Help failed first attempt nclex

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 14, 2016

Moved to the NCLEX forum

LuluaspiringRN · Jul 14, 2016

hi! Don't give up and give yourself time to rest and again start studying again. If you started Uworld, try to re-answer all the questions and REVIEW all the rationales. :)

letsnurse2016 · Jul 18, 2016

hi! Don't give up and give yourself time to rest and again start studying again. If you started Uworld, try to re-answer all the questions and REVIEW all the rationales. :)

Thank you! What did you use?

LuluaspiringRN · Jul 18, 2016

Thank you! What did you use?

I started with NCSBN 3-week course (63%) then after that I purchased Uworld for a month and since I got only 52.7%. One friend gave me Kaplan Qtrainers and I got 72% (its easier). Im not satisfied with my score in Uworld so I purchased another month and Im getting 68-85% because its a re-run, Im focusing on rationales not the scores. I'll be taking my exam after 2 weeks and let's see. Confidence is the key :) Pray for me please.

letsnurse2016 · Jul 18, 2016

I started with NCSBN 3-week course (63%) then after that I purchased Uworld for a month and since I got only 52.7%. One friend gave me Kaplan Qtrainers and I got 72% (its easier). Im not satisfied with my score in Uworld so I purchased another month and Im getting 68-85% because its a re-run, Im focusing on rationales not the scores. I'll be taking my exam after 2 weeks and let's see. Confidence is the key :) Pray for me please.

YOU GOT THIS!!!!!! How do you re-answer the ones you got wrong? My month is about to expire are they the same questions?

LuluaspiringRN · Jul 19, 2016

YOU GOT THIS!!!!!! How do you re-answer the ones you got wrong? My month is about to expire are they the same questions?

I hope so. I purchased Uworld by using different email, Im in the 97th percentile because it a rerun questions. But out of it Im still learning from their rationales. Im also answering questions from nurseslabs. :) Just take your time, this is just additional knowledge for you. When do you plan to take the exam?

gradnurse2016 · Jul 22, 2016

I know how that feels but the good part is that you are back to studying mode again. I was once in your shoes so keep your heads up and you will smile the second time. I am sure all you need right now is the strategies to pick the right answer.

I didn't pass the first time but thanks be to God who helped me through the second time. I passed about a week ago and the feeling is amazing. I also thank people that posted here about what they did differently the second time.

What I used the first time:

1. Bought NCSBN couple of weeks before graduation, used it but wrong timing because I didnt have much time to use it well. Am sure its good.

2. Hurst (very good but I am a visual learner so moved on). But, It does help with content.

3. I bought Uworld and it was really good because of the visuals. Rationales very good and I thought I was ready and went to take the exam but bad news.

So what I did differently the second time:

I had Kaplan, so I went over the short video content review. While I was listening I made flashcards and googled pictures of important concepts. (If you are not a visual learner you don't need the pictures).

After reviewing my kaplan flashcards, I started using Saunders (this was the big hit for me regarding strategies because that was my weak point). I had the book during nursing school but didn't know the value then. Saunders book comes with an online question bank containing about 5000 questions. All you have to do is register for it on evolve website. I did the 75-question assessment and got (70%) so that confirmed I didn't need content and the suggested reading plan.

I started taking the questions (focusing on analyzing, applying, evaluating and synthesizing level questions) and at the same paid attention to the strategies used on each question.

I really love it because it has a section with a short rationale simple to understand while another part tells you the nursing process for each question. You can customize the questions based on client needs, priority concepts, alternate formart (select all that apply).

I focused on the strategy part (ABCs, Maslow, Comparables, closed-ended words, negative event etc.) I started applying the strategies to approach the questions. When I was not sure what the answer was, I applied the strategies and I get them right. I kept practicing using the exam mode, 10, 25, 50, 100 questions progressively as I get more confident and also made sure I was time conscious.

Overall, I went over 3000 questions until I was confident with the strategies. That sounds a lot but by the time you do 150 questions/day in 10 days you are already at 1500 questions. As a mom, my studying schedule was not never consistent. So, I use Nclexmastery on the go. Very good app, lots of select all that apply, rationales and mnemonics.

So in summary: Let's say you will be Retesting in about 45 â€“ 60 days

1. Get Saunders online by buying the book: take the assessment to diagnose yourself. If you score between 60- 70%, you don't need content you need strategies. Go to step 6

2. If you score less than 60% go to step 3. I scored 70% but I still did step 3 because I wanted to pass.

3. Review Kaplan short video concepts if you have access. If you don't review the Saunders book and make flashcards (5x7)/ 3x5 which ever works for you. Buy colored pens to write for fun. This should take you about 1 week or less.

5. Review all your flashcards.

6. Start taking Saunders questions on evolve online. Begin with 10 questions from the exam mode, progress to 25, 50, 100 questions and time yourself.

7. Once you are confident with strategies start applying it using nclexmastery app on the go. There are about 700 questions that you can practice for free. You can also buy the full version at a relatively low price for life. Practice at least 75% and pay attention to their rationales.

8. By the time you complete steps 1-7 you should have your att, schedule your test in two weeks or whenever you feel comfortable. Pick your date with faith. Never change your date. Whatever your religion, faith works.

9. Stick to a plan that works for you. Exercise, pray, get some coffee and practice more questions (if you eventually buy Kaplan, take the diagnostic test , QT 6 &7 (aim for 65%), sample test 3 & 4 retake these two). All these steps might sound a lot but its well worth it in the end.

10. The day before the exam, get a massage or anything that helps you to relax. Rest and just flip through your labs, the 35 page study guide and mnemonics on nclexmastery app.

11. The morning of the exam, exercise, pray and listen to an inspiring music on your way to the test center. Eat some light food with some sips of coffee. If you are not a coffee person drink what works for you.

