How I passed my NCLEX-RN the 2nd time around

[RNYipee]

I read a lot of these message threads prior to taking my NCLEX-RN. I read even more of them after I had failed my first attempt. I wanted to share with you all my experience, because so many of your stories helped me. After graduating (this past April), I was excited to start working. I was waiting to get my temporary license I had a job lined–up so I was eager to get started. For my first NCLEX attempt, I wrote it as fast as I possibly could out of my degree program (which ended up being in June). I studied, but I did not study enough (obviously because I failed). For my 1st attempt review, I reviewed Kaplan's NCLEX textbook Strategies, Practice, and Review with Practice Test” (Kaplan, 2015), I did quite well on the practice exams. I found a review (on this website) with tricks and mnemonics I basically memorized (none of them ended up being on the NCLEX). I did a few of Kaplan's trainers from 2013, which I also found online on a random blog. I also went through the whole "Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment: Practice Exercises for the NCLEX Examination" by Linda Lacharity (this book is a must). That is pretty much all I did. I gave myself two weeks and worked full time throughout those two weeks (BIG MISTAKE). You need to study for this test, and you need time to devote to solely studying.

On testing day, I was nervous, I got to the testing center early, I brought snacks as recommended by people threads on allnurses.com. so, if I got to a point in the test where I could take a break I could eat something. Testing was going well, but I was noticing I was getting a lot of similar questions (mostly on infection control). I only had about 3 SATA, 1 alternate format question, and a TON of prioritization questions. My exam shut off at 75 questions. When I left the testing center, I knew I had failed. I called my friend and told her I knew I bombed it. I went to an appointment after, tried the PVT and got the bad pop up, my credit card was charged. My new ATT was sent to me the next day. 5 days later in the mail I received the dreaded has not passed” in bold lettering from Pearson Vue, along with the report card, which I found extremely vague I must say. All but two categories were near passing standard, with the other two below passing standard. I was definitely upset about it, but because I did the trick I knew I had failed and I was determined to pass the next time.

For my next attempt I waited approximately 60 days from my first attempt. This time I gave myself TIME to study. Especially content, this exam is a SMART exam. It required you to have the knowledge and judgment to correctly identify the answer. I used Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX Examination. I strictly used this book for content, the questions and exams are easier then NCLEX style questions (at least I found this in my 2 attempts). But, what is good about Saunders is #1 drugs, and #2 its ability to simplify systems. I needed to review cardiac, and endocrine heavily and Saunders has a great review for both these systems.

Another thing I wanted to add is that, when you are reviewing for this exam you need to use a program that has a similar format. If you are taking an exam on the computer, use a tool that gives you practice exams on the computer (one question at a time, similar to NCLEX). Lippincott's Passpoint is an AMMMMMAZINNNG program. This program is probably the sole reason I passed my exam. It has similar format, and similar questions. It also forces you to take an exam with questions ranging from 75-265. Then it shows you if you are above or below the passing standard based on your progress. I did one of these exams literally every day for 60 days. Hands down the best review out there. Passpoint is easy to navigate through; it has great rationales and SATA style questions. Oh and you can get a 2 week trial for free, but buy it if you have more then 2 weeks to study:)

I also lovvvved the uworld app, It is great for answering questions when you have some free time to spare. I used it on my iphone and computer. It has very good rationales, and also great for visual learners. I used the 2-week free trial before I wrote my second time and loved it. I also took one 75-question exam a day with the two-week trial prior to taking my exam the second time.

For my second attempt, on testing day, I booked my exam later in the day approx. 12pm (first time I took it at 8am). Again, I arrived a little early and brought snacks just incase. My first question was a SATA question and the exam progressed that way, by the 4th question I was getting cardiac questions so I knew I was doing well. In total I probably had about 20-25 SATA questions, a few drag and drop, 1 math, lots of medication questions and again a TON of priority questions. THEN my exam shut off in 75 questions. Of course, I was worried again mainly because of the 75 questions. However, I knew this time around the exam was much more challenging. After this exam I did not do the PVT, I waited the 5 days for my results, which killed me. Although, it ended well because I on that 5th day I received the letter with the bolded passed” from the college of nurses of Ontario (Canada).

For those who are not passing, if you have not tried PASSPOINT you should. It is worth every penny. UWorld is also fantastic, and then Saunders for content. Like I mentioned earlier Lacharity's book is also a must, as much of this exam is a prioritization based exam. I personally did not like Kaplan's review textbook, but it seems like a lot of people are having success with it. I honestly would do try anything to pass; those are just the four tools that worked for me.

Good luck to all the future RNs out there. You can do it!!