I HATE the NCLEX, and I'm starting to doubt that I'll ever pass it.

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Hi, everyone. I'm a longtime reader, first time writer. Just wanted to get this off my chest. I have now taken, and failed, the NCLEX 3 times.

The first time was, admittedly, my fault. I graduated in May 2013, earning a BSN with honors. I thought I had everything down, and the boards would be no problem, so I didn't study much at all. I got all 265 questions, which I've usually heard means you're close to passing, but I was in for a rude awakening when I failed. I lost my Graduate Nurse job and had to go to work as a tech.

The second time, I started reviewing content in an NCLEX review book (the 2010-2011 version of the Saunders review book), but I didn't do many questions. Big mistake because I failed with only 75 questions the second time--really bombed it.

The third time, I decided I was going to be ready. Everyone told me to do questions, and not to get bogged down with details in the content. They said you have to learn the styles of questions the test asks and learn how to avoid the traps. So, I did the questions in that Saunders review book, did the questions on a CD that came with the book, and got a Kaplan review book from a local library and did those questions too. I did thousands of questions, and I was getting better and better at avoiding the traps they talk about (like answers, closed-ended terms), etc.

There was even more pressure this 3rd time because, this time, my employer told me that my floor was overstaffed, that my tech job would be gone (which it was at the end of May), and that if I didn't pass the boards, I'd have to reapply to new tech jobs within the company.

So, I took the test 2 days ago, and none of the information from that Kaplan book even seemed relevant. Unless I missed something, the traps they were talking about and the obvious ways to eliminate answers weren't even part of the questions I got on the real exam. It also seemed that at least half the questions were about stuff I'd never even heard of in school or forgot about after so much time. But I thought beforehand that doing practice questions, like everyone told me, was supposed to help make me better at the questions on the actual test. It didn't seem like it; that's for sure.

I got all 265 questions again, and my heart sank. I held out a little hope, thinking, "Well, that means you're on the border. You might've passed." So, I just checked the early results, and I FAILED AGAIN.

Every aspect of my life has suffered because of this. Now, I spent all my savings on nursing school, I'm out of a job, I'm depressed, and it's all created a rift in my relationship because my girlfriend thinks I'm "too negative" and "worry too much about money."

About the only thing left to try is the Kaplan course, which I can't afford right now. After I find a job, I guess I'll have to save up for it or borrow the money from someone. But how can I even have faith in the Kaplan course when the Kaplan review book I checked out at the library didn't help me at all?

I'm broke, broken, and broken-hearted. I HATE THE NCLEX. I don't know where to turn or what to do anymore. I don't think I can do this. Can anyone offer any suggestions?

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Specializes in Cardiac.

First I want to say I'm sorry to hear that you failed the nclex 3 times. I say that bc like you I have failed also 3 times. I graduated in dec 2013, took a live Kaplan review course, did tons of questions, Saunders book sat in Jan got a 193 questions failed. Waited the 45 plus days this time I read the Kaplan content review book, Saunders and did more questions even got the LWW the point nclex 10,000 program. Took exam again march 174 questions failed. As you know by now feeling very discouraged, frustrated and not understanding what I'm doing wrong and thinking I'm the only one out there who has failed twice. So next I found the NCSBN program from my board paperwork got the 8 week program which was review of content and questions bc I felt like I needed to review some content. I did this and the 10,000 questions that's it. I took my exam again last week got all 265 questions. I had a glimmer of hope that I passed this time only to find out that I have failed again!!!

I totally understand how you are feeling. In regards to the Kaplan getting a online or live review I personally didn't think it helped me at all. The things they reviewed didn't apply to the boards and it was hair doing questions. I did get a full refund bc I didn't pass and they guarantee that you will pass.

I have just purchase 2 books nclex cram practice questions and LWW nclex alternate format questions. I just go them so not sure how they are going to be. I am considering doing an online course thru ATI. It's called virtual ATI cost is $450 but from what I have read and been told you get a coach and they tell you after you have done questions and other things they will give you the green light of when you are ready to take your exam. They tell you when you are ready and again also make sure you will pass. I'm probably gonna get it and use my new books to again prepare for my exam for the 4th time. Hang in there and remember we will be RN's just not as fast as others. One day at a time. Hope this helped. If anyone else has info about how to pass please keep us posted.

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I would take a couple weeks off try and relax. I think anxiety has taken over.

If I were you I would start from the beginning reviewing content. If you don't know the core content you won't pass. Get your text books ba k out. I took my nclex 3 weeks ago 78 questions and passed 1st time.

I used Saunders for content review & Kaplan question bank... Make sure you read the rationales for all answers right and wrong.

Good luck and be positive!

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Look into the Hurst review. Unlike Kaplan, it's a full content review. Wishing you luck!

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My school used the ati program you do get a personal tutor she gives you tests to point out your weakness honestly I thought the ati questions were easier and not critical thinking questions. I really don't think it helped. I have students in my class that got the green light with ati and still failed.

I would get priority and delegation review book. We used this in nursing school and it really helped with nclex. I had probably 30 questions on priority and delegation

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Hang in there.. And don't loose hope. Have you tried using the 35 page study guide? That helped me a lot when I took the nclex, Kaplan Qbank (i believe you can find it online free) I did questions 100-150 a day, I also used Lacharity PDA. Passed in 86 questions.

Don't give up and don't lose hope. You can do this.

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My school used ATI through school and I really didn't like it. I think you should look into Hurst, they break it down in "simple"ways for you to remember. Also invest in Lacharity you can get it on Amazon. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I graduated in May 2013, earning a BSN with honors.
Hi, there. Welcome to Allnurses.com! I graduated in March 2010, earning an ASN from a school with a bad reputation and a dismal 47 percent first-time NCLEX pass rate. In fact, the school was on probation at the time I graduated, but I passed NCLEX on my first attempt with 75 questions. Here's what I did...

I attended a live four-day Hurst Review, which is excellent for learning all the content and basic concepts one needs to know in order to pass NCLEX. I also answered about 50 questions per day out of the Saunders review book, and I would quietly study at the library a few hours per day to review topics. I studied for about six weeks total.

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after reading your post....i am convince to sign up for Hurst review and buy the Lacharity book....i hope and pray this works.

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for the Hurst user...did you guys use the live review or the on-line review??

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for the Hurst user...did you guys use the live review or the on-line review??

I used the online review and loved it!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
for the Hurst user...did you guys use the live review or the on-line review??
I utilized the four-day live review, as previously stated in my original post. Nowadays they've shortened it to three days.
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