I Failed!!!

wildmountainchild · Feb 14, 2008

I'm so sorry hon. Please don't feel bad. The test is designed so you only get 50% right even if you pass so keep in mind that it's a weird test, w/ weird questions...and it has no bearing whatsoever on your ability to be a caring, compassionate, and competent nurse. It's just a hurdle..you have to gather yourself up for another sprint but you've got plenty of time to prepare for the next go.

I would try to do at least 6-10 thousand practice questions before your next go. Get the Kaplan book. There is one that basically goes over how to interpret and read the questions..that's a good one to get. I used Saunder's Comprehensive review...mainly for the CD which I think rocks. But I also liked the "Incredibly Easy" comprehensive review book...I learned things from there that I had totally missed in nursing school.

Also, if you have a PDA get some NCLEX software for it so you can do practice questions on the bus, waiting in line, in class....anywhere. I found I was able to get a lot of extra practice questions in that way. I was even doing them on the way to take the NCLEX. It actually became kind of fun.

I KNOW you can do this. You are not a bad, stupid, or incompetent person....although I know failing can make you feel that way. Some of the BEST nurses I know have failed the NCLEX. Now, you will impress people all the more once they see what an amazing nurse you are and you tell them...."You know, I didn't even pass the NCLEX on my 1st try." When a nurse I know and respected told me that...it gave me a whole new perspective on the NCLEX. If she didn't pass it on the 1st go, it simple can't be that good of a predictor of ability. Period.

Best of luck.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 14, 2008

Many good nurses fail the exam, give yourself a rest and then look at a study plan. Good luck

steph_RN · Feb 14, 2008

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I need to relax take a step back and start over again. I know this will only make me stronger. I have a PDA and will definately be taking your advice. Hopefully in the next few months I will be back saying I passed.

minoan1600 · Feb 14, 2008

I know exactly what you are going through. I failed in September and I felt horrible. I felt like I let my family, friends, and husband down. I too has good grades in school, I worked as a student tech throughout and I honestly thought that I had the NCLEX-RN in the bag. I was wrong. I realized that the only thing I could do was try, try again. I did not go through nursing school to be defeated by this one test. I gave myself ample time to study, answered almost every question on the Saunders Comprehensive review CD, did 100-150 Q a day for 3 months, periodically doing Q's from Lippincott and NCLEX made easy and prayed to God like there was no tomorrow. I found out today that I passed my second time around. If I hadn't passed I would have done it again until I did. Good luck, I have faith you will pass the second time around.