12. Get to the exam center at least 45 mins early. Use the earpiece to zone out your surrounding. Start your exam, take a break if you feel you need it if not, keep going until the computer shuts down.

Good luck on your next try.

For a First time test taker reading this:

1. If you have Kaplan and you are not scoring above 60% in Question Trainers 1 through 5, stop and do step 3 â€“ 5

2. Then go back and take QT 6, if you did not score above 60%, then your problem is Strategies.

3. Get Saunders, and do step 1-2 then 6 -12

4. If you are a visual learner, uworld is good as well; If you are an auditory learner then Hurst will work for you. All that matters is using all these resources wisely, determine what kind of learner you are and know your weak point.

I hope this helps anyone studying hard to get their license.

letsnurse2016 · Jul 26, 2016

i know how that feels but the good part is that you are back to studying mode again. I was once in your shoes so keep your heads up and you will smile the second time. I am sure all you need right now is the strategies to pick the right answer.
I didn't pass the first time but thanks be to god who helped me through the second time. I passed about a week ago and the feeling is amazing. I also thank people that posted here about what they did differently the second time.
What i used the first time:
1. Bought ncsbn couple of weeks before graduation, used it but wrong timing because i didnt have much time to use it well. Am sure its good.
2. Hurst (very good but i am a visual learner so moved on). But, it does help with content.
3. I bought uworld and it was really good because of the visuals. Rationales very good and i thought i was ready and went to take the exam but bad news.
So what i did differently the second time:
I had kaplan, so i went over the short video content review. While i was listening i made flashcards and googled pictures of important concepts. (if you are not a visual learner you don't need the pictures).
After reviewing my kaplan flashcards, i started using saunders (this was the big hit for me regarding strategies because that was my weak point). I had the book during nursing school but didn't know the value then. Saunders book comes with an online question bank containing about 5000 questions. All you have to do is register for it on evolve website. I did the 75-question assessment and got (70%) so that confirmed i didn't need content and the suggested reading plan.
I started taking the questions (focusing on analyzing, applying, evaluating and synthesizing level questions) and at the same paid attention to the strategies used on each question.
I really love it because it has a section with a short rationale simple to understand while another part tells you the nursing process for each question. You can customize the questions based on client needs, priority concepts, alternate formart (select all that apply).
I focused on the strategy part (abcs, maslow, comparables, closed-ended words, negative event etc.) i started applying the strategies to approach the questions. When i was not sure what the answer was, i applied the strategies and i get them right. I kept practicing using the exam mode, 10, 25, 50, 100 questions progressively as i get more confident and also made sure i was time conscious.
Overall, i went over 3000 questions until i was confident with the strategies. That sounds a lot but by the time you do 150 questions/day in 10 days you are already at 1500 questions. As a mom, my studying schedule was not never consistent. So, i use nclexmastery on the go. Very good app, lots of select all that apply, rationales and mnemonics.
So in summary: Let's say you will be retesting in about 45 â€“ 60 days
1. Get saunders online by buying the book: Take the assessment to diagnose yourself. If you score between 60- 70%, you don't need content you need strategies. Go to step 6
2. If you score less than 60% go to step 3. I scored 70% but i still did step 3 because i wanted to pass.
3. Review kaplan short video concepts if you have access. If you don't review the saunders book and make flashcards (5x7)/ 3x5 which ever works for you. Buy colored pens to write for fun. This should take you about 1 week or less.
5. Review all your flashcards.
6. Start taking saunders questions on evolve online. Begin with 10 questions from the exam mode, progress to 25, 50, 100 questions and time yourself.
7. Once you are confident with strategies start applying it using nclexmastery app on the go. There are about 700 questions that you can practice for free. You can also buy the full version at a relatively low price for life. Practice at least 75% and pay attention to their rationales.
8. By the time you complete steps 1-7 you should have your att, schedule your test in two weeks or whenever you feel comfortable. Pick your date with faith. Never change your date. Whatever your religion, faith works.
9. Stick to a plan that works for you. Exercise, pray, get some coffee and practice more questions (if you eventually buy kaplan, take the diagnostic test , qt 6 &7 (aim for 65%), sample test 3 & 4 retake these two). All these steps might sound a lot but its well worth it in the end.
10. The day before the exam, get a massage or anything that helps you to relax. Rest and just flip through your labs, the 35 page study guide and mnemonics on nclexmastery app.
11. The morning of the exam, exercise, pray and listen to an inspiring music on your way to the test center. Eat some light food with some sips of coffee. If you are not a coffee person drink what works for you.
12. Get to the exam center at least 45 mins early. Use the earpiece to zone out your surrounding. Start your exam, take a break if you feel you need it if not, keep going until the computer shuts down.
Good luck on your next try.
For a first time test taker reading this:
1. If you have kaplan and you are not scoring above 60% in question trainers 1 through 5, stop and do step 3 â€“ 5
2. Then go back and take qt 6, if you did not score above 60%, then your problem is strategies.
3. Get saunders, and do step 1-2 then 6 -12
4. If you are a visual learner, uworld is good as well; if you are an auditory learner then hurst will work for you. All that matters is using all these resources wisely, determine what kind of learner you are and know your weak point.
I hope this helps anyone studying hard to get their license.

thank you i have saunders and i am going to use my saunders!!!

Andrew92 · Jul 26, 2016

How many Uworld questions did you do? After my first failed attempt Uworld is all I've really been doing. I'm almost done the bank, got one week before the second attempt.

LuluaspiringRN · Jul 27, 2016

How many Uworld questions did you do? After my first failed attempt Uworld is all I've really been doing. I'm almost done the bank, got one week before the second attempt.

Hi friend :) How are your studying going? Good luck to you next week. :)