How much time did you give yourself to retake the NCLEX?

Jazzy_nurse_SF · Jul 10, 2008

Take a little break, and pick the pieces back up to hit those books again. I have read from many to just review like you're studying all over again. I waited a whole 11 months to re-take, I wouldn't at all recommend that. When you re-apply and register, make sure you scheudle your next date so you have a set goal. hope the advice will work for ya... :clown:

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jul 10, 2008

The problem is that if you have seven or eight categories to improve on, you'll likely need a while to cover that material. Like jazzysmika says, you don't want to drag it out too long. What resources did you use the first time?

PA_CoffeeFreak · Jul 10, 2008

My results had three rankings: above, near or below the passing standard. What gives me hope is that I didn't rank below the passing standard for all sections. Since I took all 265 questions, I imagine that I was fluctuating near the passing standard (am I right in thinking that?)

I used the Saunders NCLEX book to study, Saunders CD, Mosby's CD and retook my ATI exams. I took 5,000+ questions. I was scoring 70 - 80th percentile just before taking the NCLEX. What should I do differently? (I was thinking that it might be a good idea to write down notes on questions I got wrong).

PA_CoffeeFreak · Jul 10, 2008

Do you think my results require more than 3 months of preparation? (I will go through Suzanne's plan after completing the first tip).

suzanne4, RN · Jul 11, 2008

What you do need to understand is that near passing is still not passing, no matter how much you wish to think otherwise.

This next exam will have no bearing on this previous one and that is why you always will be preparing as if you have never tested before.

Three months is an excellent amount of time to set aside to prepare for the exam.

And best of luck to you.

PA_CoffeeFreak · Jul 11, 2008

I am fully aware that being near the passing standard is not the same as passing. My point was just that being near was better than being below the standard. Knowing that I was close to passing the first time around gives me some confidence to attempt the retake. Yes the NCLEX will be completely different the second time around but I have to somehow find it in myself to believe that I can pass it.

Thanks for reminding me that I should prepare for the retake as though I've never taken it. What I also need to do is approach the NCLEX with a different attitude. Rather than envisioning myself failing the exam, I need to be more positive.

And thank you for helping so many of us out! I have to begin repaying my student loans so I definitely feel pressed financially. I honestly couldn't afford a prep course.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 12, 2008

Each exam is completely different and how you will do on the next has nothing to do with this past exam. Just take it one day at a time and prepare and focus as if you have never tested before and you can get thru it.

The exam really does not care about what level the nurse answered the questions at if they did not make it and this is what you need to look at. But then move on for a new exam.

You have plenty of time to prepare properly for this exam, have no idea as to what you did before. But you can do it this time and that is what you need to gear yourself towards.

Please keep in touch with me.

crazylilkelly · Jul 12, 2008

I just recently took the NCLEX this past May and failed it after 265 questions. When I received my results, I was near the passing standard 7 out of 8 categories. It's frustrating to know that I was so close. How much time would you take to prepare for retaking the NCLEX exam? How many hours a day would you prepare for it?
I feel so demoralized after failing the NCLEX and it's hard to give myself any motivation Please let me know how you survived!

wait, so we have to pass categories of nclex? i just took it today & didn't know that!

Good luck!

suzanne4, RN · Jul 12, 2008

The questions are broken down into 8 different areas, but it is nothing to worry about; it does not change how one prepares for the exam.

Best of luck to you.

mnurse26 · Jul 12, 2008

Just took nclex @ the beg of april...had 265 questions & did not pass...so I know exactly what you are going through. However I just took my 2nd test monday july 9th and found out yesterday that I passed :) took 75 quest felt much more confident...& let me tell you i owe it all to KAPLAN...I purchased the complete online which was little pricey but worth every penny...I studied almost everyday for 2 1/2 months pretty much...doing 50-100 questions/day with qbank, watch video streamed videos of nursing content that I needed the most help in from the brn printout, did all the quest trainers 1-7 and made sure I reviewed each test & rationales to see what went wrong...always trying to score %65 or higher on the all kaplan tests(thats what they recomend)..newayz this all payed off for me and im sure if you take time to study in which ever way u decide you will be successful...Good luck & stay positive!!!!!!

:nurse:

bengiestev · Jul 12, 2008

:banghead: Don't beat you're head against the wall, study like you have never taken the test before, do your best and keep on trying. I passed on the 8th try.

Bengiestev