCharty for prioritization & delegation..the rationale is helpful in this book even for VNs. 
...Im glad i found this website :[anb]: b/c so many ppl can relate to our xperiences with school,work,studying,passing,failing whatever, I just love reading the Positive stories on here & its encouraging.... w/o knowing this site I don't know how I'll motivate myself & that there is hope that we can pass. 
but Im glad you postd here asking for help & I wud have taken classes like you too after graduating but nursing school was just overwhelming & so much drama :uhoh21: ..that I just had to focus but can't pass this darn text ugh! okie wish you luck! going back to study now Gnight! :throcomp:
NowPedsRN
225 Posts
I agree dont let others distract you or discourage you. God willing and in his time you will pass. Study consistently and pray. Try exam cram, frye 3300, and of course lacharity. Don't rush things take your time and understand what you are studying and the rationales to each question whether you get it right or wrong. If there something you don't know while studying look it up and write it down. Pray for guidence during your studies. You will pass! Claim it:)