I passed with 75 questions using Kaplan prep

mikolover · Sep 7, 2016

Hello future RN,

I wanted to share my experience with those anticipating or awaiting their fate after the NCLEX-RN examination. I visited the Allnurses website after my boards to seek relief in those 48 hours awaiting my own fate aka the results.

I only used Kaplan to prepare; the prep classes were four consecutive days from 8am-4pm. I had only three weeks to prepare for the examination because my school rushed us to pass the boards in order for us to proceed with our last semester (I attend an accelerated nursing program). Below are my scores with Kaplan:

Diagnostic Test (180) -I did not take this test. I heard from my peers this was primarily geared towards content. You will also be unable to suspend/pause the test and have to take it in one sitting.

RN Question Trainer 1 (75) 61%

RN Question Trainer 2 (75) 52%

RN Question Trainer 3 (100) 61%

RN Question Trainer 4 (150) 58%

RN Question Trainer 5 (150) 58%

RN Question Trainer 6 (200) 51%

RN Question Trainer 7 (265) I did not take this test

RN NCLEX Sample Test 1 (50) 58%

RN NCLEX Sample Test 2 (50) 46%

RN NCLEX Sample Test 3, Priorities (30) 70%

RN NCLEX Sample Test 4, Alternate Format (50) 30%

Readiness Test (180) 65% -Kaplan recommends taking this a week prior to your exam date

NCLEX-RN Practice Test (60) 53%

Qbank completed 730/1294 = average 63% (lowest 57, highest 74)

I took the NCLEX-RN on Sept 1st and it turned off at 75 questions. I was in shock. I had expected to be in the 100s. A little about me: I have never been the Aâ€ student. In the majority of my nursing core courses, I earned Bs. I did terribly on HESI tests. I also knew a peer who did not pass at 75 questions. I was certain I did not pass. I felt I was not deserving of just 75 questions, that I was not as intelligent as some of my peers who had 75 questions and passed. I was lifeless in those 48 hours; I could not eat, do anything, and I had nightmares about the exam. And yes, I even cried about it. On Sept 3rd at 3am, I miraculously passed!

The purpose of me posting this is to help relieve the angst in those who are thinking they did not do amazing in nursing school and think they have failed the NCLEX-RN. You must study, do practice questions, understand what NCLEX wants as the answer and why (I reviewed all my rationales, incorrect and correct items), score between 40-60% (Kaplan recommends), and be confident that you did what you can in order to pass. I also prayed hard. So do that too! Just know that all the nurses before you have been through this, the anxiety before and after taking the NCLEX-RN. Prepare, breathe, and do your best on the exam. When taking the NCLEX-RN, I imagined myself at home taking one of the Kaplan practice tests to relieve my anxiety. I have not met anyone who came out of the examination feeling like a million dollars. I hope you all pass and find some peace with this thread! Good luck!!