I finally passed my NCLEX RN with 100 questions!

Published

Hey all, I FINALLY passed my Nclex RN on my third try. It's been a REALLY long journey that involved tons of sweat and tears.. but I finally found out I passed today and it's SO surreal given that I've failed twice!

I graduated from a well known school in May 2013. after graduation, I decided to ignore Nclex for about 5 months because I was so exhausted from Nursing School, and I had a job at the time to focus on (a totally different field). It was the worst decision of my life to not immediately get a headstart on nclex rn prep immediately after graduation like all of my peers did. when I failed my first nclex after merely studying.. I learned my lesson. I failed my first nclex with 75 questions, and kind of breezed through it. I received my CPR report and saw that I was way below the passing mark for almost all categories. That is when I realized that I need to pick up on my slack for the 2nd test. I studied really hard for the 2nd test. I used Lippincott Q&A, I used Exam Cram.. and I had Saunders. I studied religiously for about 10 hours every day. When I took the test, and found out I failed after I did the PVT trick.. I was crying like crazy in a public scene. Luckily my BF was there to hold me and told me everything is going to be okay. But the feeling of failure after giving it your ALL SUCKS! I received my report and it said I was near passing for almost all categories.

I took 3 weeks off of studying or about a month, and slowly started back on studying again. This time I used a different approach. I ordered the 97 page Study Guide from youtube (50.00), and started reading it bit by bit every day. I knew I had to change my study habit. So I modified it to about 3-4 hours a day. I figured I burned myself out the last time. Also, what helped tremendously was HURST ONLINE REVIEW!!! I think Hurst was basically the reason I passed. AND I also looked at the Kaplan Strategies book, and its strategies really worked! I also used NCSBN questions to help me. Its content is actually very useful. Its tips and abbreviations. I know it could be boring, but it really is beneficial.

After another 2-3 months of studying for this examination, I finally passed with 100 questions. I was a bit psyched out during the test because I received an EASY level question . I almost cried. But somehow I got back up. I had 1 Math question, about 6 Meds questions (most of which I didnt know of), No EKG, about 10 priority questions, maybe about 20-30 SATAs, a TON of teaching questions (maybe about 30) , and also a TON of Conference questions. I walked out of the room thinking I failed. It also took me about 4 hours to complete 100 questions because I was taking my time.

I think the key to passing is to be determined during the test. Do not feel intimidated by the questions, read every question carefully and be smart about your answer. I realized the answer that you expect is NEVER there. They word the answers in a way to hide the real answer.. if you know what I mean. In my opinion, it was a difficult test. You need to know your content really well, and sharpen your judgement skills when it comes to picking an answer.

I hope this has helped someone. Please ask me any questions if needed.

Yours

Jennifer RN BSN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What did you study one week before the exam? Above all Congrats RN!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I looked at the Kaplan strategies book, reviewed EKG, Lab Values, reviewed the 97 pg study guide, the 35 pg study guide,and made sure I knew the things that needed to be memorized like Peds developmental stages, and medications. I also did a lot of questions a week before my test, I think I focused mainly on the questions. Also, do not do anything too crazy the day before your test. Just relax. Its really not needed to study a day before your test.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks one quick question how was your scores in practice test cd 180 questions and from the strategy book 265 questions?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

from the strategies book I believe I had a 70-73 % I can't remember exactly but it was in that range. From the CD I had low 60s.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Awesome I am happy that you have got fruits of your hardwork. I am taking in week and half. Really scared.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know you're scared, I was too!!! Take a breather, Pray if you wish to, and just think about the strategies. ABCs always come first. Physiologic before Psychologic. know the BASIc content, they dont ask anything too crazy. Know that things like signs of Compartment Syndrome, Pulmonary embolism, Eclampsia (epigastric pain), V-fib, V tac, 3rd degree heart blocks, asystole, - because they are usually very important. best of luck! and remember to stay calm and use your strategies!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks a lot ... I need to pray and focus.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

remember relax the day before the exam... if you need to cram do it all before the day before.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Was that 97 page review worth the money?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes it is

Up Vote Up Vote ×

congratulations!!! guess i have that question when im over with my program, of which i will be starting this Fall. Congratulations!!! once again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion